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also known as James Tanner Duncan
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J. Tanner Duncan is a Cincinnati-born criminal defense attorney who takes the fight head-on—and doesn’t back down. Practicing in both Ohio and Kentucky, he handles everything from life-altering felony charges to misdemeanors and traffic offenses, bringing the same aggressive, results-driven approach to every case.
From investigation through trial, Tanner is strategic, relentless, and built for high-stakes defense. He has handled cases involving murder, shootings, sex crimes, DUI/OVIs, domestic violence, and more—where the consequences can follow a client for life. He prepares every case for trial, challenges every piece of evidence, and forces the prosecution to prove its case.
Tanner thrives in the courtroom while others avoid it. He makes sure clients understand exactly what’s at risk—whether it’s jail time, permanent records, registration requirements, license suspensions, or firearm restrictions—and builds a defense designed to protect their future.
Licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky, Tanner is uniquely positioned to handle cases with cross-state consequences, including probation, parole, and license issues. His approach is simple: take control early, apply pressure, and fight relentlessly to win.
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State: Kentucky
Acquired: 2021
No misconduct found
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
12 E. Warren Street, Lebanon, OH, 45036
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/3734 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45226
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/121 West High Street, Oxford, OH, 45056
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/9078 Union Centre Blvd. Suite 350, West Chester, OH, 45069
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/401 Scott St., Covington, KY, 41011
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/4555 Lake Forest Drive Suite 650, Cincinnati, OH, 45242
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/3805 Edwards Road Suite 550, Cincinnati, OH, 45209
rittgers.com/attorney/james-tanner-duncan/104 Client Reviews
Showing 16 - 20 of 31 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Tim | March 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Mr. Duncan was fantastic.
As this was my first time run in with the law, I had zero idea of what to expect. Mr. Duncan expertly walked me through all of the details and avenues of defense that were available. As a result, I was confident that I got the best outcome possible.
Posted by William | March 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
THE BEST!!
Tanner kept me from being incarcerated. If you want the best of the best here’s your guy. He made a impossible possible for me. He will fight for you when no one’s looking. Get Tanner get the best results.
Posted by James | January 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Exceeded expectations!
I was arrested for a DUI that looked very bad but I had not been drinking nor under the influence. The ramifications were much worse for me than it would have been for any other person due to my situation and thought all hope was lost and I had no chance. But Tanner Duncan, with his close attention t...
Posted by Richard | December 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
On trial
I loved tanner duncan. He really did a lot of work on my case. I told him my story. He asked questions. Days following he asked more in-depth questions related to he interview people brought witnesses up. He gave me options on the case. He got my charges reduced. I would have went to jail if it was n...
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A Wonderful Ally
A perfect storm of events led me to having my worst moment play out publicly. Law enforcement became involved and in that minute- my life was turned upside down. Despite a completely clean background, a loving and stable home life, and a successful career- my freedom was taken away from me in vario...
"I endorse this lawyer. Tanner is smart, talented, hard-working, and kind. I appreciate his vigorous representation of his clients."
"Tanner is a fantastic criminal defense attorney. He is hardworking and dedicated to getting his clients the best outcome. He is well known in most courts in the Greater Cincinnati area and that reputation carries over to his interactions with judges and prosecutors. Would highly recommend."
"Tanner is a bright, motivated, and aggressive lawyer. He cares deeply about his clients and works tirelessly to get the best result possible. I endorse Tanner without reservation."
"Not only does Tanner have the intelligence and experience to aggressively represent his clients at the highest level, he genuinely cares about his clients and the outcome they receive. I would stand next to Mr. Duncan in any type of criminal matter with confidence."
Criminal defense lawyer
2019
Cum Laude, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2019
Dean's List, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2019
Order of the Barristers, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2019
Law Review - Associate Editor, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2018
Dean's List, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2018
Law Review - Associate Editor, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2017
Dean's List, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2016
Dean's List, Northern Kentucky University - Salmon P. Chase College of Law
2025 - Present
Trial Attorney, Rittgers & Rittgers
2021 - 2025
Trial Attorney, Suhre & Associates, LLC
2019
JD - Juris Doctor
2014
BS - Bachelor of Science (History)
2024
2024
Criminal Defense Practice
English