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PRO
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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Practice Areas
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$0 first 30 minutes
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 2021
No misconduct found
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
12 E. Warren Street, Lebanon, OH, 45036
3734 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45226
121 West High Street, Oxford, OH, 45056
9078 Union Centre Blvd. Suite 350, West Chester, OH, 45069
401 Scott St., Covington, KY, 41011
4555 Lake Forest Drive Suite 650, Cincinnati, OH, 45242
3805 Edwards Road Suite 550, Cincinnati, OH, 45209
103 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | April 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Hiring Tanner was the best decision I could have made!
Wow, Tanner sets THE extremely high new standard for all attorney interactions I might have in the future. He is incredibly communicative, thorough, and professional. He answered or called back right away any time I called with questions, and gave me balanced and accurate advice. I felt both confide...
Posted by Julie | August 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Juvenile case
I absolutely recommend Mr. DUNCAN. He was helpful from beginning to the end of our case. Very thorough. He talked to my grandson with respect and on his level. My grandson really liked him. Even though it was upsetting to us , Mr Duncan reassured us along the way. He always returned messages ...
Posted by Devvin | May 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Expungement
I knew I wanted to hire Tanner after the first phone call I had with him. I had already talked to two other lawyers about my situation and Tanner was more thorough and more knowledgeable than the lawyers I talked to previously. He was patient and understanding and took the time to answer all my quest...
Posted by Matthew | October 11, 2023 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great Experience!
Tanner Duncan was very informative and helpful. I highly recommend speaking with him if you have any questions about legal processes or need legal assistance. Put my mind at ease and made me feel comfortable in a stressful situation in which I was called to court. He helped me through the entire p...
Posted by Hayley | April 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend!
Tanner Duncan was worth every penny, no questions asked. As someone who was facing first time criminal charges I was so nervous and anxious daily that I was nauseous and couldn’t live my life in peace until I knew this was over. Tanner and his case manager guided me through every step in detail and c...
"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