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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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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 12 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Erik | July 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Tanner looks out for his clients and truly cares about his clients .
I was in an accident and was sighted for two traffic offenses that became very serious very quickly. I was facing very serious charges and I needed to find a defense attorney that deals with hit and skip charges. I was in a complicated situation and time was important and the attorney that I...
Posted by Marylynn | December 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
5 star
Very professional and was very helpful having Tanners assistance and guidance through a difficult situation. His expertise and approach made the whole thing bearable. Highly recommended. .
Posted by Robert | June 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer
He is a very knowledgeable lawyer great guy knows the law and didn’t just do the minimimum for me he caught to get me a diversion even with a record of previous offenses he got me the deal I wanted get to keep my jobs and no jail tanner is and awesome lawyer definitely recommend him to anyone in trou...
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 Brenda | May 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional and Attentive
Mr. Duncan was exceptionally advocate for our family as we navigated multiple legal systems due to an unfortunate series of legal events involving our son. His attention, knowledge, and the outcome he produced was better than we could have imagine. He gave our son hope to overcome these tragedies ...
"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