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John Leo O'Shea
About John
Biography
John is available day or night to protect his clients. Call at any time if you need help immediately.
John practices in all areas of litigation with particular emphasis on criminal, white collar and DUI/OVI (“drunk driving”) defense; and, civil litigation involving municipal law, business law, serious personal injury and wrongful death claims in both State and Federal Court.
John was named to the Top 50 lawyers in Cincinnati for 2012 through 2024 and the Super Lawyers Top 100 lawyers in Ohio for 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021.
John was just voted the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year”. He is The Best Lawyers in America 2018 Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White Collar “Lawyer of the Year” and The Best Lawyers in America 2015 Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year”. John has a perfect 10.0 rating from AVVO.
John served as the lead trial and appellate lawyer on the case invalidating Cincinnati’s attempt to criminalize firearm possession. In 2023, Cincinnati passed a law making it a crime to have a firearm that was not always locked away when anyone under 18 was present. John argued and the Trial Court agreed that Cincinnati’s attempt to criminalize the citizen’s right to bear arms this way violated Ohio law. The City appealed that decision. John then successfully argued the case before the Court of Appeals, which unanimously agreed that Cincinnati’s attempt to criminalize gun ownership was illegal and ordered that the law be revoked.
John is a designated attorney of the United States Concealed Carry Association's Critical Response Team, which provides 24 hour insurance backed benefits, including immediate criminal defense representation for USCCA members.
John represented a USCCA member indicted for Murder, Attempted Murder and Felonious Assault with firearms specifications for shooting and killing one individual and shooting at another. A conviction as charged carried a mandatory life prison sentence. John argued self-defense at a trial where his client was found Not Guilty of all charges and discharged. All defense costs were paid by the USCCA.
John represented a USCCA member involved in an early morning shooting. The USCCA member defended himself by returning fire and shooting the assailant. The USCCA member was unharmed. John was called at 3:45 a.m. and immediately responded to the police department where client was being held for questioning. John represented his client during the ongoing police investigation. The assailant, the one shot by John’s client, was charged with Felonious Assault. John’s client was not charged. All defense costs were paid by the USCCA.
Before joining the firm in 1994, John served as an assistant prosecutor in the Juvenile, Municipal and Common Pleas Court trial divisions of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. During that time, John was also appointed by the Ohio Attorney General to serve as a special prosecutor for the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. After joining the firm, John was twice appointed as a special prosecutor by the Hamilton County Courts.
Today, John uses his trial experience to effectively defend individuals and businesses in white collar criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses of every type, including drug offenses, and driving under the influence charges.
John serves the City of Blue Ash, Ohio as its Mayor's Court Magistrate.
In civil matters, John has successfully advised and represented business clients on various corporate matters, disputes and litigation. He has won significant awards for clients in numerous personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Call at your convenience for a free consultation or if you just have a question.
Call John at any time if you need help immediately.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
31 years
DUI and DWI
20%
36 years
Litigation
20%
36 years
White Collar Crime
20%
36 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Ohio for 36 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC
250 East Fifth Street, Suite 2350, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
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John Leo O'Shea's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Trustworthiness
Posted by Todd | December 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Bankruptcy & Debt
John is an excellent attorney
John O'Shea is an excellent attorney He helped me with a difficult financial matter and the result was positive I feel he acted in my best interests He is thorough and professional, knowledgeable, competent and experienced I highly recommend him for all legal matters
Posted by David | January 23, 2015
The Right Choice for Me
John O'Shea A number of years ago I needed the services of an expert in specific law that my long time attorney and friend did not perform. He recommended John O'Shea and I contacted him at once. John made me feel that I had been placed in the right hands and he very professionally guided me thr...
Posted by Mary | December 10, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Efficient, Effective and Confident
I was referred to John O'Shea by a trusted attorney, who assured me that John was the best in class for my situation. I am a professional with a reputation in the community, so my goal was a complete dismissal. Although paying a small monetary fine would have closed the case, I did not want a charge...
Posted by anonymous | December 09, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Successfully guiding us through our teenage son's legal troubles
The representation that our family received from John O'Shea, during a very stressful period of time for our family, far exceeded our expectations and the positive outcome far exceeded our predictions. John guided our family through a multi-month ordeal that began with a phone call from the polic...
Posted by Mark | December 09, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
I knew I was in good hands.
I thought I was a pretty steady and self assured person until introduced to the confusing processes and formalities of the legal system. When I needed legal representation I was referred to John O’Shea by a friend. My growing fears and anxiety of facing a daunting legal battle were calmed by the end ...
John Leo O'Shea's Lawyer Endorsements
"John O'Shea is an excellent advocate for his clients and a tireless litigant. I have had the pleasure of working with John professionally both in the criminal and civil arenas. Even when we have been on opposite sides of an issue John has always been a gentleman and a highly knowledgeable adversary. John is not only highly intelligent, he has spent years cultivating an understanding of the legal system and building relationships based upon honesty and integrity. If you are in need of legal services, John comes with my highest recommendation. I trust him and admire his commitment to his clients. He is one of the best."
"I absolutely endorse John as an outstanding criminal defense attorney. I have known and worked with John since his days in the prosecutor’s office, where he was an outstanding assistant prosecutor. Since that time, he has built a well-deserved reputation as a zealous advocate for his client’s interests. His passion for the work and for his clients is plain to see. I am certain that any client who retains John has made an excellent choice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Without question one of Cincinnati’s finest. I know him to be knowledgeable, and his experience reflects in the excellent results he gets for his clients. An excellent mentor as well."
"John is a go-to person in the greater Cincinnati legal community. I have relied on his advice, and remain impressed by his knowledge and abilities. John's clients are well-served by his representation."
"Mr. O'Shea is a knowledgeable, skilled, professional attorney. He is highly regarded by other lawyers as well as his clients. I endorse John O'Shea without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Having observed John in the courtroom, his legal knowledge and expertise are exceptional. John gives clear and practical legal advice, and understands how to get the best outcome for his clients. John's reputation in the legal community is pristine. I highly recommend John to anyone."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. O'Shea is a top shelf attorney whom I have worked or consulted with in the past. He is dedicated and hard working for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is extremely diligent and bright. He reviews a case from all angles and then targets the important facts and law that make a difference. He's not a timid man in court but a fighter for his clients."
"John O'Shea is highly respected and experienced criminal defense attorney. As a criminal defense attorney in southern Ohio I have first hand experience co-counseling cases with John. I also refer cases to John because I know people are in good hands when they hire John to defend them."
"John has a well deserved reputation as an excellent advocate for his clients in both state and federal court. His clients benefit greatly from his experience and thoughtful professional judgment."
"Without hesitation I endorse John for anyone needing an outstanding criminal defense attorney. Not only is John a tireless advocate for his clients, he has the respect of prosecutors and judges. His former role as a prosecutor coupled with his passion for his clients makes him an excellent criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jon is hyper-diligent in the representation of his clients. His experience as a former prosecutor lends a unique and helpful perspective to the representation of his clients. If any of my familiy members were charged with a criminal offense, I would want Jon O'Shea to represent them! If you have a criminal charge, hire Jon."
David Gast
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Reed
Juvenile law lawyer
Roger Bouchard
Criminal defense lawyer
Cassandra Goodpaster
Litigation lawyer
Craig Webb
Divorce and separation lawyer
Margaret O'Shea
Government lawyer
Jesse Knowlden
Criminal defense lawyer
Nicolas Zuccarelli
Business lawyer
Brendan Whitted
General practice lawyer
David Zerbe
Criminal defense lawyer
Timothy Meloy
Criminal defense lawyer
Wayne Staton
Criminal defense lawyer
William Rapp
Criminal defense lawyer
Edward Perry
Criminal defense lawyer
Erik Niehaus
Criminal defense lawyer
Brien Miller
Criminal defense lawyer
Kevin McDonough
Criminal defense lawyer
Ralph Kohnen
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Kenney
Criminal defense lawyer
George Keith
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2026
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2026
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2026
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2025
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2025
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2025
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2024
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2024
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2023
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2023
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2023
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2022
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Criminal Defense: White Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2021
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2020
Criminal Defense: White Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
Criminal Defense, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2019
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2019
Ohio Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2018
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Criminal Defense, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2018
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Criminal Defense, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2017
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Lawyer of the Year, Cincinnati Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2014
Client’s Choice Award, AVVO.com
2014
Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2013
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2013
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2013
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2012
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2012
Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2011
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2010
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2009
Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Partner, Cohen Todd Kite & Stanford, LLC
1990 - 1994
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office
1989 - 1990
Judicial Law Clerk, The Hon. Norman A. Murdock, The Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Associations
2025 - Present
Village of Mariemont, OhioMayor's Court Magistrate
2025 - Present
Village of Silverton, OhioMayor's Court Magistrate
2017 - Present
City of Blue Ash, OhioMayor's Court Magistrate
2014 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1989 - Present
Cincinnati Bar AssociationMember
2014 - 2017
Criminal Justice Act Panel, U.S. District Court Southern District of OhioPanel Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Aggravated Menacing Trial
Not guilty verdict after trial and all case records sealed.
Drug Trafficking
Protected repeat offender from any incarceration.
Domestic Violence
Case dismissed just before jury trial began and record sealed.
Immigration/Criminal Law
Negotiated plea to Criminal mischief with no incarceration. Conviction to any offense related to Child endangering would have resulted in deportation and denial of readmission to the United States.
Federal Court White Collar Criminal Practice
Five year federal investigation closed without indictment.
Employee Theft
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration and early termination of probation.
Child Endangering and Drug Possession
Not guilty verdict and all case records sealed.
OVI/DUI and Firearm Violations
Negotiated plea agreement where the OVI/DUI was reduced to a Reckless Operation and the firearm offense was reduced to the lowest level misdemeanor. No driving suspension imposed and probation terminated early.
Domestic Violence, Child Endangering and Assault Trial
Not guilty verdict on all charges and all case records sealed.
Self-defense: Murder, Attempted Murder and Felonious Assault
Not guilty verdict.
Self-defense: Felonious Assault
Not guilty verdict after trial and all case records sealed.
Gun battle investigation
Client released from custody without being charged.
Sexual Imposition Trial
Not guilty verdict after trial and all case records sealed.
Aggravated Robbery and Domestic Violence
Negotiated plea with no incarceration and firearm and Concealed Carry License returned.
Self-defense: Murder
Charges dismissed.
Sexual Imposition
Negotiated plea with no incarceration.
Domestic Relations
Protected client’s property rights.
Multiple Serious Felonies Jury Trial
Jury Verdict dismissing serious charges.
Drug Trafficking Plea Agreement
Negotiated a plea agreement for probation and no incarceration.
Fugitive from Justice
Negotiated resolution where arrest warrant was dismissed and client released from probation without having to appear in court.
Juvenile Court Practice
Negotiated an agreement where diversion was granted, the charge was dismissed and record sealed.
Assault, Criminal Damaging and Disorderly Conduct Trial
Not guilty verdict on all charges and all case records sealed.
Felony OVI (DUI/DWI) Driving Privileges
Filed and argued a motion for driving privileges, which the Court granted.
Fentanyl Overdose Death Prosecution
Negotiated plea with probation and drug treatment.
Criminal defense - Pretrial release
Client released on OR bond on Sunday within 12 hours of arrest.
Resisting arrest
Negotiated plea agreement to Disorderly conduct and a $100 fine.
Concealed weapon felony charge
Negotiated resolution where all charges dismissed and all case records sealed.
Domestic violence
Negotiated dismissal and all case records sealed.
Domestic violence trial
Not guilty verdict after trial and all case records sealed.
OVI/DUI Trial Practice
Not guilty verdict after trial and all case records sealed.
Pretrial release
Client immediately released from hospital on own recognizance (“OR”) bond.
Pharmaceutical Diversion Defense
Negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment and sealing of all case records.
Employee Theft
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
Employee Theft
Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge will be dismissed and record sealed.
Employee Theft
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
Federal Court White Collar Criminal Practice
Investigation was closed without Indictment.
Federal Court White Collar Criminal Practice
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
Federal Court White Collar Criminal Practice
Investigation was closed without Indictment.
Federal Court Antitrust Litigation
Case successfully settled pre-trial.
Federal Court White Collar Criminal Practice
Investigation was closed without indictment.
White Collar Criminal Trial Practice
Not Guilty Jury Verdict on all 29 counts.
Employee Theft
Not Guilty Jury Verdict.
Vehicular Homicide
Not Guilty Verdict.
OVI/DUI Appellate Practice
Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio First District Court of Appeals and case dismissed.
OVI/DUI Trial and Appellate Practice
Trial Court dismissed all charges on pretrial motions. Government appealed dismissal and Ohio First District Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed Trial Court and dismissed case.
OVI/DUI Appellate Practice
Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals and case dismissed.
Employee Theft
Negotiated resolution without criminal charges being filed.
Obstructing Justice
Negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment and sealing of all case records.
Arson
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
Burglary with Firearm Specifications
Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration. Co-defendants entered guilty pleas. Two were sentenced to four years in prison and one was sentenced to six years in prison.
Theft from Elderly
Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was dismissed and record sealed.
Probate Court Litigation
Financial interest in multimillion-dollar Trusts protected.
Organized Crime Criminal Defense
Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
Federal Court Criminal Law Post-Conviction Litigation
Thirteen year old criminal conviction set aside and case dismissed.
Grand Jury Practice
Grand Jury ignored charge and issued no Indictment. Case was dismissed and record sealed.
Juvenile Court Practice
Negotiated a diversion agreement where felony heroin possession charge was dismissed and record sealed.
Self-defense: Felonious Assault
Proved self-defense at trial. Not guilty verdict and all case records sealed.
Drug Trafficking
Not guilty verdict.
Wrongul Death
Resolution of five separate wrongful death claims from automobile accident fatalities resulting in payments totaling over $5,000,000.00.
Personal Injury
Successful resolution of numerous serious personal injury claims on behalf of plaintiffs.
Self-defense: Felonious Assault
Proved self-defense at trial. Not guilty verdict and all case records sealed.
Education
1989
University of Cincinnati
JD - Juris Doctor
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can an aggregated vehicular assault charge be knocked down to a misdemeanor?
04 Aug 2017
Q&A
I was wondering if I could become a nurse with a disorderly conduct charge?
15 Jan 2017