About John L. O'Shea

John is available day and night on 513-300-4012 to protect his clients. Call any time if you need help immediately. He always answers the call.

John practices in all areas of litigation with particular emphasis on criminal defense, including white collar and DUI/OVI (“drunk driving”) defense; and civil litigation involving, business law, serious personal injury and wrongful death claims in both State and Federal Court.

John was just voted the 2025 Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America and was its 2023 and 2015 Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year”. He was also The Best Lawyers in America 2021 and 2018 Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White Collar “Lawyer of the Year”.

John was named to the Super Lawyers Top 50 lawyers in Cincinnati for 2012 through 2025 and the Super Lawyers Top 100 lawyers in Ohio for 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2025. He has been an Ohio Super Lawyer since 2009.

John has a perfect 10.0 rating from AVVO.com. See John’s Avvo.com profile for peer endorsements and client reviews.

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

Before starting private practice in 1994, John was an assistant prosecutor in the Juvenile, Municipal and Common Pleas Court criminal 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 to the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. While in private practice, 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 as the Mayor’s Court Magistrate for the City of Blue Ash and the Village of Mariemont.

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.

John has defended numerous clients in the following practice areas, but not limited to:CRIMINAL DEFENSE• Arrest & Arraignment

• Assault & Battery

• Criminal Appeals

• Criminal Fraud

• Domestic Violence

• Drug & Alcohol Violations

• OVI/DUI - Drunk Driving

• Expungement

• Federal Court

• Felony

• Juvenile Delinquency

• Misdemeanor

• Motor Vehicle Offenses

• Probation

• State Court

• Theft

• Traffic Violations

• White Collar Criminal Law

PERSONAL INJURY/WRONGFUL DEATH

• Animal Bites

• Assault

• Brain Injuries

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Personal Injury

• Trucking Accidents

• Wrongful Death

Call John on 513-300-4012 at any time - day or night - if you need help immediately.

Certifications

• Certified Mayor’s Court Magistrate, Ohio Municipal League

• Serves the City of Blue Ash, Ohio as it’s Mayor’s Court Magistrate

• Serves the Village of Mariemont, Ohio as its Mayor’s Court Magistrate

Community Involvement

• Serves the Ohio Supreme Court as a member of its Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program for newly licensed attorneys.

• Member of the Advisory Board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati.

• Member of the Aegis Council for tuition assistance of St. John’s Jesuit High School & Academy, Toledo, Ohio.

• Member of the Loyola Club for tuition assistance of St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, Ohio.

• Serves Sycamore Township as Chairman of its Board of Zoning Appeals.

Awards

• Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers - 2013, 2017 though 2023, 2025

• Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers - 2012 though 2025

• Ohio Super Lawyer - 2009 though 2025

• Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year” - 2025

• Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year” - 2023

• Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense “Lawyer of the Year” - 2015

• Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White Collar “Lawyer of the Year” - 2021

• Best Lawyers in America Cincinnati Criminal Defense: White Collar “Lawyer of the Year” - 2018

• Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation 2014 through 2025

• Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense 2014 through 2025

• Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense-White Collar 2014 through 2025

• AVVO.com Perfect 10.0 “Superb” Rating

• AVVO.com 2014 Client’s Choice Award

 

Awards

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Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
January 11, 2013
Hired Attorney John L. O'Shea

As a result of my son's crime he went to jail for four years, at which time he was granted judicial release. John saw us all the way through my son being released from probation. He was very supportive and available for questions or just wanting to talk about problems. Not only is he a wonderful attorney, I believe he is a very good person.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
October 24, 2021
Hired Attorney John L. O'Shea

Terrible lawyer he coerced me into taking a plea agreement for a crime I didn't even commit. random text messages that were scripted and could have been sent from anywhere.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law 1
    • Juvenile Law
  • Litigation
  • Other 7
    • Business & Complex Litigation
    • Criminal Appeals
    • Criminal Defense
    • OVI/DUI - Drunk Driving
    • Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
    • Trials & Appeals
    • White Collar Criminal Law

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Fixed hourly rates
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Representative Matters: Personal Injury/Wrongful Death related matters: Successful resolution of numerous serious personal injury claims on behalf of plaintiffs.
    Settlement of injuries to a child from dog attack for $5,250,000.
    Resolution of five separate wrongful death claims from automobile accident fatalities resulting in payments totaling over $5,000,000.
    Criminal Trial Practice - Self-defense related matters: Represented an individual, who with a co-defendant, was indicted for Felonious Assault for causing serious physical harm to another. Argued self-defense at trial. Not guilty verdict.
    Represented an individual indicted for Felonious Assault with a firearms specification for shooting another four times. Charge carried a m
    atory minimum five year prison term if convicted. Proved self-defense at trial. Not guilty verdict.
    Represented an individual indicted for Felonious Assault for assaulting another with brass knuckles. Proved self-defense at trial. Not guilty verdict.
    Called at 5:22 a.m. by the mother of two young men in police custody accused of an early morning homicide. Immediately responded to the police department. Coordinated both boys' defense, which included securing co-counsel. Spent the day negotiating with the police, who ultimately charged both boys with Murder. Within minutes of that charging decision, reached an agreement with the prosecutor for bail
    both boys were released less than two hours after being charged. The case was investigated
    negotiations with the prosecutor continued, which included presenting evidence of self-defense. The Gr
    Jury then dismissed all charges, exonerating both boys.
    At 3:45 a.m., John was called by the USCCA Critical Response Team to protect a USCCA member in police custody after being involved in a shooting. The USCCA member had defended himself by returning fire
    shooting the assailant. The USCCA member was unharmed. John immediately responded to the police department where his new client was being held for questioning. John protected his client through the investigation. His client's attacker was charged with Felonious Assault. John's client was released without being charged. All defense costs were paid by the USCCA.
    Defended a USCCA member indicted for Murder, Attempted Murder
    Felonious Assault for shooting
    killing one
    shooting at another. A conviction meant m
    atory life in prison. John argued self-defense at trial, after which his client was found Not Guilty of all charges. All defense costs were paid by the USCCA.
    Human Trafficking related matters: Represented individual indicted after a joint State
    Federal Department of Homel
    Security investigation for nineteen felonies including eight counts of Human trafficking
    Indentured servitude. A conviction as charged carried a maximum prison term of 154 years. Negotiated a pretrial plea agreement to one misdemeanor with no jail time or fine
    an agreement to expunge all case records when eligible.
    Post-Conviction related matters: Represented individual convicted in 2009 of Felonious assault. Successfully negotiated agreement where, on December 27, 2024, the original felony conviction was set aside, disposition amended to a misdemeanor
    all case records expunged, meaning destroyed
    permanently unavailable thereafter.
    Employee Theft related matters: Represented an employee investigated by law enforcement for embezzlement of $274,935 from employer. Negotiated resolution without criminal charges being filed.
    Represented a Treasurer charged with embezzlement of $175,000 from a children's athletic organization. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
    Represented an employee indicted for embezzlement of $62,728 from employer. Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was dismissed
    all case records sealed.
    Represented an individual in a Federal Court prosecution for embezzlement from a public school fund. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
    Federal Court related matters: Represented a Plant Manager of a manufacturing corporation in a Federal Court prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice
    the Environmental Protection Agency for a violation of the Clean Air Act in the State of Indiana. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
    Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice
    the Internal Revenue Service before a Federal Gr
    Jury for alleged fraud in the administration of an employee benefits program. Investigation was closed without Indictment.
    Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky before a Federal Gr
    Jury for alleged improper pharmaceutical accounting procedures. Investigation was closed without Indictment.
    Successfully represented a corporation in its Federal Court civil prosecution of organized interstate
    international trademark counterfeiting.
    Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, before a federal gr
    jury for alleged price fixing. Investigation was closed without indictment.
    State Court related matters: Represented a Pharmacist indicted for four felony counts of Theft of Drugs. Prior to trial, negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment
    sealing of all case records.
    Represented individual indicted for two felony counts of Obstructing Justice for allegedly harboring her ex-husb
    who was a fugitive from justice. Negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment
    sealing of all case records.
    Represented a student in a State Court Felony Indictment for Aggravated Arson for setting fires on a college campus. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
    Represented an individual indicted with three co-defendants for Aggravated Burglary with firearm specifications. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration. Co-defendants entered guilty pleas. Two were sentenced to four years in prison
    one was sentenced to six years in prison.
    Represented an individual indicted for Felony Theft of $80,000 from an elderly person. Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was dismissed
    all case records sealed.
    Successfully protected an individual in Probate Court litigation over her rights to proceeds from four (4) multi-million dollar trusts.
    Represented an individual in a State Court prosecution under Racketeer Influenced
    Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for alleged illegal gambling activities. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.
    Represented individual charged with conspiracy to defraud a bank of over $600,000. Negotiated pretrial diversion, after which charge was dismissed
    all case records sealed.
    Trial
    Appellate related matters: Represented a medical practice office manager on a 29 count state court felony indictment, which included allegations of theft of drugs, embezzlement,
    forgery. Not guilty jury verdict on all 29 counts.
    Represented a public employee in a State Court Felony Indictment for Theft in Office for alleged embezzlement from a public school fund. Not guilty jury verdict.
    Represented a semi-tractor trailer driver charged with Vehicular Homicide
    Vehicular Manslaughter. Not guilty verdict.
    Represented an individual in appeal of conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio First District Court of Appeals
    case dismissed.
    Represented an individual charged with Driving Under the Influence in Trial Court
    Court of Appeals. Trial Court dismissed all charges on pretrial motions. Government appealed dismissal
    Ohio First District Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed Trial Court
    dismissed case.
    Represented an individual in appeal of conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals
    case dismissed.
    Represented individual charged with Driving Under the Influence after causing an early morning three car accident. Successfully argued to have the pretrial license suspension immediately terminated. Not guilty verdict after trial
    all case records sealed.
    Represented individual indicted for Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Having Weapons While Under Disability,
    Improper Transport of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle after a traffic stop during which two firearms were recovered by law enforcement from vehicle. Not guilty verdict after trial
    all case records sealed.
    Represented individual charged with Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,
    Felony Aggravated Possession of a Fentanyl Related Compound after causing a head on auto collision. Negotiated complete dismissal
    sealing of all records of both drug charges. Negotiated reduction of the Driving Under the Influence charge to Reckless Operation.
    Represented individual charged with Child Endangering after leaving her two young children home alone. Not guilty verdict after trial
    case records sealed.
    Represented young woman indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter, Corrupting Another with Drugs
    Tampering with Evidence, in which client was accused of being responsible for the Fentanyl overdose death of a man. Conviction as charged carried up to 22 years in prison
    a m
    atory minimum 8 years in prison. Negotiated a plea agreement to Tampering with Evidence
    Drug Abuse with probation
    drug treatment. Plea included agreement that case records will be sealed. Manslaughter
    Corrupting charges were dismissed. Plea stipulated no responsibility for or involvement in the overdose death.
    Immigration Law related matters: Successfully represented an individual in a Petition for Writ of Coram Nobis in Federal Court to set aside a 1998 criminal conviction for Bank Embezzlement. Thirteen year old criminal conviction set aside
    case dismissed.
    Transactions
    Employee Theft related matters:Represented an employee investigated by law enforcement for embezzlement of $274,935.00 from employer. Negotiated resolution without criminal charges being filed. Represented a Treasurer charged with embezzlement of $175,000.00 from a children's athletic organization. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.Represented an employee indicted for embezzlement of $62,728.69 from employer. Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge will be dismissed and record sealed.Represented an individual in a Federal Court prosecution for embezzlement from a public school fund. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.Federal Court related matters:Represented a Plant Manager of a manufacturing corporation in a Federal Court prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency for a violation of the Clean Air Act in the State of Indiana. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service before a Federal Grand Jury for alleged fraud in the administration of an employee benefits program. Investigation was closed without Indictment.Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky before a Federal Grand Jury for alleged improper pharmaceutical accounting procedures. Investigation was closed without Indictment.Successfully represented a corporation in its Federal Court civil prosecution of organized interstate and international trademark counterfeiting.Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, before a federal grand jury for alleged price fixing. Investigation was closed without indictment.Trial and Appellate related matters:Represented a medical practice office manager on a 29 count state court felony indictment, which included allegations of theft of drugs, embezzlement and forgery. Not Guilty Jury Verdict on all 29 counts.Represented a public employee in a State Court Felony Indictment for Theft in Office for alleged embezzlement from a public school fund. Not Guilty Jury Verdict.Represented a semi-tractor trailer driver charged with Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Manslaughter. Not Guilty Verdict.Represented an individual in appeal of conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio First District Court of Appeals and case dismissed.Represented an individual charged with Driving Under the Influence in Trial Court and Court of Appeals. 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.Represented an individual in appeal of conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals and case dismissed.State Court related matters:Represented a Pharmacist indicted for four felony counts of Theft of Drugs. Prior to trial, negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment and sealing of all case records. Represented individual indicted for two felony counts of Obstructing Justice for allegedly harboring her ex-husband who was a fugitive from justice. Negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment and sealing of all case records.Represented a student in a State Court Felony Indictment for Aggravated Arson for setting fires on a college campus. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.Represented an individual indicted with three co-defendants for Aggravated 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.Represented an individual indicted for Felony Theft of $80,000.00 from an elderly person. Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was dismissed and all case records sealed.Successfully protected an individual in Probate Court litigation over her rights to proceeds from four (4) multi-million dollar trusts.Represented an individual in a State Court prosecution under Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for alleged illegal gambling activities. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration.Immigration Law related matters:Successfully represented an individual in a 2011 Petition for Writ of Coram Nobis in Federal Court to set aside a 1998 criminal conviction for Bank Embezzlement. Thirteen year old criminal conviction set aside and case dismissed.
  • Pro Bono Services
    Time Spent on Pro Bono Work: 20%

    Serves the Ohio Supreme Court as a member of its Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program for newly licensed attorneys. Member of the Advisory Board to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. Member of the Aegis Council for tuition assistance of St. John's Jesuit High School & Academy, Toledo, Ohio. Member of the Loyola Club for tuition assistance of St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, Ohio.

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1989, OH
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of OH and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
    Memberships

    Professional Associations

    •National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    •Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    •Ohio State Bar Association
    •Cincinnati Bar Association
    •Federal Bar Association
    •Member, United States Concealed Carry Association, Critical Response Team
    •Member, Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network, Affiliated Attorney Program

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Cincinnati College of Law
    Class of 1989
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Toledo
    Class of 1984
    B.S.
    Legal Certifications
    Certified Magistrate, Ohio Municipal League
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1960
    Toledo, Ohio

Contact John L. O'Shea

Member at Cohen, Todd, Kite & Stanford, LLC
4.4
11 reviews

250 East Fifth Street, Suite 2350Cincinnati, OH 45202-5136U.S.A.

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Fax: (513) 241-4922
Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday By appointment
  • Sunday By appointment
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Attorneys FAQs

  • Does this attorney offer any legal services for a flat fee?
    Yes, John L. O'Shea offers fixed fees for certain legal services.
  • Does this attorney accept major credit cards?
    Yes, John L. O'Shea will accept Visa and MasterCard.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    John L. O'Shea attended University of Cincinnati College of Law.
  • How much pro bono work does this attorney do?
    John L. O'Shea spends 20% of their time working pro bono.