John L. O’Shea

The best
John was great. He put a lot of effort into resolving my husband’s cases with the best outcomes available. He came to court prepared and whenever we had questions he was only a phone call away. John was hands down the best lawyer we have ever worked with.
-Heather and Gary

He’s amazing
Very professional and full of information a great guy He told me everything I needed to know and made me feel very comfortable if you’re looking for a lawyer or need any information give him a call he’s a great lawyer I’ve heard great things and he shows up on the top of the Google search when you look up the best lawyers around when it comes to the case that I was looking for.
-Sasha

Excellent
From start to finish Mr. O’Shea was in control. I called him as I was being arrested on a Sunday morning and was released shortly thereafter. When I had questions, Mr. O’Shea made himself available. John demonstrated himself to be an Officer of the Court. He was realistic and explained everything that was going to happen. I knew he wasn’t playing any games. He worked my case until it was completely dismissed. Call John O’Shea if you need legal help. Your life will be better for it.
-Nate

Defense Attorney Meeting Our Needs
I spent 20 years in federal law enforcement. During that time I dealt with many prosecutors and defense attorneys. Following my law enforcement career I managed insurance fraud investigations across the United States for a Fortune 500 Hundred company. During this career I also worked with many lawyers. Recently I had a need for a criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati. Looking around I realized I did not know any local criminal defense attorneys. I asked the Kentucky attorney who prepared my will and he recommended John. From our first meeting with John I felt he was the right man. He kept my stress level low, keeping me informed of every step in the process. His knowledge of the law, the court system was impressive. In the end John successfully resolved the matters. I would recommend John to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati or Hamilton County. I know that should I ever have that need again John is someone I would want in my corner.
-Norm

Perfect
When you are in trouble this is the man you want in your corner. Knowledgeable, understanding and great communications are what you can expect. He got my charges down to a minimum. Worth every penny.
-Will

Highly recommended
As a small business owner my establishment failed an underage drinking sting by local police. John O’Shea was instrumental in helping me with this charge. We received the best result possible in court I attribute this to his immediate response to all my concerns and his professionalism with the court system. John was recommended to me by a friend who used him to successfully help with a teenage speeding violation.
-Jennifer

The Best!
While my son attended college in Cincinnati, he got into some legal trouble. From day one John was there for us. He clearly explained the process, calmed our fears, answered any questions we had and led us through the terrifying court proceedings. He went beyond our expectations and became a friend/confidant to our son. He is available day or night. I do not know what we would have done without John. He is the absolute best!
-Anonymous

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
-Todd

A+
I hired John on the recommendation of a friend who happens to be a prosecutor. My daughter received an OVI after she was stopped for not having her headlights on. John advised her to be proactive before she went to court. She took a class on drinking and driving, and she began doing volunteer work. John was able to get the prosecutor to agree to a moving violation instead of the OVI. John saved my daughter from a police record she did not deserve. As he explained to the Judge, this was an isolated incident, out of character and not likely to be repeated. Thanks John!
-Anonymous

“Savior”
John O’Shea is a Great Attorney he is very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend him to friends and family!!!” He was very kind, thorough and understanding of the situation. He was very patient with me given the situation. If you are looking for someone who is looking for your best interest and willing to actually listen to your needs and worries during a difficult situation this is the right attorney for you. He also provides you his contact information where he can be reached at all times. John is very personable, approachable and has a good relationship with the court as well as a strong professional network with other attorneys in the trade. He is also a staunch, steadfast and passionate advocate when you are dealing with a case like mine. He has been a dedicated counsel and friend. I felt bad at times because I was eating into his personal time, but John constantly assures me that it was okay, and he’s always available. I would highly recommend attorney John O’Shea.
-Glenn

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 through the steps necessary to resolve the problem. I always felt that John had a clear understanding of the circumstances and related law and that I was being represented, protected, and counseled to secure the best outcome possible. He was willing to give me the time necessary to make me feel comfortable so that I understood what was being done. I never doubted his advice and at the completion of the situation, I told him that I never regretted securing his services and still to this day, feel the same. John is a professional with a clear understanding of the legal system in all its complicated components. I have called on him in subsequent years for much less complicated advice and received the same understanding and service. I can recommend him without reservation.
-David

Great Representation
Our son got into some trouble, and we were referred by a friend to Attorney, John O’Shea. John was always professional and courteous. He treated our son with respect and always kept him informed of all proceedings. We would highly recommend John O’Shea as a competent and trustworthy attorney.
-Bob

Superb attorney
John O’Shea represented our son in a criminal case with potential serious serious consequences in terms of incarceration and related charges. We found John to be the absolute correct choice in representing our son in this case. John is a straightforward individual with excellent communication skills. He clearly articulated the relevant aspects of the pending case, as well as the judicial process. John guided us through a complex legal process with great skill and patience. He was empathetic, caring, and we always felt he had our son’s welfare, and safety as a priority throughout this lengthy process. John guided our family through a very stressful, year long ordeal that began with a phone call from police informing us of our son’s arrest. From the outset, John provided detailed instruction on how to proceed. We met with John to discuss an action plan to include our son’s accountability, available legal options, and his pre-case understanding of this case and its potential outcomes. From our perspective, it was an exhaustive and lengthy legal process. John was professional and direct in his communications. John made key strategic decisions which eventually lead to the best possible outcome for our son going forward. He held our son accountable, and developed an action plan which the courts would look upon favorably once sentencing day arrived. John also demonstrated outstanding communication skills in working with police officers, and detectives related to the case; this was critical to the eventual outcome for our son. In closing, we are forever grateful for his outstanding legal counsel and compassionate approach to our son’s difficult case. We strongly recommend John to anyone in a similar situation. We found that when you work with someone over a length of time one acquires a certain insight and appreciation for who they are as a real person and we were never disappointed in his integrity. John was not just a defense attorney in the case; he was and remains to be a person of high integrity grounded in service and ethical values. Case closed.
-Anonymous

John O’Shea-Quiet Confidence
To whom it may concern, From the very moment I met John O’Shea he exuded a confidence and assurance that my legal issues would be handled in the very most professional and determined way possible. I can emphatically state that he did not disappoint. His knowledge and articulation of the law helped me through a rocky period in my professional career. He did it in such a way that was calm and collective. He understood my personality in that I was not looking for an attorney that was bombastic and overzealous. He was never heavy handed with me unless he felt my best interests were at stake. When he knew I felt shaken he instilled in me a confidence that everything was going to be all right, in an honest way and without giving me “false hope”. He stated things clearly and frankly. He always treated me like I was his only client, returning my calls (or emails) promptly. John is the personification of what a proper attorney should be. His guiding hand helped my family with little fanfare for himself. He did his job quietly, confidently and professionally. I could not of asked for more and I can say with confidence that I would recommend John to anyone who is looking for a lawyer to deal with a criminal case.
-Anonymous

Trusted Advisor
John represents our charity and has provided pro bono services for twenty years. During this period of time, our service area, budget, and staff have tripled. We’ve encountered a number of issues and difficulties associated with growth including personnel, board, volunteer and records related complications requiring legal advice and direction. We have also encountered a few law suits. John has helped us navigate through every situation with expert advice and connections to resources when needed. Some of the issues, specifically the law suits, have required innumerable hours and have encompassed more than a year. I consider John a trusted advisor and count on his availability, insight and direction for any issue requiring a legal opinion or services. His expertise and guidance have been instrumental in moving our agency forward in service and mission.
-Kathy

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 on my record regardless of how minor. John worked efficiently with me, clearly explained his strategy, and confidently represented me in court. His responsiveness and attention to detail are second to none. John got a full dismissal and took the steps necessary to quickly expunge the offense from my record. I have never worked with an attorney with such focus and determination. I trust John fully and do not hesitate to strongly recommend him.
-Mary

Review
I was referred to John by a relative, who is a lawyer. John helped me enormously. He was proactive in helping me and did so much to help me work through all the red tape. Being from out of town, John did everything to try to reduce my travel time to a minimum and get the best results. He succeeded. He was available for me when needed.
-Anonymous

Saved My Reputation and Career
A few years ago, I found myself the target of an investigation by the DEA and the county prosecutor’s office. I faced nearly 30 felony charges with a maximum of 42 years in prison. Most likely, my real “crime” was telling a member of law enforcement precisely what I thought of him. I was not the original target. And, when they were unable to bring charges against their first target, they came at me with the full force of their authority. At the time, I had no idea where to seek counsel. I was lucky enough to have a friend in the legal profession who immediately told me to contact John O’Shea. In retrospect, I hadn’t fully appreciated the gravity of the charges against me. John guided me through each step of what was a very long process. It appeared as though the opposition was bent on making my life as difficult as possible. Case in point, the prosecution arranged to have me arrested on a Friday, so it would be nearly impossible to get me out of jail before Monday. John mobilized quickly to arrange for my release. I was out by Friday evening. The prosecution also attempted to delay the trial. Because of the pending charges and the upcoming trial, I was unable to work. John successfully thwarted all the tactics employed by the other side. I was able to get a swift and fair jury trial. In the courtroom, John’s skill and experience were instrumental in winning my case. He argued eloquently, concisely, and effectively on my behalf, quickly earning the respect of the jurors and judge. The jury acquitted me on all charges. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t recall how my freedom and career could have been taken away. I will forever be indebted to him. I cannot recommend anyone more highly than I do him.
-Anonymous

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 of our first meeting. John, with his many years of experience, walked me through the process and anticipated the next steps of the court system and adversaries. He then, and to my great relief, expeditiously ended a truly troublesome event in my life with great results. When you are faced with a legal situation that’s exactly what you need… no surprises, a little “hand holding” reassurance and a precise understanding of the law. Thank you, John, from a true fan and friend!
-Mark

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 police informing us that our teenage son was in jail. I left a voicemail with John at around 4:30am on the morning of our son’s arrest to have my call returned minutes later. I was then provided with detailed instructions for our next steps and had the same level of attention paid to us from that moment until the end. The favorable outcome for our family in this case is due to John providing us with a very clear and detailed plan of action that we needed to take. This plan smartly placed a lot of burden and responsibility upon our son’s shoulders to take those steps necessary to prove to the courts that he was a person that should not have the book thrown at him for a once in a lifetime bad decision. The brilliance of this approach is that it did not in anyway attempt to “pull the wool” over the eyes of those we were attempting to convince to give our son another chance. In fact, this only worked if our son put in the effort to prove, with his own actions, that he was worthy of the courts understanding. We embraced John’s plan and our son went to work on it. Having completed the plan 100% put us in the best position we could have been in on sentencing day. The judge evaluated all that had been done by my son and decided his actions did in fact merit a different sentence than he otherwise would have received. I believe to this day it is because John put together a plan that could not be faked and could not be viewed as an attempt to simply manipulate the opinion of others. This plan ‘forced’ our son to prove he was worthy of this consideration. John’s strategy had the added benefit of providing our son with an important life experience that has helped to make him a better young man today. I am thankful for finding John at this critical time for our family. I don’t even like to think about the possible alternative outcome had he not been by our side at this time. I therefore, strongly and unquestionably recommend John’s counsel if a similar need arises for you as it did for us. Consider yourselves fortunate to have him at your side.
-Anonymous

• John served as the lead trial and appellate lawyer on the case invalidating Cincinnati’s illegal 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 the challenge to that law to the Trial Court, which agreed that Cincinnati’s attempt to criminalize the constitutional right to bear arms violated Ohio law. The City appealed that decision. John argued the case to the Court of Appeals, which unanimously agreed that Cincinnati’s attempt to criminalize gun ownership was illegal and ordered that the law be immediately revoked.
• Represented young woman charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Corrupting Another with Drugs and Tampering with Evidence, accusing client of being responsible for the fentanyl overdose death of a man. Conviction as charged carried up to 22 years in prison and up to a mandatory 8 years in prison. Negotiated a plea agreement to Tampering with Evidence and Drug Abuse with probation and drug treatment. Plea included agreement that case records will be sealed when eligible. Manslaughter and Corrupting charges were dismissed. Plea provided for no responsibility for or involvement in the overdose death.
• Notified late on a Saturday night that client had been jailed on an outstanding warrant. Contacted the prosecutor Sunday morning, who agreed to an own recognizance (“OR”) bond. Then contacted the Judge and drove to his home, where the Judge signed the agreed OR bond entry. Then drove to the jail, filed the OR bond entry, and the client was released by noon, approximately 12 hours after his arrest.
• Notified one evening that client had been hospitalized because of an OVI/DUI accident, after also being charged with felony fentanyl possession. Police issued “hospital hold” warrant, meaning client would be transferred to jail upon discharge from hospital, which was scheduled for next day. Contacted the prosecutor and Judge the next morning, who both agreed to an own recognizance (“OR”) bond. The client was discharged shortly thereafter, but to her home and not to jail.
• Represented a mom jailed on warrant for Domestic Violence after 14 year old daughter accused her of assault. Immediately gained client’s release. After negotiations, charge was dismissed and all case records sealed.
• Represented client charged with felony Carrying Concealed Weapon after a Sunday morning traffic stop where firearm was discovered in car. Negotiated with police during arrest, who agreed not to jail client after arrest. Then, after pretrial negotiations with police and prosecutor, all charges were dismissed and all case records sealed.
• Represented client charged with Resisting Arrest after attempting to assault a police officer. Police considered felony charges at scene. Negotiated with police and prosecutor over a nine month period to reach plea agreement to Disorderly conduct and only a $100 fine.
• Represented individual who was a fugitive for 12 years after violating probation on a felony drug conviction. Negotiated resolution where arrest warrant was dismissed and client released from probation without having to appear in court.
• Represented individual charged in two separate Indictments totaling 24 counts of drug trafficking related offenses. Conviction as charged carried up to 69 years in prison and a mandatory 22 years in prison. Negotiated a plea agreement for probation and no incarceration.
• Represented individual charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in one jurisdiction after being apprehended and charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol in another jurisdiction. Negotiated plea agreements where both charges were reduced to a minor misdemeanor traffic offenses with no incarceration.
• Represented individual charged with a felony for Conspiracy to Illegally Convey Drugs into a Prison. Negotiated agreement where the case was dismissed and all case records sealed after completion of pre-trial diversion program.
• Represented an individual indicted with three co-defendants for Aggravated Burglary with Firearm Specifications.  Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.  Co-defendants entered pleas. Two were sentenced to four years in prison and one was sentenced to six years in prison.
• Represented an individual indicted with co-defendant for Aggravated Burglary, Obstructing Justice and Tampering with Evidence. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration. Co-defendant entered guilty plea and was sentenced to six years in prison.
• Represented a Pharmacist indicted for four felony counts of Theft of Drugs.  Negotiated complete dismissal of Indictment and sealing of all case records.
• Represented a 17 year old charged with felony heroin possession in Juvenile Court. Negotiated a diversion agreement where the charge was dismissed and record sealed.
• Successfully represented a corporation in its federal court civil prosecution of organized interstate and international trademark counterfeiting.
• Represented individual charged with three felony counts of Assault on police officers. Negotiated plea to one count of minor misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal offense.
• Represented a student in felony indictment for Aggravated Arson for setting fires on a college campus. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
• Represented an individual charged with Resisting Arrest, during which two police officers were injured. Negotiated plea to one count of Disorderly Conduct with no incarceration.
• Represented an 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 an individual indicted for embezzling $348,588 from employer. Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
• 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. Thereafter, all case records sealed.
• Represented a Treasurer charged with embezzlement of $61,000 from a church athletic organization. Negotiated Plea Agreement with no incarceration and early termination of probation.
• Represented an individual accused of and investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service before a Federal Grand Jury for conspiracy to launder more than $2.5 million is proceeds from fraudulent federal tax return refunds. Five year investigation closed without indictment.
• 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.
• Represented an employee indicted for felony embezzlement of $62,728.69 from employer.  Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was dismissed and record sealed.
• Represented a treasurer indicted for felony embezzlement of $175,000.00 from a children’s athletic organization.  Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
• Represented an employee investigated by law enforcement for embezzlement of $274,935.00 from employer.  Negotiated resolution without criminal charges being filed.
• Represented a corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice before a federal grand jury for alleged improper pharmaceutical accounting procedures.  Investigation was closed without indictment.
• 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 corporation investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service in the Commonwealth of Kentucky before a federal grand jury for alleged fraud in the administration of an employee benefits program.  Investigation was closed without indictment.
• 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 violations of the Clean Air Act in the State of Indiana.  Negotiated plea agreement with no incarceration.
• Represented an individual indicted for felony theft of $80,000.00 from an elderly person.  Negotiated deferred prosecution agreement where charge was 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.
• 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.

• Represented client arrested for Driving Under the Influence after refusing the breath test after causing three car accident. Successfully had mandatory pretrial driving suspension vacated at initial court appearance. Tried case and client found Not Guilty. All case records sealed.
• Represented client charged with Domestic Violence after accused by wife of assault. Tried case and client was found Not Guilty. All case records then sealed.
• Represented an individual charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs after causing high speed multiple vehicle accident with injuries. Not Guilty Verdict.
• Represented a semi-tractor trailer driver charged with Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Manslaughter.  Not guilty verdict.
• Represented an individual charged with Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Manslaughter after collision with motorcyclist. Court granted motion to dismiss case after close of prosecution without having to present a defense.
• Represented an individual indicted for drug trafficking after allegedly selling cocaine to an undercover police agent in a recorded “controlled buy” operation. Not guilty verdict. Thereafter, all case records sealed.

• Defended an individual indicted for Felonious Assault with a firearms specification for shooting another four times. Charge carried a mandatory 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. Thereafter, all case records sealed.
• Defended 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 in appeal of conviction for Driving Under the Influence. Conviction reversed unanimously by the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals and case dismissed.
• 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.