Joseph C. Patituce

Joseph C. Patituce is the founder and managing partner of Patituce & Associates, where he leads an Ohio criminal defense practice. He represents clients facing Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI), drug, sex offense, federal, white-collar, theft, and homicide charges. His former prosecutorial experience helps him evaluate police investigations, charging decisions, evidentiary weaknesses, and courtroom strategy. He has handled more than 20,000 criminal cases and taken over 400 matters to trial.

Joseph earned his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 2003. He received his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law in 2006. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2006, before gaining admission in Pennsylvania, New York, and Kentucky. His federal admissions include both Ohio district courts, two federal appellate circuits, the US Supreme Court, and the US Tax Court. He also holds capital-case qualifications for appointed trial and appellate representation in Ohio.

Joseph began his public-service career as a Cuyahoga County assistant prosecuting attorney from 2007 through 2010. He founded his firm in 2010 and has since defended complex state, federal, and multi-jurisdictional prosecutions. His trial work includes murder, vehicular homicide, sexual offenses, DNA evidence, white-collar crimes, and constitutional challenges. He also handles appeals involving evidence rules, post-conviction testing, plea withdrawals, and alleged violations of defendants’ rights.

Joseph C. Patituce earned his National Board of Trial Advocacy certification in criminal trial law in 2017. He chairs the NBTA committee evaluating criminal trial specialists and has served on the OACDL board for more than a decade. His speaking and expert-witness work address criminal procedure, OVI defense, police conduct, and ineffective assistance claims. His certification, leadership, and courtroom experience support focused representation when his clients face serious criminal consequences.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Patituce & Associates
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, National College for DUI Defense
• Member, Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association

Licensed State

• Ohio

Education

• Cleveland State University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• State University of New York
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges