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Charles Elliott Strain, Criminal Defense Attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatCharles E. Strain

Cincinnati, OH

Practicing criminal defense in Cincinnati since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
2 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Charles Elliott Strain is a member based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Charles has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Charles E. Strain. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Cincinnati, OH
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · General
  • Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General matters from Cincinnati, OH.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Charles Elliott Strain: Charles Elliott Strain is a member based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Charles has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Charles E. Strain. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Charles's practice areas in Cincinnati

Charles concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Cincinnati, Ohio

Charles takes criminal defense matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Cincinnati, Ohio

Charles takes dui/dwi matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

General cases in Cincinnati, Ohio

Charles takes general matters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

Charles Elliott Strain, criminal defense attorney serving Cincinnati

Charles Elliott Strain is a member based in Cincinnati, OH. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and General. Charles has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Charles E. Strain. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Charles works from Cincinnati, Ohio and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

Charles Elliott Strain is a lawyer practicing driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, criminal and 4 other areas of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Charles practices at Charles E. Strain in Cincinnati, OH.

How Charles handles criminal defense matters

Charles Elliott Strain is a lawyer practicing driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, criminal and 4 other areas of law. Charles received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Charles practices at Charles E. Strain in Cincinnati, OH.

The kind of cases Charles takes

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and general matters in Cincinnati and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Charles studied and practices

  • The Ohio State University

    J.D. · 1981

  • DePauw University

    B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

  • Ohio

    1981 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in The Ohio State University and B.A. in DePauw University.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in The Ohio State University and B.A. in DePauw University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Charles's legal honors and published work

Charles has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Cincinnati

    Member Committees on: Ethics and Professional Responsibility Professionalism) and Ohio State Bar Associations National College for DUI Defense Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Lawyers Clu · membership

Locations

Charles Elliott Strain's office in Cincinnati

Charles's primary office is at 639 Main St., Cincinnati, OH, 45202-2514. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Charles E. Strain

639 Main St.

Cincinnati, OH 45202-2514

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles Elliott Strain — 4.4/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Cincinnati.

4.4

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles Elliott Strain claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Charles Elliott Strain — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles

Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles Elliott Strain

  • How much does it cost to hire Charles for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Charles offer a free consultation?

    Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in Ohio typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Cincinnati?

    Charles is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Charles accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio

Charles handles criminal defense matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Cincinnati handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.