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Award Winning Cincinnati Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney
Ernst & Associates Law Firm is proud to be regarded as one of Ohio’s top criminal & DUI defense firms. Our firm’s managing lawyer, Matthew Ernst, has been nationally recognized and is locally respected. We pride ourselves on our legal accomplishments and strive to lead our legal community to a higher standard of criminal representation. Our goal from the beginning is to get your charge dismissed. We work with our clients and help identify every way to get the best possible results. That could mean negotiating with prosecutors to get deferred adjudication or vigorously making challenges to the constitutionality, veracity or sufficiency of the prosecutor’s evidence. We take an aggressive, proactive approach and look for every option to get you the best outcome. Call Ernst & Associates for Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers that care about you and your future.
Protecting You Like Our Own
When faced with a criminal law matter, you want an advocate in your corner who is going to protect you and your best interests with no question. At Ernst & Associates we represent our clients as if we were representing our own family members. We fight for the results our clients expect and deserve.
Criminal Defense
OVI / DUI Defense
Courts
When Reputation Matters
With a stellar record of obtaining the best results for our clients and a well-deserved reputation as a tenacious advocate for the criminally accused, Matthew Ernst is continuously invited to seminars around the country to teach other attorneys. The fact that many of our cases are referred to us from other attorneys, judges and previous clients shows the reputation we’ve built.
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FOUNDER / ATTORNEY
Matthew Ernst
"DUI Matt"
Attorney Matthew T. Ernst is the owner of Ernst & Associates, LLC, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ernst focuses his practice on criminal defense, representing clients accused of alcohol offenses, domestic violence, drug offenses, DUI/DWI, sex offenses, theft crimes and traffic violations. He practices in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas.
A highly qualified attorney with over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Ernst is a powerful advocate for Ohio residents who are facing criminal charges. He provides committed and professional legal services to each client, using forceful advocacy and skilled negotiation to bring them to the best results they can reach.
His training and experience give him intimate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques and evidence used in DUI/DWI prosecutions, a distinct advantage when he is defending the rights of people accused of these crimes. He often lectures on DUI/DWI topics throughout Ohio and internationally.
1992:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems & Finance, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
1996:
Juris Doctor, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.
1996:
Founded Matthew T. Ernst & Associates, LLC.
Memberships:
Ohio State Bar Association,
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
National College for DUI Defense,
DUI Defense Lawyers Association,
NHTSA certified in the administration of Standardized Field, Sobriety Tests,
Super Lawyers
A highly qualified attorney with over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Ernst is a powerful advocate for Ohio residents who are facing criminal charges. He provides committed and professional legal services to each client, using forceful advocacy and skilled negotiation to bring them to the best results they can reach.
His training and experience give him intimate knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques and evidence used in DUI/DWI prosecutions, a distinct advantage when he is defending the rights of people accused of these crimes. He often lectures on DUI/DWI topics throughout Ohio and internationally.
1992:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems & Finance, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
1996:
Juris Doctor, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.
1996:
Founded Matthew T. Ernst & Associates, LLC.
Memberships:
Ohio State Bar Association,
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
National College for DUI Defense,
DUI Defense Lawyers Association,
NHTSA certified in the administration of Standardized Field, Sobriety Tests,
Super Lawyers
SENIOR ASSOCIATE / ATTORNEY
Roger Bouchard
Attorney Roger Bouchard is an accomplished attorney with more than a decade of legal experience. Prior to joining our firm as a criminal defense attorney, Roger worked as a Hamilton County Juvenile Court Magistrate. His previous experience working in the Court, has given him invaluable insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system and the ability to work with the courts to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients.
As a trial attorney, Roger’s practice focuses on felony and misdemeanor charges. He has a passion for defending both the falsely accused and those treated unfairly by the authorities or the legal justice system. He has served as the lead trial attorney on numerous complex cases and has obtained dismissals and ‘not guilty’ verdicts throughout Ohio.
Roger has successfully defended people charged with criminal driving offenses, felonies, and misdemeanors, to capital offenses such as murder and rape. His extensive courtroom experience and a successful track record makes him the ideal attorney for anyone charged or being investigated for any type of crime. He simply does not take “no” for an answer.
1998:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Environmental Science, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.
2002:
Juris Doctor, Capital University College of Law, Columbus, OH.
Memberships:
Ohio State Bar Association,
Cincinnati Bar Association
As a trial attorney, Roger’s practice focuses on felony and misdemeanor charges. He has a passion for defending both the falsely accused and those treated unfairly by the authorities or the legal justice system. He has served as the lead trial attorney on numerous complex cases and has obtained dismissals and ‘not guilty’ verdicts throughout Ohio.
Roger has successfully defended people charged with criminal driving offenses, felonies, and misdemeanors, to capital offenses such as murder and rape. His extensive courtroom experience and a successful track record makes him the ideal attorney for anyone charged or being investigated for any type of crime. He simply does not take “no” for an answer.
1998:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Environmental Science, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH.
2002:
Juris Doctor, Capital University College of Law, Columbus, OH.
Memberships:
Ohio State Bar Association,
Cincinnati Bar Association
ASSOCIATE / ATTORNEY
Jagdeep Sangha
Attorney Jagdeep Sangha believes that everyone, regardless of guilt or innocence, is entitled to an aggressive and competent defense. To that end, he is consistently hard working and holds himself to the highest standards for his legal services and client interaction. Along with Criminal Defense, he also practices in family law, divorce and personal injury.
Jag was born in Wakefield, England and raised in North Carolina until planting roots in Ohio. He is bilingual and speaks fluent Punjabi. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton Law School where he was Class President, Honor Council President, as well as the recipient of the CALI Award for the highest grade in the class for the study of Remedies. He is admitted to practice in the State of Ohio.
2016:
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, with a Minor in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
2019:
Juris Doctor, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Memberships:
Dayton Bar Association
Jag was born in Wakefield, England and raised in North Carolina until planting roots in Ohio. He is bilingual and speaks fluent Punjabi. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton Law School where he was Class President, Honor Council President, as well as the recipient of the CALI Award for the highest grade in the class for the study of Remedies. He is admitted to practice in the State of Ohio.
2016:
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, with a Minor in Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.
2019:
Juris Doctor, University of Dayton, Dayton OH
Memberships:
Dayton Bar Association
Practice Manager
Jessica Hannika
As Practice Manager at the firm, Jessica ensures that all clients receive the most informative and comprehensive care related to their specific matter. She manages all day-to-day operations of the Practice and makes certain that clients are given the highest level of personalized service from the minute they contact the firm.
Since joining the firm, Jessica has served in a variety of capacities. In every role, she has proven to be an invaluable asset in the areas of client management, case coordination, marketing, and in the operations of the law practice. She effectively communicates manages the firm’s resources and strategies and enables communication between the client and the legal team.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jessica attended Saint Ursula Academy for high school and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Ohio Christian University. She is currently working towards her Juris Doctorate at Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law in the evening program. She believes that all clients should be educated about their legal process. She has seen firsthand the challenges that can occur in the criminal justice system, and how pressure exerted from various sources may impact a case. She is closely involved with the various stages and proceedings of our clients. She understands the anxiety and fear one has as a defendant and is sympathetic to the difficulties faced during this process.
2018:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OH.
Memberships:
Northern Kentucky Bar Association
Chase Student Ambassadors
Since joining the firm, Jessica has served in a variety of capacities. In every role, she has proven to be an invaluable asset in the areas of client management, case coordination, marketing, and in the operations of the law practice. She effectively communicates manages the firm’s resources and strategies and enables communication between the client and the legal team.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Jessica attended Saint Ursula Academy for high school and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Ohio Christian University. She is currently working towards her Juris Doctorate at Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law in the evening program. She believes that all clients should be educated about their legal process. She has seen firsthand the challenges that can occur in the criminal justice system, and how pressure exerted from various sources may impact a case. She is closely involved with the various stages and proceedings of our clients. She understands the anxiety and fear one has as a defendant and is sympathetic to the difficulties faced during this process.
2018:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Ohio Christian University, Circleville, OH.
Memberships:
Northern Kentucky Bar Association
Chase Student Ambassadors
Client Liaison
Adam Schaney
Adam is our client liaison and intake specialist. He helps determine the facts and legal issues pertaining to potential clients’ cases, and whether our attorneys can assist. Adam understands that potential clients are often dealing with one of the most emotional times of their lives. As such, he handles their situations with compassion and empathy, putting everyone at ease during their calls to our firm and throughout the consultation process.
Adam coordinates and sets appointments for prospective clients to meet with the firms’ attorneys for a more in-depth consultation. His role also extends beyond our intake process, as he continuously avails himself to our clients as we work towards a resolution on their case.
Adam coordinates and sets appointments for prospective clients to meet with the firms’ attorneys for a more in-depth consultation. His role also extends beyond our intake process, as he continuously avails himself to our clients as we work towards a resolution on their case.
Legal Nurse Consultant
MSN, APRN FNP-BC
Kaitlyn Owen
Kaitlin is our in-house Legal Nurse Consultant. Our firm is able to get medical expertise on the front end of the case, leading to a less expense and clearer picture moving through the legal process. Her knowledge makes her uniquely qualified to identify all the issues in a medical record that would be overlooked by someone not intimately familiar with healthcare/medicine.
Kaitlin is a clinically advanced registered nurse who has practiced for more than a decade delivering care across the lifespan. She has specialized training in pediatrics, sexual abuse and physical trauma. She has practiced in rural and urban facilities including trauma centers. Kaitlin has specialty training and certification in medico legal nursing and has practiced in academic facilities responsible for research, development and application of standards of care.
She was a Clinical Coordinator with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Mayerson Center. With the Mayerson Center she was responsible for training and lecturing physicians, nurses and social workers on identifying, diagnosing and treating pediatric sexual and physical abuse.
2006
Registered Nurse Diploma, The Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Cincinnati, Ohio
2014
Master of Science in Nursing & Master of Criminal Justice, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
2019
Family Nurse Practitioner, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
Memberships
AANP- American Association of Nurse
ENA- Emergency Nurses Association
IAFN- International Association of Forensic Nursing
AALNC- American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
Kaitlin is a clinically advanced registered nurse who has practiced for more than a decade delivering care across the lifespan. She has specialized training in pediatrics, sexual abuse and physical trauma. She has practiced in rural and urban facilities including trauma centers. Kaitlin has specialty training and certification in medico legal nursing and has practiced in academic facilities responsible for research, development and application of standards of care.
She was a Clinical Coordinator with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Mayerson Center. With the Mayerson Center she was responsible for training and lecturing physicians, nurses and social workers on identifying, diagnosing and treating pediatric sexual and physical abuse.
2006
Registered Nurse Diploma, The Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Cincinnati, Ohio
2014
Master of Science in Nursing & Master of Criminal Justice, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
2019
Family Nurse Practitioner, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
Memberships
AANP- American Association of Nurse
ENA- Emergency Nurses Association
IAFN- International Association of Forensic Nursing
AALNC- American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
Criminal Charges We Defend
DUI/OVI Defense • Drug Crimes • Traffic Violations • Financial Crimes • Juvenile Defense • Violence Crimes • Domestic Violence • Sex Crimes • Record Sealing • Warrants • Property Crimes • Theft Crimes • Firearms/Weapons Charges • Felony Charges • Violation of Probation
Proudly Respected Legal Organizations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – OACDL – BBB – AVVO – DUI Defense Lawyers Association – Federal Bar Association – American Association for Justice