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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Medina, OH: 2026 rankings

154 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Medina: William B Norman-Defending Ohio, LFR Score 70/100; 4.9★ from 226 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 154.

  3. 3

    Most-reviewed: The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys, 393 Google reviews at 5.0★, the most of 154 ranked; ranked #3.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

154 Medina criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 41 are open 24/7, 59 open Saturdays and 42 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 154 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Medina at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Medina at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1William B Norman-Defending Ohio704.9★ (226)Berea, 17 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys694.7★ (169)Strongsville, 11 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys695.0★ (393)Shaker Heights, 28 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)Most reviews
4Benson Legal Team694.9★ (199)Akron, 18 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
5Malek Law Firm LLC684.9★ (169)Cuyahoga Falls, 19 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Watson Kuhlman, LLC684.9★ (345)Cleveland, 27 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7HMW Law684.8★ (364)Cleveland, 27 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
8The Elkhatib Law Office | Cleveland Criminal Defense674.9★ (156)Cleveland, 25 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Godinsky Law LLC675.0★ (42)Strongsville, 12 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
10Mishak Law674.7★ (237)Amherst, 26 mi awayOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 154 criminal defense lawyers in Medina, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  1. Ranked #1 in Medina

    Based in Berea, 17 mi away

    70/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 226 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 226 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    115 Lincoln Ave, Berea, OH 44017
  2. 69/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 169 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 169 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    16855 Foltz Industrial Pkwy Suite 1, Strongsville, OH 44149
  3. 69/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 393 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 393 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    20600 Chagrin Blvd #1100, Shaker Heights, OH 44122
  4. Based in Akron, 18 mi away

    69/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 199 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 199 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    209 S Main St #401, Akron, OH 44308
  5. Based in Cuyahoga Falls, 19 mi away

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 169 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 169 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    2347 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
  6. Based in Cleveland, 27 mi away

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 345 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 345 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    75 Erieview Plz Ste 108, Cleveland, OH 44114
  7. Based in Cleveland, 27 mi away

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 364 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 364 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1231 Superior Ave Ste 200, Cleveland, OH 44114
  8. 67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 156 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 156 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    2012 W 25th St #501, Cleveland, OH 44113
  9. Based in Strongsville, 12 mi away

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 42 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 42 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    13702 Pearl Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136
  10. Based in Amherst, 26 mi away

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 237 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 237 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    Professional Office Building, 199 N Leavitt Rd Ste 200, Amherst, OH 44001
  11. 66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 235 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 235 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    600 Superior Ave E #1358, Cleveland, OH 44114
  12. Based in Akron, 19 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 187 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 187 Google reviews
    Address
    190 N Union St #102, Akron, OH 44304
  13. Based in Cleveland, 26 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 98 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 98 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1444 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
  14. Based in Strongsville, 12 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 51 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 51 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    15300 Pearl Rd #130, Strongsville, OH 44136
  15. Based in Akron, 18 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.5★ from 94 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 94 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    209 S Main St 3rd floor, Akron, OH 44308
  16. 65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 105 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 105 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    3912 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115
  17. Based in Cleveland, 27 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 380 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 380 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    75 Public Square #920, Cleveland, OH 44113
  18. Based in Wooster, 24 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 59 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    439 N Market St, Wooster, OH 44691
  19. Based in Cleveland, 27 mi away

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.6★ from 69 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 69 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    323 W Lakeside Ave #450, Cleveland, OH 44113
  20. Based in Cleveland, 30 mi away

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 39 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 39 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    20620 John Carroll Blvd #216, Cleveland, OH 44118
  21. 62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 18 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    6100 Oak Tree Blvd Ste 200, Independence, OH 44131
  22. Based in Lakewood, 24 mi away

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    14900 Detroit Ave Mezzanine, Lakewood, OH 44107

Criminal defense lawyers ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 154 ranked criminal defense lawyers here; the rest are on their profiles.

criminal defense lawyers in Medina, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Smith Legal Services, Co. LPA624.3★ (16)20 mi
27Edward R. La Rue, Attorney at Law614.5★ (56)27 mi
28Patituce & Associates, LLC613.8★ (11)18 mi
29Christopher G. Thomarios, Esq. LLC614.7★ (18)13 mi
30The Law Office of Daniel M. Margolis, LLC614.2★ (21)26 mi
31The Gaulding Law Firm604.9★ (31)26 mi
32The Law Office of Scott J. Friedman604.6★ (11)27 mi
33Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant L.L.C.604.8★ (97)27 mi
34Carolyn Kaye Ranke Attorney at Law604.6★ (33)27 mi
35Student Legal Services, Kent State594.7★ (89)26 mi
36JAMES SIDNEY JONES ATTORNEY AT LAW594.4★ (50)27 mi
37The Law Office of Zachary J. Jones595.0★ (23)18 mi
38The Law Office of Craig W. Smotzer, LLC594.9★ (11)27 mi
39Vincent I. Pacetti, Esq. - Parma, OH Criminal Justice Lawyer584.7★ (13)21 mi
40Justin Kerr Law585.0★ (5)15 mi
41Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys584.3★ (7)29 mi
42St Marie Law Firm Co LPA583.9★ (16)20 mi
43VanHo Law584.0★ (23)22 mi
44Gentile Law, LLC585.0★ (12)27 mi
45Law Office of Ian R. Crawford584.0★ (15)19 mi
46Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd.584.9★ (144)22 mi
47Jacob T. Will, Attorney at Law584.1★ (44)18 mi
48Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.585.0★ (10)22 mi
49Mooney Law Office584.1★ (9)27 mi
50Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Westlake575.0★ (108)23 mi

Also serving Medina

20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Medina
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
AJLJ Law4.9★ (148)26 mi
AJLJ Law4.7★ (12)17 mi
Bailey Law Firm4.0★ (17)In Medina
Blakemore Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A.4.3★ (36)20 mi
Courtney Lawrence J4.7★ (20)In Medina
David L. McArtor & Co.3.5★ (40)In Medina
Erb Legal LLC4.7★ (198)In Medina
Gary H. Levine3.2★ (9)28 mi
Grubb & Associates, LPA2.7★ (19)In Medina
James L. Burdon5.0★ (3)19 mi
JBC Lawyers aka John Brooks Cameron & Associates5.0★ (154)In Medina
John P. Hildebrand Co LPA4.4★ (5)20 mi
Jones Ray3.9★ (57)In Medina
Justin C. Miller Esq.3.0★ (28)In Medina
Law Offices of Ivan Petrovic5.0★ (26)In Medina
Oberholtzer & Filous LPA3.4★ (26)In Medina
Piszczek Law4.2★ (12)In Medina
Scott Rilley4.8★ (4)18 mi
Skidmore & Hall Co, LPA4.5★ (18)In Medina
The ABW Law Firm, LLC4.4★ (15)In Medina

How we ranked Medina criminal defense lawyers

We scored 154 Medina criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Medina data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in Medina: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Medina?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Medina, OH is William B Norman-Defending Ohio with an LFR Score of 70/100. It has 4.9★ from 226 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys (#2) and The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3) follow. We ranked 154 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Medina?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 154 criminal defense lawyers serving Medina, OH. 1 of them is based in Medina; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Medina are open 24/7?

41 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Medina post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are William B Norman-Defending Ohio (#1), Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys (#2) and The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Medina work on weekends?

59 of 154 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 42 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are William B Norman-Defending Ohio (#1), Patituce & Associates - Ohio Criminal Defense Attorneys (#2) and The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Medina criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 154 rated criminal defense lawyers in Medina is 4.6★, with a median of 22 reviews. The Botnick Law Firm | DUI/OVI and Criminal Defense Attorneys has the most, 393 reviews, and ranks #3. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside Medina count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Medina city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in Medina, OH charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Medina, OH ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Medina?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Medina

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 154 criminal defense lawyers serving Medina.