People accused of crimes as well as parents whose children are facing criminal charges all have the same basic need: the help of a lawyer who will advocate effectively and minimize the consequences involved. In short, they need strength.
I am Andrew H. Stevenson, Attorney at Law. From offices in Lancaster and Athens, Ohio, I provide strong defense solutions for clients against a range of criminal charges. My Ph.D. in criminology and more than 20 years of criminal defense experience give me unique knowledge and insight regarding forensic evidence and the scientific aspects of my clients' cases.
In addition to my experience and training, I am:
• Certified by the Ohio Supreme Court as lead counsel in death penalty cases (learn more about the qualifications required to handle death penalty murder trials)
• Former president of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (OACDL) 09-10
• A lifetime charter member of Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America
• A recipient of the 2015 Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
• A recipient of the Top 10 Attorney Award for Ohio from the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• A member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• Columbus CEO Magazine Top Lawyer Criminal Defense 2015, 2016
• Rated 10.0 (Superb) as a Top Attorney, criminal defense, on Avvo
My knowledge, experience and training, combined with my aggressive, strategic approach to criminal defense in the courtroom, provide my clients with the strength they need in criminal cases.
FINDING CRIMINAL DEFENSE SOLUTIONS TO OVERCOME DIFFICULT TIMES
No amount of legal experience and training makes a difference unless one gets results. Leaning on my training and working with Athens private investigator Stan Molnar on many of my cases, I have a remarkable record of successful case results.
Make no mistake; facing criminal charges is a very serious matter. Even seemingly minor charges could have a ripple effect on the rest of your life. If you are seeking criminal defense solutions for yourself or a college-aged son or daughter, you only have one chance to protect your rights and protect your future.
HONORS AND AWARDS
• Best Attorneys In America by Rue Ratings: Lifetime Charter Member
• Recipient of the 2015 Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
• National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys: Top 10 Attorney Award for Ohio
• Member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS COUNSEL IN CAPITAL MURDER CASES
I am qualified by the Ohio Supreme Court as lead counsel in death penalty cases. In order to obtain lead counsel designation, the Supreme Court requires that an attorney possess all of the following qualifications:
1. Admission to the practice of law in Ohio or admission to practice pro hac vice;
2. Demonstrated commitment to providing high-quality legal representation in the defense of capital cases;
3. Substantial knowledge and understanding of the relevant state, federal, and international law, both procedural and substantive, governing capital cases;
4. Skill in the management and conduct of complex negotiations and litigation;
5. Skill in legal research, analysis, and the drafting of litigation documents;
6. Skill in oral advocacy;
7. Skill in the use of expert witnesses and familiarity with common areas of forensic investigation, including fingerprints, ballistics, arson, forensic pathology, and DNA evidence;
8. Skill in the investigation, preparation, and presentation of evidence bearing upon mental status;
9. Skill in the investigation, preparation, and presentation of mitigating evidence;
10. Skill in the elements of trial advocacy, such as jury selection, cross-examination of witnesses, and opening and closing statements.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
• President, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, an organization of the leading criminal defense lawyers in Ohio, 2009
• Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Board of Directors, 2002 - Present
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2003 - Present
