A Message To Parents

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima represents many college students and Miami University students that have been arrested or charged with underage drinking, theft, fake id, or disorderly conduct.

Unfortunately, some young people may just want to plead guilty or no contest to “get it over with.” This can be a very dangerous decision, as even a misdemeanor criminal record can be a permanent mark on your sons or daughters, and may complicate getting a job, getting into graduate school, or getting a professional license.

Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima makes every effort to help students avoid a permanent criminal record. Even if such a record cannot be avoided, we do everything we can to minimize damage, recognizing that your child’s future may be at stake.

Be very careful before entering a guilty plea or a no contest plea to what appears to be a “drinking ticket” or a minor matter, just “to be done with it.” Consult with a competent attorney so that you understand all of your options and the ramifications of the legal process.

Letter From Charles H. Rittgers To Miami Parents

Miami University students frequently appear in Area I Court (Oxford) in Butler County after being arrested by either the Oxford Police Department or Miami University Security Police. The crimes vary from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, all of which have a major consequence to the students’ futures. College students are frequently charged with crimes ranging from disorderly conduct to drunk driving (DUI/OVI), underage consumption, burglary (where a student is found drunk in someone else’s house or room), and other crimes. Even though these crimes are commonplace, a conviction can carry significant consequences.

I am Charles H. Rittgers, and as a graduate of Miami University, a father of two adult children, and a lawyer who has practiced in the criminal arena since 1978, I know firsthand how serious a criminal conviction is to a young student’s future. A conviction can be a career-ending event and, among other things, can significantly diminish job opportunities and student loans.

Oxford Court (referred to as Butler County Area I Court) sees a variety of student cases, many of which begin with a serious charge. If your son or daughter is charged and you are at a loss as to what to do, you must hire an attorney to help navigate the criminal justice system in Oxford Area I Court, Butler County. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

After a Miami University student is charged, the student will be given a summons to appear in court. At the initial appearance – which is the first time they appear in Oxford’s Area I Court – the accused should enter a not-guilty plea. The next event to occur is the pretrial where the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the officers discuss the merits of the case. Often, a negotiated plea can be worked out; however, everything depends on the facts of the incident and the merits of the case.

I have handled many cases in Oxford ranging from underage consumption to rape, and I strongly advise you to get competent counsel.

Free Attorney Consultation

To talk to an experienced lawyer about your case, call us toll free at 513-496-0134 or e-mail us today. Our offices in Cincinnati, Lebanon and Oxford help clients across Ohio. Our Oxford office is across the street from the Butler County Area 1 County Court.