Meet Attorney James D. Owen — Experienced Columbus Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer
James Owen is one of Columbus Ohio’s most renowned criminal defense lawyers. With over 35 years of experience in Ohio courtrooms, very few know criminal defense better than attorney Owen. He has an impressive criminal defense victory history and been featured in some of the biggest newspapers in the country. Click below to learn more about Columbus criminal defense attorney James D. Owen.
Trial-Tested Defense
We prepare every case as though it is going to trial, because the cases that are ready to go the distance are the ones that get the strongest results — whether that means a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a not-guilty verdict.
Contact James D. Owen Today
Contact us at JDO Law Firm today for a FREE consultation on your case!
Get In Touch
Homicide & Serious Felony Focus
Few Ohio defense attorneys build the kind of deep experience required for homicide and other high-stakes felony cases — James D. Owen's homicide defense practice reflects years of courtroom work on the state's most serious charges.
Contact James D. Owen Today
Contact us at JDO Law Firm today for a FREE consultation on your case!
Get In Touch
Direct Personal Attention
Your case gets direct, personal attention from one of Ohio's most reputable criminal defense attorneys who has spent 40+ years in Ohio courtrooms — not passed down to junior associates.
Contact James D. Owen Today
Contact us at JDO Law Firm today for a FREE consultation on your case!
Get In Touch
Free Case Consultation
The first step is understanding what you're facing. We offer a free consultation to review the charges against you and explain your options in plain language, before you decide anything.
Contact James D. Owen Today
Contact us at JDO Law Firm today for a FREE consultation on your case!
Get In Touch
A Case Victory Record Like No Other — James D. Owen's Impressive Case Victory Record
In three separate capital murder cases — Donald Hairston, Anthony Bernard Hollman, and William Berry II — Attorney Owen secured not-guilty verdicts against the death penalty, outcomes that are exceedingly rare in Ohio’s court system.
Attorney Owen’s work has also been part of efforts that helped overturn wrongful homicide convictions for Timothy Howard, Gary James, Randy Resh, and Robert Gondor — cases that speak to a deep understanding of how forensic and eyewitness evidence can go wrong.
Click Below to read more about Columbus defense attorney James D. Owen, impressive courtroom record.
Recent case result
See an extensive list of courtroom victories and case results of one of Columbus’ best criminal defense attorneys James D. Owen.
Request a free consulation
Every client we work with starts with a free consultation. Contact Columbus criminal defense attorney James D. Owen Today.
Attorney James D. Owen Recognized In The News
James D. Owen’s cases, trial work, and legal commentary have been featured in respected regional and national media, including Super Lawyers, the Columbus Dispatch, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cincinnati Inquirer, the Springfield News-Sun, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our office location
The Law Office of James D. Owen, LLC is located at 5354 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214 — on North High Street between Clintonville and Worthington, approximately one mile north of Morse Road.
jowen@columbuscriminaldefenseattorney.com
(614) 547-5757
Free case evaluation form
Put the passion, dedication and skill of our criminal defense law firm to work for you.
To make your search for a criminal defense lawyer easier, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal case or situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Ohio
Look for an attorney who has real trial experience with cases like yours, not just plea negotiations. Ask about their
experience with your specific charge type, whether they handle the case personally, and how they communicate throughout
the process. A free consultation is a good opportunity to ask these questions directly.
Criminal defense fees in Ohio vary based on the severity of the charge, whether the case is likely to go to trial, and the
attorney’s experience level — serious charges like homicide or drug trafficking require significantly more preparation time
than a minor misdemeanor. We offer a free consultation to review your case and give you a clear understanding of costs
upfront.
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction in Ohio can create a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and
professional licensing. An attorney can often negotiate reduced charges or alternative outcomes that protect your record in
ways you cannot achieve on your own.
During a free consultation, we review the charges against you, discuss the circumstances of your arrest, and explain your
realistic options going forward. There is no obligation to hire our firm afterward — the goal is making sure you understand
your situation before you decide anything.
No. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you
believe you’re just explaining your side of the story. Contact a criminal defense attorney before answering any questions
beyond identifying yourself.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses generally punishable by up to 180 days in jail, while felonies are more serious
crimes that can carry prison sentences ranging from several months to life. The classification of your charge affects
everything from bail to long-term consequences, which is why it should be confirmed early in your case.
Yes. Attorney James D. Owen has built a significant part of his practice around serious felony cases, including homicide,
aggravated murder, and drug trafficking charges — the cases that demand the deepest trial experience and preparation.
As soon as possible. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and start building
your defense before critical details are lost, and helps make sure you don’t say anything to investigators that could hurt your
case later.