by David HarveyVeteran’s Day Seminar 11/11/26
In partnership with Friends to Indigent, we are happy to announce the return of the Veteran’s Day CLE Seminar on November 11, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 3:15pm at the Holloman Center for Social Justice, 3539 Reading Road, Suite 100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229. This program has been approved for 5 hours of CLE credit by the Ohio Supreme Court, including 1.25 hours of Professional Conduct CLE. See attached flyer and agenda for more details!
To register, please use this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/apEvZRtepB.
We look forward to seeing you all in November!
If you have any questions please contact
Ruby Wilz
Training Director & Attorney at Law
Hamilton County Public Defender
230 E. 9th Street, 3rd Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Cell Phone: (513) 596-5199
rwilz@hamiltoncountypd.org
she/her/hers
DIGNITY * JUSTICE * HOPE
by David HarveyRay Faller’s Retirement Party – May 13, 2026
by Amanda CarterReport Finds Racial Disparities in Police Pedestrian and Traffic Stops
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Amanda Carter, Executive Communications and Policy Specialist
Email: ACarter@hamiltoncountypd.org
Phone: 859-445-9413
Report Finds Racial Discrimination in Police Pedestrian and Traffic Stops
Cincinnati, OH – The Law Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender has a duty to defend the constitutional rights of our clients. Through that work, we necessarily protect the rights of our community, including the right to be free of unreasonable stops, searches, and seizures. It is neither reasonable nor acceptable to target someone based on their race, but we unfortunately saw this happening to our clients.
Campaign Zero released a report yesterday that shows our clients were not outliers. Their research found that in 2025, Cincinnati police officers:
- Stopped Black people 3.4 times more often than White people
- Stopped Black pedestrians 5.4 times more often than White pedestrians
- Stopped Black drivers 3.2 times more often than White drivers
The City of Cincinnati has been collecting data on self-initiated officer stops for decades, as part of the Collaborative Agreement. Contact card data is available to the public on a city website, but has historically been difficult to understand, given the way that website presents it. As lawyers, we did not have the expertise to properly analyze this data; Campaign Zero offered to provide that expertise at no cost to taxpayers. We thank their researchers for caring about our community enough to bring clarity to this data. We thank their data analysts for working with us and the City to ensure the analysis included the necessary context and understanding.
The City collects this data to identify problems and seek early solutions. A better understanding of this data will help guide our community in attaining the goals of the Collaborative Agreement and achieving transparency around progress.
We are disappointed by what the data shows, but we are committed to being part of discussions about how to move forward. As we recognize the progress that has been made since 2001, we must also acknowledge there is significant work left to do to ensure that Cincinnati is a place where everyone feels safe. Fairness is a critical component to safety, and our community deserves both.
Angela Chang, incoming chief public defender for Hamilton County, responded: “Our clients are our biggest priority. These kinds of stops, even when they don’t result in criminal convictions, cause lasting harm. They undermine trust, break down relationships between community and their government, and erode constitutional protections. We hope this report is the beginning of a renewed conversation on how to improve policing in Cincinnati.”
For more information about the report or its findings, contact press@campaignzero.org.
by David HarveyFresh Start Closed
Just a reminder: Fresh Start is closed this week for the holidays. We will return on our next scheduled Fresh Start day.
Wishing you a safe, joyful, and relaxing holiday week!
by David Harvey3 expanding changes to the Expungement Laws starting in March!
On March 19, 2025, there will be three changes that will expand eligibility for record sealing and/or expungement of a person’s convictions. This date also coincides with our office’s second Fresh Start Expungement Clinic in March.
• Convictions for Violating a
Protection Order are now
eligible to be sealed.
• Convictions for Domestic
Violence which are
misdemeanors of the third
degree are now eligible to be
sealed.
• Generally, a person may not
have more than two convictions
for felonies of the third degree
sealed or expunged. But as of
March 19, in certain
circumstances where the
third-degree felonies were
committed close in time, more
than two may eligible.
We encourage everyone to attend one of our Fresh Start Clinics on or after March 19 to determine if these expansions in eligibility may be able to assist them.
by David HarveyFresh Start will be closed for the Holiday!
Fresh Start Clinic will be closed for the holiday! Please visit us at our next clinic.
by David HarveyHamilton County Public Defender Office Visits Caracole
On Friday, June 14, 2024, the Hamilton County Public Defender office had the distinct opportunity to visit Caracole, a renowned HIV advocacy organization based in Cincinnati’s Northside. This visit provided an in-depth look into Caracole’s vital work and the challenges faced by individuals affected by HIV/AIDS within the criminal justice system.
Caracole has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive services and support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, significantly impacting the community. The organization offers a range of programs aimed at promoting health equity and cultural competency, addressing the unique needs of their clients.
During the visit, the Hamilton County Public Defender office learned about the various strategies Caracole employs to support those affected by HIV/AIDS. These strategies include advocating for the decriminalization of HIV, which is a crucial step towards reducing stigma and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals regardless of their health status.
Caracole’s efforts to promote health equity involve comprehensive education and outreach programs designed to enhance understanding and foster inclusive environments. Their commitment to cultural competency ensures that their services are accessible and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of their clients.
This engagement highlighted the significant challenges faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly within the criminal justice system. Stigma and discrimination often exacerbate these challenges, making the work of organizations like Caracole even more essential. By advocating for decriminalization and providing unwavering support, Caracole aims to create a fairer, more equitable society for all.
The visit to Caracole was an enlightening experience for the Hamilton County Public Defender office, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and understanding in addressing the complex issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. Caracole’s dedication and advocacy continue to inspire and drive positive change within the community.
by David HarveyAngela Chang & Stan Ross Address Youth Justice on ‘Cincinnati Edition’
In a compelling segment on Cincinnati Edition, HCPD’s Angela Chang teamed up with Stan Ross, Executive Director of the Positive Influence Team, to shed light on a pressing issue: kids involved in car thefts and their journey through the juvenile justice system.
With a focus on understanding the dynamics behind juvenile offending, Angela and Stan delved into what happens when these young individuals enter the juvenile court system, exploring the factors driving their behavior and the challenges they face.
Highlighting the innovative approach of Stan’s Credible Messenger program, the discussion offered hope and solutions for addressing youth offending and reducing recidivism rates.
Listeners can catch the full segment here and learn more about the Positive Influence Team by visiting the link right here. Join us in supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on our youth and communities.
by David HarveyExpungement Information Sessions: Navigating Towards A Better Future
Residents of Hamilton County February 29th and March 1st participated in Expungement Information sessions hosted by the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio in collaboration with the Public Defender’s Office.
The sessions, aimed at providing vital information about expungement and sealing records, with the support of the Justice Bus and Civic Engagement Unit, individuals received valuable resources and assistance, ensuring they were equipped with the knowledge needed to navigate.
In addition to gaining insights into expungement procedures, attendees were treated to snacks and refreshments, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for learning and empowerment.
These sessions underscored the commitment of the community to promoting justice and providing opportunities for individuals to move forward positively in their lives. By empowering residents with the information and resources they need to clear their records, the Urban League and the Public Defender’s Office are fostering a culture of second chances and redemption.
Expungement Information Sessions Recap