Hal R. Arenstein - Cincinnati, OH
Attorney at Arenstein & Gallagher
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cincinnati, OH
2115 Luray Ave Cincinnati, OH 45206
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
47
Years
Experience
Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Attorney Information
Overview
Hal Arenstein is a 1979 graduate of Case Western Reserve University College of Law. His 35 years of practice has been confined to criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts. He recently was qualified as an expert in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in the Federal District Court in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Arenstein has testified for the defense in a federal criminal case as a witness on the Sentencing Guidelines and the substantial benefit the cooperating co-defendant received in exchange for testifying on behalf of the government. He is a past president of the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and was recently elected to a second term on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers. He formerly served as Co-Chair of the NACDL Membership Committee and through his efforts, membership for NACDL has exceeded 10,000 members. Mr. Arenstein is now Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee.
Mr. Arenstein is a frequent lecturer on various areas of trial practice. His presentations include "Defending Individuals Charged wit Sexually Abusing Children," "Discovery Issues in Complex Criminal Litigation," "Miranda and The Pre-Trial Statement," "Preparing for the Snitch," "Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and The Battered Spouse," "Evidentiary Issues in Drug Prosecutions," "New Developments in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines," and "Preparing to Cross Examine on Forensic Issues Pertaining to the Crime Scene."
Mr. Arenstein has defended citizens accused of crimes in Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama.
Recently, Mr. Arenstein traveled to Cuba as a member of an NACDL sponsored delegation which studied their criminal justice system meeting with professors, legislators, criminal defense counsel and prosecutors.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Outstanding Service Award, United States Dist. Court So. D. of Ohio
- The Jim Looker Award, The Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense League, 2000
Other Sources of Feedback About Hal R. Arenstein
Included on the 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2013 Ohio Super Lawyers list
- 2012 Ohio Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Case Western Reserve University Law School,
Cleveland,
Ohio, 1979
J.D.
-
Case Western Reserve University Law School,
Cleveland,
Ohio, 1979
-
Non Legal Education
-
Denison University,
Granville,
Ohio
B.A.
Honors: With Honors
Major: History
Major: Political Science
-
Denison University,
Granville,
Ohio
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- Gaines & Gaines, Associate, 1979 - 1981
Classes and Seminars
-
Defending Individuals Charged wit Sexually Abusing Children
-
Discovery Issues in Complex Criminal Litigation
-
Miranda and The Pre-Trial Statement
-
Preparing for the Snitch
-
Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and The Battered Spouse
-
Evidentiary Issues in Drug Prosecutions
-
New Developments in the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
-
Preparing to Cross Examine on Forensic Issues Pertaining to the Crime Scene
-
Criminal Trial Practice, Univ. of Cinti Law School, 2006
- Forensic, Univ. of Cinti Law School, 2003 - 2006
Representative Clients
Professional NFL and NBA Athletes
Planned Parenthood of Southern Ohio
Published Works
Articles
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Crime Scene Investigation, National Institute of Justice, January, 2000
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A Guide for Law Enforcement, Writing panel member
Bar Admissions
- Ohio, 1979
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio, 1979
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1987
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1992
Other Affiliations
- Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Past President )
- National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers (Board of Directors)
- National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers (NACDL) (Co-Chair, Membership Committee)
- National Association of Criminal Defense lawyers (NACDL) (Co-Chair, Legislative Committee)
Fraternities and Sororities
- Omega Delta Kappa
Reviews
Customer Reviews for Hal R. Arenstein
Highlights
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1.3 Value
-
1.5 Quality of Service
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1.8 Professional Competence
-
Hired Attorney 2021-2022Took 5000 dollars from my spouse and I because my spouse wouldn't take a plea deal he had already agree to without our informing us wouldn't answer question. I asked should I hire a new attorney he said yes I am done. That was the best thing he could have done my new lawyer is outstanding I wont expose him until right before trial I HAL I am taking the bar and coming for your spot.
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Hired Attorney 2019-2020Overrated and overpriced also makes deals with the prosecutor without telling his client he’s an old school crook
Contact
2115 Luray Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45206
Fax: 513-651-5688
Email: Send a message
Website: https://www.arensteinlaw.com
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