Learn More About Our Akron DUI & Criminal Attorneys

Michael R. Puterbaugh
Managing Attorney

Michael is passionate about Criminal Defense. Michael earned a political science degree from Mount Union College and went on to get his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He has since served as an assistant prosecutor at both the misdemeanor and felony levels. He worked as corporate counsel to large companies and was a partner at a well establish law firm.

Michael is a well-rounded attorney with the experience and knowledge that comes from practicing law for almost 30 years. He has also taught American National Government and Constitutional Law at Mount Union College. He is Death Penalty certified and is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Michael is now using his years of experience, including numerous bench and jury trials and conducting multitudes of motions to suppress, to the benefit of our criminal defense clients.

Michael is the founder of HOF Player Representatives, a company that helps professional athletes further their careers. He has represented dozens players on NFL teams, as well as players on Canadian Football teams.

Joseph Suhre
Principal

Joe Suhre owns Suhre & Associates, LLC and is the principal attorney in the firm. Joe has dedicated his practice to the defense of OVI cases. His caseload is virtually 100% DUI/OVI cases.

Not only does Joe have over 11 years experience with OVI defense, he also spent 5 years as a police officer. He has represented hundreds of clients before dozens of judges, primarily in DUI cases. These qualifications make Joe an excellent defense attorney for clients facing OVI charges.

Joe’s legal career started out on the “other side” as a police officer. The skills he learned on the police force give Joe a different perspective than many other attorneys.

When presented with an OVI charge, the first place Joe looks is to the actions of the police officer. He uses his knowledge of police practices and training standards to uncover missteps made by the arresting officer.

Joe was named a Leading Lawyer in the field of DUI/OVI defense in 2006 by Cincy Business magazine. In 2007, 2008, 2009 2010, and 2011 Joe also received the award from Cincy Business magazine. In the field of DUI/OVI defense, Joe was named a Rising Star Super Lawyer in Columbus Monthly magazine in 2011.

Joe uses a simple method for handling his cases. He just treats his clients the way he’d want to be treated if he were the one in need of an attorney. He also does the best job he possibly can. These practices are used by Joe as well as the other Suhre & Associates lawyers. It is simply the way the firm works and it is the main reason they are so successful.

The other main driving force is the people. Whether it is a legal secretary, paralegal, administrative assistant, or an attorney – everyone at the firm is dedicated to performing at 100% of their ability and to treating each client with dignity, courtesy, and respect. The firm’s people are what make it a success, and these people include those who work at the firm and its clients.

Suhre & Associates, LLC is an aggressive law firm and that’s how Joe and the attorney team designed it. One aspect of the firm’s culture is to make sure that every defense option is explored and no stone is left unturned. The success of Suhre & Associates is due to their attorneys’ principles that insist they explore all the facts, weigh all legal options, formulate a plan and systematically carry out that plan.

Joe holds licenses to practice law in the states of Kentucky and Ohio as well as the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. He is a graduate of Xavier University and the Cincinnati College of Law. He is married and has two sons.

Erica Carey
Office Manager

Erica Carey is currently the office manager with Suhre & Associates, she was hired on as a legal assistant in 2010. She maintains and oversees the day to day function of the office and works closely with the owner and partner, Joe Suhre.

Erica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Xavier University in 2007. She began working in the legal field following several years of experience in a banking position. Prior to joining Suhre & Associates she worked under the Hamilton County Assignment Commissioner for two years. She has since maintained a cohesive relationship between the courts, attorneys and clients. Her organizational and communication skills have prepared her for working with clients facing legal challenges.