Hamilton County Public Defender

09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day! Our office will be closed at noon today and all day Monday, September 7, in observance of the holiday.

09/03/2026

Last night’s screening and panel discussion of BABY DOE was an incredibly powerful evening.

The documentary tells the story of Gail Ritchey, who experienced an unperceived pregnancy, also known as pregnancy denial, 30 years ago and was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for murder.

But Gail’s story is not unique. BABY DOE explores the complex realities of unperceived pregnancy and the devastating legal consequences that can follow when these pregnancies end in tragedy. The film also raises important questions about how our legal system understands pregnancy, trauma and reproductive health.

We were honored to continue that conversation with an incredible panel, including BABY DOE director and filmmaker Jessica Earnshaw; Rachel Troutman, an attorney with who represents Gail Ritchey and Emile Weaver, another woman featured in the film; Rhiannon Carnes, founder and executive director of the Ohio Women's Alliance; Laura Sullivan, deputy director of JustChoice; and Dr. Catherine Romanos, medical director of JustChoice.

We are deeply grateful to our co-hosts and sponsors who made this important conversation possible: the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law's Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice; JustChoice; Ohio Women’s Alliance; Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein ; Cara Stewart; and Treleven & Klingensmith.

08/31/2026

August ➡️

We were busy out in the community, welcoming our new attorneys and clinic students, and so much more!

08/28/2026

Join us for a special FREE screening of babydoefilm , followed by a discussion with BABY DOE Director & filmmaker Jessica Earnshaw, Rachel Troutman (Exoneration Project), Rhiannon Carnes (Ohio Women’s Alliance) and Laura Sullivan and Dr. Catherine Romanos (JustChoice)

Thirty years after the death of a newborn known as “Geauga’s Child,” DNA evidence led to the arrest of Gail Ritchey, a mother of three living a quiet suburban life. The film explores her case and the difficult questions it raises about pregnancy, criminalization and belated justice.

The Hamilton County Public Defender is proud to co-host this screening and conversation alongside our community and legal partners.
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 2
🕓 4 p.m.
📍 The Honorable Sandra S. Beckwith Courtroom, Room 160 @ the UC Donald P. Klekamp College of Law

Attorneys can receive 1 hour CLE. RSVP using the link in our bio!

08/26/2026

Join the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office and JustChoice for a screening of Baby Doe, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s director and community advocates. This event is possible through generous sponsorship from Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein; Cara Stewart, Attorney at Law; and TK Law.

Directed by Jessica Earnshaw and executive produced by Sarah Paulson, Baby Doe examines the case of Gail Ritchey, who was convicted decades after the death of her newborn infant. The documentary explores denied pregnancy, the criminal legal system and the complex questions surrounding justice, reproductive health and support.

Panelists include:
Jessica Earnshaw, Director and Filmmaker, Baby Doe
Rachel Troutman, Attorney, The Exoneration Project
Rhiannon Carnes, Founder and Executive Director, Ohio Women’s Alliance
Laura Sullivan, Deputy Director, JustChoice
Dr. Catherine Romanos, Medical Provider, JustCenter and JustChoice

Wednesday, September 2, 4pm - 7pm
Register Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TqSJwQANBt
Donald P. Klekamp College of Law

Learn more about the documentary and watch the trailer at babydoefilm.com

08/21/2026

Join us in welcoming our newest class of full time attorneys and our 2026-2027 Criminal Defense Clinic students! They just finished their orientation and are jumping in to start representing clients next week!

08/15/2026

We are so glad to be back at Hamilton County 513Relief ‘s event! HCPD is here sharing information about our Fresh Start Clinic and Know Your Right materials!

08/14/2026

Tomorrow, Hamilton County (Ohio) Department of Job and Family Services representatives will be at our Back-to-School event to help with SNAP replacement benefits due to recent power outages. More information can be found here: https://www.hcjfs.org/news_detail_T1_R43.php

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and help get you ready for back to school!

📅 Date: Saturday, August 15th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: 8050 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237

This event is an opportunity to connect with hundreds of Hamilton County families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The 513Relief Bus will be providing backpacks, school supplies, back-to-school physicals, fresh produce, creating a fun and resource-filled day for the community.

Providers joining are UC Health , Talbert House, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, Hamilton County Birth Certificates, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, COSI - Center of Science and Industry, and more!

08/13/2026

If you are a SNAP recipient in Hamilton County and lost power for four hours or more, resulting in food spoilage, you may be eligible for replacement food assistance benefits. You must complete a SNAP replacement food application form and submit it to your local county agency within 10 days of the food loss.

You will also need to contact your energy supply company (Duke Energy) and request an email showing verification of your outage dates and times. You can call them at 1-800-544-6900 anytime Monday-Friday from 7 AM - 7 PM (It may take as little as 10 minutes to receive Duke’s verification.)

To learn more and download the SNAP replacement food application visit https://hcjfs.org/news_detail_T1_R43.php

08/12/2026

Scam alert!

Is it a scam? Check for these warning signs!

Warning sign # 5: Being asked to meet someone outside the Justice Center to make a payment. There's only one place to pay bond: Hamilton County bond payments are only ever accepted in person, inside the Justice Center, by authorized staff.

Visit our website for more information: https://www.courtclerk.org/our-office/municipal-court-clerk/municipal-criminal-traffic-division/