Office: Hamilton County – Ohio First District Court of Appeals
Age: 43
Residence: Cincinnati, OH
Email: keepjudgedeters@gmail.com
Website: www.dennisdeters.com
Occupation: Judge
Education: B.A. University of Notre Dame, Government and English;
J.D. University of Cincinnati College of Law
Work Experience: Litigator, Trial Attorney 2000-2107; Judge 2017-
2018
Family: Married with 3 Children
Affiliations: Member, St. James White Oak Catholic Church; Ohio Bar
Association; Cincinnati Bar Association
Endorsements: Hamilton County Republican Party, Greater Cincinnati
Right to Life
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge, Ohio First District Court of Appeals 2017-2018
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a
judge?
I have 17 years of experience in the practice of law, representing
hundreds of clients in both criminal and civil matters in both state and
federal courts. I began my career defending local governments and
police officers. I also served as a public defender. I have handled civil
rights claims, injury claims, zoning and land use disputes, contract
claims, and business disputes, among a wide diversity of cases. I owned
my own business and served as a member of Operation Legal Help
Ohio, which provides free legal services to veterans. I’ve also served as
a Township Trustee and County Commissioner. These positions have
given me the unique perspective of a policymaker, which has given me a
heightened respect for the rule of law and separation of power. My wife
and I are raising our young children in Hamilton County. Our elected
officials are shaping the future for the next generation. I believe I have a
vested interest in good government, smart public service, and the
protection of liberty in our Court system.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I became a lawyer because I promised myself that my career choice
would be one of service to others. I was taught and believe that a life
well led is one of service. I fulfilled that promise in many ways by being
able to help many people throughout my career through some of their
most difficult times. Now, as a Court of Appeals Judge, I am able to
continue to serve our community by protecting and defending the rule
of law, the Constitution of the United States, and the Ohio
Constitution. I recognize that Judges need to understand their role in
government as a member of the Judicial Branch. We are to be
guardians of liberty by giving the law, as enacted and codified by the
people–through their directly elected representatives–absolute
respect and deference under the Constitution. I believe that we are a
government of the people, and I’m running to keep my seat on Ohio’s
Court of Appeals because I believe I am well suited to honor that
principle.