Fortress Law Group

Business Details

17 Years

experience

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys in Willoughby, OH

Established in 2009, Fortress Law Group has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive criminal defense strategies for clients facing misdemeanors, felonies, and juvenile crimes. Our team of attorneys maintains deep expertise in Ohio's legal landscape, staying current with evolving case law and procedural rules to ensure robust representation. We prioritize client trust by offering transparent communication and personalized guidance through complex legal processes.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful case dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable trial outcomes. With offices in Willoughby and Cleveland, we serve clients across Northeast Ohio while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and client education through blogs, videos, and community initiatives.

Services

Criminal Defense DUI Defense Drug Crimes Sex Crimes Federal Criminal Defense Juvenile Defense Expungement Appeals Domestic Violence White Collar Crimes

Details

Year established: 2009

Highlights and features

We have over 15 years of combined experience in criminal defense law
Our team includes former prosecutors with insider knowledge of legal strategies
We maintain active memberships in multiple legal associations for continued education
We offer flexible consultation times including online portal access
Our attorneys have secured numerous case dismissals and charge reductions

What people say

Very knowledgeable Professional and effective Positive court outcome Exceptional legal representation Highly recommend

Website

Update Listing

Services

Criminal Defense

Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Ohio courts. We handle cases ranging from DUI and drug offenses to violent crimes and white-collar charges. Our team develops tailored defense strategies using prosecutorial insights and thorough evidence analysis to protect clients' rights and freedom.

DUI Defense

Specialized DUI/OVI defense services include challenging chemical test results and police procedures. We represent clients facing first-time or repeat offenses, license suspensions, and enhanced penalties. Our attorneys leverage technical knowledge of breathalyzer calibration and field sobriety testing to build strong defense cases.

Drug Crimes

We defend clients charged with drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing offenses. Our approach includes challenging search and seizure procedures while addressing addiction issues through alternative sentencing options. We work to minimize criminal records and protect future employment opportunities for clients facing drug-related charges.

Sex Crimes

Our firm handles sex crime allegations including rape, child pornography, and registration requirements. We employ discreet investigative strategies while challenging forensic evidence and witness credibility. We work to prevent lifetime registration requirements and protect clients' reputations through aggressive courtroom advocacy.

Federal Criminal Defense

We represent clients in federal criminal cases involving drug trafficking, fraud, and white-collar crimes. Our experience includes challenging federal sentencing guidelines and presenting mitigation strategies. We navigate complex federal procedures to protect clients' rights during investigations and trial proceedings.

People

Matthew C. Bangerter

Criminal Defense Attorney

Former Assistant Prosecutor with 15+ years of criminal law experience. Member of Ohio Bar Association and multiple defense lawyer associations. Specializes in DUI defense, drug crimes, and violent offense cases.

Mia Severino

Sales And Marketing Coordinator

Community-focused team member since 2021. Manages client communications and coordinates marketing initiatives. Active participant in Willoughby community development efforts.

Shannon Blankenship

Legal Professional

Key team member supporting client services and case management. Contributes to the firm's operational efficiency and client support systems.

Questions

What should I do immediately after being charged with a crime?

Contact our office immediately for legal guidance. Avoid discussing your case with anyone else and preserve all evidence that might support your defense.

How can I get my criminal charges reduced or dismissed?

Our attorneys investigate all aspects of your case, challenge evidence admissibility, and negotiate with prosecutors to seek charge reductions or dismissals.

Do you handle both misdemeanor and felony cases?

Yes, we represent clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, and violent crimes.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Ohio?

Eligibility depends on case outcome and offense type. We help clients navigate Ohio's expungement process to seal eligible criminal records.

What happens during a free consultation?

We'll review your case details, explain legal options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances during a free initial consultation.

Videos

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Thomas Pattison

Jun 21, 2021 Report

I WAS INVOLVED IN A CASE WHERE IT WAS A SCAM TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OFF THE INSURANCE COMPANY.... I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO FIGHT IT AS I WAS INNOCENT ... GEICO WAS THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY WERE GREAT... THEY DID NOT LAY DOWN AND JUST PAY OUT... THEY DID A TOTAL INVESTIGATION AND FOUND ME INNOCENT OF ALL... GEICO SAID THESE SCAMS ARE GOING ON ALLOVER THE COUNTRY AND THEY WERE TIRED OF IT.... MATT WAS MY ATTORNEY AND NOW HE HAD TO FIGHT FOR ME TO GET THE COURT TO SAY THE SAME THING... THE CASE TOOK FOUR MONTHS OF MY LIFE UP AND PUT HUGE STRESS ON ME AND MY HEALTH... MATT WAS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Kristina Ambrosia-Conn

May 06, 2021 Report

At my most vulnerable, Matt was there to keep me grounded. Aside from his obvious intelligence, he is kind and truly does want the best for his clients. He never hesitated to make time for me (or my tears). I've used him as counsel on three different occasions and each time he has gotten me the desired results. I trust him with those things I hold most valuable - my life, my liberty, and my sanity :) I'm grateful to have found him when I did.

Steve Nagy

Apr 28, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Went the extra mile to get me the outcome I deserved.

Lisa Osborne

Jan 19, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Matt is very knowledgeable and ALWAYS goes up and beyond to make sure that all your needs are met. He is and always will be my attorney. Highly recommended.

Madison

Jan 04, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Matt was very helpful in my case, walked me through each step along the way as well. He made the process very easy and as simple as he could. Very professional, as well as responsive to any of my many questions given. I would recommend his business to anyone!

Anthony Fende

Sep 25, 2020 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Matt Bangerter was great, i got better results then i had expected i would get. If in the future i need legal representation, i would call bangerter law again. Thanks you

Diane Foradis

Aug 30, 2020 Report

Matt was outstanding! Our family would like to thank Matt from Bangerter law office for his excellent service! Our daughter was wrongfully sighted for an accident she did not cause. Thanks to Matt the case was thrown out. We are so grateful to Matt for taking the stress off our shoulders! He was very easy to talk to, kind and comforting!