After 25+ years practicing law, Lori closed her practice in April, 2021 and is enjoying a new career as a park ranger.
Over 20 years of trial experience
Lori Rankin tried over 60 criminal cases to juries during the 25 years she practiced law, including cases involving murder, rape, felonious assault, aggravated robbery and other serious felonies, as well as misdemeanors such as OVI/DUI and domestic violence. Lori also tried many custody and divorce matters, handled adoptions, and argued cases in several courts of appeals, including the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Lori was licensed to practice law in 1995, and began her career with the Ohio Public Defender's Office. After 10 years as public defender, Lori opened her own law practice in Chillicothe, where she shared office space with attorney and mentor, Jim Boulger, for many years. Lori expanded her practice in 2006 to include family law as well as criminal defense.
Lori resided in Pickaway County where she raised 2 daughters. In addition to time with family and friends, Lori enjoys hiking, kayaking, fishing, and camping, particularly in our national and state parks.
A few cases Lori handled:
State v. Brandon Blevins, Ross County Case No. 20 CR 110, 1 count of Rape, a first degree felony with a life specification, and 2 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, both third degree felonies. Client found not guilty on all counts after a 2 day jury trial.
State v. Patron Steele, Ross County Case No. 19 CR 313, 1 count of Possession of Heroin, a second degree felony, and 1 count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a third degree felony. Client's motion to suppress based on violation of his constitutional (4th amendmenet) rights granted by the trial court after an evidentiary hearing. Because the evidence was suppressed (not allowed to be presented in court at trial), the case was dismissed.
State v. Bret Henry, Fayette County Case No. CR 2017 0174, 1 count of Endangering Children, a third degree felony, involving a lawn mower accident and small child. Co-defendant was convicted; the jury hung 6-6 on the client's charge, which the State ultimately dismissed.
State v. David Rutter, Ross County Case Number 14 CR 313, 2 counts of felonious assault with firearm and peace officer specifications, tried to a jury June 22-26, 2015. Client found not guilty on the felony counts and guilty on the lesser, misdemeanor offenses of aggravated menacing.
State v. Kendrick Young, Ross County Case Number 14 CR 464, complicity to aggravated robbery. Client found not guilty by a jury.
State v. Harry Duffield, Ross County Case Number 09 CR 186, 3 counts of felonious assault with firearm specifications. Jury found client not guilty on all counts.
State v. Logan Murphy, Ross County Case Number 13 CR 183, aggravated murder case tried to a jury with a not guilty by reason of insanity defense which did not prevail.
State v. Danny Gee, Ross County Case Number 09 CR 90, 2 counts of complicity to aggravated murder and 1 count of complicity to aggravated robbery. Pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, the murder charges were dismissed and client received 8 years on the aggravated robbery charge.