WILLIAM J RAPP
William R. Rapp is the founder and managing attorney of Rapp Law, where he has dedicated his career to protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals facing criminal charges throughout Southwest Ohio. With decades of courtroom experience and a reputation for aggressive advocacy, Bill has built one of the region's premier criminal defense practices by combining strategic legal representation with a commitment to personalized client service.
As an accomplished trial attorney, Bill has successfully defended clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including felony and misdemeanor offenses, OVI/DUI cases, drug crimes, violent offenses, domestic violence allegations, theft offenses, and other serious criminal charges. His extensive trial experience, negotiation skills, and comprehensive understanding of Ohio's criminal justice system have earned him the trust of clients facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Under Bill's leadership, Rapp Law has assembled a team of experienced attorneys with backgrounds that include former prosecutors, accomplished trial lawyers, and skilled family law practitioners. This collaborative approach allows the firm to provide clients with exceptional legal representation backed by decades of combined courtroom experience.Bill believes that every client deserves an attorney who is accessible, honest, and willing to fight tirelessly on their behalf. From the initial consultation through the resolution of a case, he is committed to providing clear communication, practical legal advice, and aggressive advocacy tailored to each client's unique circumstances. His philosophy is simple: every case matters, every client deserves respect, and every defense should be thoroughly prepared.
Beyond the courtroom, Bill has built Rapp Law on the principles of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. His leadership has established the firm as a trusted legal resource for individuals and families throughout Clermont County and the surrounding communities.

Practice Areas
Criminal Defense - Felony & Misdemeanor Defense - OVI / DUI Defense - Drug Offenses-Domestic Violence Defense - Theft & Property Crimes
Violent Crimes - Juvenile Criminal Matters - Traffic Offenses

As the founder of Rapp Law, William R. Rapp continues to lead a team committed to providing experienced, results-driven representation and protecting the rights of clients throughout every stage of the criminal justice process.

JOSHUA CROUSEY
Joshua R. Crousey is an experienced trial attorney whose practice is dedicated to defending individuals facing serious criminal charges throughout Southwest Ohio. With nearly two decades of legal experience, Josh has built a reputation for thorough case preparation, strategic advocacy, and relentless representation in both trial and appellate courts. His commitment to protecting his clients' rights has earned him recognition among The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40. Josh earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Grove City College before attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Law on a prestigious Dean's Scholarship. During law school, he clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and later practiced with a respected Minneapolis law firm before joining Rapp Law. Since making Clermont County his home, Josh has focused his practice on criminal defense, representing clients in cases ranging from OVI/DUI offenses and traffic violations to drug crimes, weapons offenses, violent felonies, sex offenses, vehicular homicide, and homicide cases. He has successfully represented clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from investigations and pretrial motions through jury trials, appeals, and post-conviction proceedings. In addition to his courtroom work, Josh is recognized for his knowledge of complex criminal law issues. In 2020, he was selected to present at the Peace Officer Research Association of California (PORAC) Conference in Las Vegas, where he spoke on the legal response to officer-involved vehicular manslaughter and assault cases. His experience handling high-profile and legally complex matters has made him a trusted advocate for clients facing life-changing criminal allegations. Josh believes every client deserves an attorney who will listen, communicate honestly, and fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or standing before a jury, he is committed to providing aggressive, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every step of the legal process.

Practice Areas
Criminal Defense - Felony & Misdemeanor Defense - OVI / DUI Defense - Drug Offenses-Weapons Charges - Violent Crimes
Sex Offenses - Criminal Appeals - Traffic Offenses

At Rapp Law, Joshua combines extensive courtroom experience with a client-first approach, providing the skilled and determined advocacy individuals need when their freedom, reputation, and future are on the line.

ALICIA GIFFORD
Alicia M. Gifford is a compassionate and dedicated family law attorney who is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life's most challenging legal matters. She understands that issues involving divorce, child custody, parenting time, and family relationships are deeply personal, and she works closely with every client to provide practical guidance, clear communication, and strong legal advocacy.Alicia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College before obtaining her Juris Doctor from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. While attending law school, she gained valuable courtroom experience by working full-time with the Brown County Municipal Court and later completing an internship with the Brown County Prosecutor's Office. These experiences provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the Ohio court system and the legal process from multiple perspectives. Today, Alicia focuses her practice on domestic relations and family law, representing clients in matters involving divorce, dissolution, child custody, parenting time, child support, and other family-related disputes. She also assists clients with estate planning, including wills, expungements, and select civil matters. As a member of both the Ohio State Bar Association and the Cincinnati Bar Association, Alicia is committed to delivering knowledgeable, responsive, and personalized legal representation. Known for her approachable demeanor and genuine concern for her clients, Alicia believes that every family deserves an attorney who listens, advocates effectively, and provides honest advice during difficult times. Whether negotiating a settlement or representing clients in court, she is dedicated to protecting her clients' rights while working toward practical, long-term solutions that serve the best interests of their families.

Practice Areas
Divorce & Dissolution - Child Custody & Parenting Time - Child SupportDomestic Relations
Wills & Estate Planning - Expungements

Alicia proudly serves clients throughout Clermont County, Brown County, Hamilton County, and surrounding Southwest Ohio communities, providing compassionate counsel and determined advocacy when families need it most.

ROBERT BARBATO
Robert D. Barbato brings a unique perspective to criminal defense, having spent nearly a decade as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Clermont County Prosecutor's Office before joining Rapp Law. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives clients invaluable insight into how criminal cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted. A graduate of Kenyon College, Robert earned his bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience before graduating magna cum laude from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. During law school, he served as President of the International Law Society, competed on a nationally recognized moot court team where he earned Top Oralist honors, and gained valuable experience through internships with both state and federal prosecutors. He also worked with the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia on cases involving genocide and war crimes and served as an Honors Intern with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), assisting with complex federal investigations. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Robert worked closely with local law enforcement agencies, presented cases to grand juries, and prosecuted a wide range of felony and misdemeanor offenses. His trial experience includes homicide, sexual assault, violent crimes, aggravated robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, and white-collar crime. He has successfully tried numerous bench and jury trials involving some of Ohio's most serious criminal offenses and has been featured on national and international true-crime programs, including Snapped and Forensic Factor: A New Era. Today, Robert focuses exclusively on defending individuals facing criminal charges. Drawing on his extensive courtroom experience and firsthand knowledge of prosecutorial strategy, he provides clients with aggressive advocacy, thoughtful legal guidance, and personalized representation throughout every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether negotiating favorable resolutions or taking a case to trial, Robert is committed to protecting his clients' rights and pursuing the best possible outcome.

Practice Areas
‍Criminal Defense - Felony & Misdemeanor - DefenseDUI/OVI Defense - Drug Offenses  
Violent Crimes - White-Collar Crime - Jury Trials & Appeals

Robert's combination of prosecutorial experience, trial advocacy, and dedication to his clients makes him a trusted advocate for individuals facing serious criminal charges throughout Southwest Ohio.

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