ABOUT

Maxwell Russell Hiltner

I’m an Akron, Ohio criminal defense trial lawyer known for fighting tooth and nail for my clients — especially in high-stakes cases like murder and homicide defense, rape and sex crimes defense, and DUI / OVI defense. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a lawyer who prepares relentlessly, challenges every piece of evidence, and is ready to take your case to trial. My success rate with jury trials for serious felonies is unmatched.

I play to win.

Before becoming a lawyer, I planned to be a professional athlete. I went to college on a full athletic scholarship for soccer and track, and didn’t have a particular interest in my studies.

I wanted to compete with the best and be the best.

The first time in my life that I wasn’t competing athletically coincided with my second year of law school, when I took my first trial advocacy class — and something clicked.

I discovered that playing sports and going to trial were a lot alike: they both took a tremendous amount of focus, preparation, endurance, and heart.

ABOUT

Max Hiltner

I’m an Akron, Ohio criminal defense trial lawyer known for fighting tooth and nail for my clients — especially in high-stakes cases like murder and homicide defense, rape and sex crimes defense, and DUI / OVI defense. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a lawyer who prepares relentlessly, challenges every piece of evidence, and is ready to take your case to trial. My success rate with jury trials for serious felonies is unmatched.

I play to win.

Before becoming a lawyer, I planned to be a professional athlete. I went to college on a full athletic scholarship for soccer and track, and didn’t have a particular interest in my studies.

I wanted to compete with the best and be the best.

The first time in my life that I wasn’t competing athletically coincided with my second year of law school, when I took my first trial advocacy class — and something clicked.

I discovered that playing sports and going to trial were a lot alike: they both took a tremendous amount of focus, preparation, endurance, and heart.

When I stood in a courtroom, I felt the same rush that I felt scoring a goal or making my last lap around the track. I felt unstoppable. I felt alive.

And I knew I didn’t want to give it up.

For most lawyers, it’s all about the money. And it could have been for me, too: I landed a cushy, high-paying job right out of law school defending insurance companies from individual claims.

But I realized almost immediately that my heart wasn’t in it.

The job, as comfortable as it was, lacked the rush. And instead of helping people fight their cases in front of juries as a great trial lawyer, I was doing research all day and representing nameless entities I had never even met.

So I quit and decided to start my own firm where I could work exclusively towards becoming the best trial lawyer I could be: a goal I still strive for every single day.

Because the thing about being the best is that you don’t ever stop working for it.

You don’t get complacent.

And you never lose focus.

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I protect my clients’ rights as if they’re my own — because they are. If my clients’ rights are infringed upon, then that means everyone’s rights are infringed upon, and we’re all less free.

”Case dismissed! I didn't even have to go to court and Max and his team supported me all the way through and got my entire case dismissed.

- Richard G.

The singular focus of my firm is that people shouldn't be defined by one mistake.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes that I look back on now with remorse. And most of the people I represent are in a similar position, but there’s always more to their story, and sometimes they’re even falsely accused.

I look at it this way: we’re all one mistake away from altering the rest of our lives.

That’s why all of my clients are entitled 24/7 access to me and my staff — including my personal cell number.

I reverse roles with my clients. I try to imagine what it’s like to be in their shoes. And when I tell my clients’ stories to a judge or jury, the rush that I get isn’t just from the thrill of the competition: it’s from knowing that I’m helping someone get their life back.

The singular focus of my firm is that people shouldn't be defined by one mistake.

I’ve made plenty of mistakes that I look back on now with remorse. And most of the people I represent are in a similar position, but there’s always more to their story, and sometimes they’re even falsely accused.

I look at it this way: we’re all one mistake away from altering the rest of our lives.

That’s why all of my clients are entitled 24/7 access to me and my staff — including my personal cell number.

I reverse roles with my clients. I try to imagine what it’s like to be in their shoes. And when I tell my clients’ stories to a judge or jury, the rush that I get isn’t just from the thrill of the competition: it’s from knowing that I’m helping someone get their life back.

I protect my clients' rights as if they're my own - because they are. If my clients' rights are infringed upon, then that means everyone's rights are infringed upon, and we're all less free.

And I play to win.

Call 330-475-3164 for a free consultation

Awards

Education

  • Ashland University | B.A., History, Political Science
  • The University of Akron School of Law | J.D., Cum laude | Litigation (Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution) Certification

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Faculty Member at Trial Lawyers College
  • Frequent CLE Speaker
  • Trial Advocacy Course Teacher at University of Akron School of Law
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Press

Featured on:
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48 hours mystery - maxwell hiltner - ohio criminal defense lawyer - hiltner trial law
law and crime - maxwell hiltner - ohio criminal defense lawyer - hiltner trial law
A&E - maxwell hiltner - ohio criminal defense lawyer - hiltner trial law

My promise to you:

I’m going to live this case with you. I’m going to tell your story honestly and compellingly and do everything I can to get you back home to your family.

Because my job is to look out for your rights -- and I take that responsibility very seriously.

Call 330-475-3164 for a free consultation

“Max Hiltner is dynamite in the courtroom by connecting with the jury, recalling facts and cultivating good relationships with the opponents and presiding judge. He is professional, dedicated, honest and cares about the livelihood of his clients and their families. He excels in negotiating and hiring experts necessary for a well rounded defense. Max was one of my lawyers that stood between me and a life sentence. Without him on my team I would still be in prison. He will fight for you.”

- Colleen O.

Send a message

    jordan nowak profile picturejordan nowak
    15:03 25 Feb 25
    I was supporting a friend going through a really rough time with the law. The prosecutor was relentless and it seemed every angle we approached got shot down. With research we found Max. When we sat down and talked to Max and Andrew, not only were they professional, they were empathetic and compassionate. They are genuine in their work and in their words. These are guys that you want in your corner, they fight against all odds, they Pioneer new avenues To fight for you, they stay up-to-date on recent cases that may apply to your current case. While going through the legal battle, they also used informative information, keeping my friend in the loop every step of the way. Explaining legal terms, taking the time to lay out the picture. I am writing this review to give credit to this team of lawyers, Being a veteran, there are a few people I’d trust to have my back in combat, but if it was a legal battle These are the guys I want to have my back. They work timely, efficiently, and professionally to secure the best outcome possible. They demonstrated that clients aren’t just a paycheck. They authentically care about each individual person they work with, Understanding the person‘s background, the family they have, They label the importance of the individual they’re representing as if it were themselves. I gave them five stars because they do their homework, They’re personable, Genuinely care about the individual, They work relentlessly, And their work is outstanding.
    jason haught profile picturejason haught
    21:00 18 Feb 25
    I’m so glad i chose max to represent me. The best lawyer hands down. Went above and beyond my expectations and can’t thank him enough. I highly recommend him to anyone in need!
    John Vra profile pictureJohn Vra
    17:56 12 Feb 25
    Attorney Max Hiltner had a very good outcome for someone I know in court.
    Thomas Tritt profile pictureThomas Tritt
    22:55 15 Jan 25
    Max was so helpful through the entire process. He clearly answered all of my questions and provided a straightforward response of what to expect. Max's services were unmatched and he got me a satisfactory result faster than what I expected. I would recommend him to anyone who needs assistance with a case.
    Patrick Pavlik profile picturePatrick Pavlik
    21:28 25 Nov 24
    Max and his team provide exceptional support and service. They are true experts in their field and consistently go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. Their dedication and commitment to their clients set them apart, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help and guidance.
    Morfydd Gum profile pictureMorfydd Gum
    17:19 18 Nov 24
    We as a family highly recommend Max Hiltner. He is dependable and constantly communicative. He is excellent at addressing questions and explaining the gravity of situations and legal details in a clear and understandable way. He makes himself accessible when issues arise and goes above and beyond for his clients.
    Ger Vang profile pictureGer Vang
    15:23 04 Mar 24
    First time having to use a lawyer, and I was glad that I chose Hiltner. If you want results, he is the man. He fought for me, gave me solid advice, and showed empathy for me during my crisis. He was understanding of my financial situation and gave me time to make my payments. He even provided additional services to help me on other matters that came up not discussed on our contract, which I truthly appreciate. If you want a lawyer that will fight for you with everything that he's got and to treat you with respect, look no further.
    Kristi Havens profile pictureKristi Havens
    16:13 07 Feb 24
    Great lawyer!
    Amy Allen profile pictureAmy Allen
    13:00 07 Feb 24
    We’re do I start as buiness owner I was stress out with the legal system so I called max. Once I talk to him about my situation . He took my case and I can tell you he is the best lawyer and. Cares about his clients all the way. Don’t mess around and waste money on small town lawyers . Got to max and he will get it done to the best he can !!!!! Amazing experience I found my forever lawyer!!!!!! Great amazing job max my family and I appreciate everything you do !!!
    Donia Amra profile pictureDonia Amra
    15:47 05 Feb 24
    I am grateful for the outstanding legal representation I received from Max Hiltner. He not only possesses a deep understanding of the law but also goes above and beyond to prioritize clients' needs. Max guided me with clarity and transparency, making a complex legal situation more manageable. The communication was prompt, and his dedication to my case was evident throughout. I highly recommend Max for anyone seeking a knowledgeable and reliable attorney. Thank you for your exceptional service!
    Dustin Campbell profile pictureDustin Campbell
    15:57 30 Jan 24
    Max was professional, responsive and competent. Highly recommended!
    Brian Ault profile pictureBrian Ault
    23:02 25 Jan 24
    I worked with Max, and he listened to my concerns and desired outcomes, and got me to where I wanted to be. He also explained options at each step and guided me along our legal path to resolution. I trusted him to work for my interests, and he absolutely did.
    Jim Long profile pictureJim Long
    16:22 25 Jan 24
    I reached out to several lawyers for help. Most sent automated emails back with lists of fees for various services.
    Max is the only one who called me personally to ask how he can help.
    After hiring Max, he patiently listened to everything I had to say and answered all of my questions.
    He helped me get an amazing deal during a very difficult situation.
    10/10
    Cody Schatz profile pictureCody Schatz
    13:45 24 Jan 24
    Max was the first lawyer we spoke with who we felt actually heard our side of the story. From the first phone call he asked specific questions and was available. Max worked hard to get us the best possible outcome and took time to make sure we knew the legal processes at work. This is the guy you want on your side.