Steven Adams, age 55, passed away on November 1st, 2020 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Ohio. He was the loving husband of Dr. Maria Bustamante, and a caring and providing father for Ulysses Samuel and Abraham Galo. He was a self-made hard worker, wonderful husband, father, friend and colleague. Steve was born August 22, 1965 to Donald Russell Adams & Sally Diane (Nee Hrudicka) Adams, and was the oldest of two children growing up in Quincy, IL. He is survived by his wife, two children and mother; and will be missed by the professional and personal community at large.
Steven's Obituary is available to read here
Steven R. Adams was a bold, passionate, and highly respected criminal defense attorney whose career spanned over thirty years. He began his legal journey after graduating from the University of Kentucky and earning his J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1990.
Steve started his career in public service as an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, serving for eight years in roles that took him from the Juvenile Division to the Felony Criminal Division. There, he prosecuted some of the most serious offenses, ranging from homicide and sexual assault to felony DUI and aggravated vehicular homicide. His prosecutorial experience gave him invaluable insight into the inner workings of the criminal justice system, and that knowledge would go on to define the next chapter of his career.
In 2000, Steve opened his firm, The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, which focused exclusively on criminal defense and DUI/OVI representation. A tireless advocate for the accused, Steve became known for his no-nonsense courtroom demeanor, aggressive defense strategies, and unwavering commitment to due process. He built a reputation as a sharp legal tactician and a fierce defender of constitutional rights. To many in the community, he was simply “Not Guilty Adams”—a brand and persona that perfectly captured his dedication to his clients and craft.
Steve’s DUI defense credentials were among the state's most elite. He was certified in the administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) through the NHTSA Student Course (2001) and completed advanced instructor training in DWI detection and SFST through NHTSA’s Instructor Development Program (2003). He was one of the few attorneys in Ohio to earn Board Certification in DUI Defense from the National College for DUI Defense. He was also frequently recognized by courts in Hamilton County as an expert witness in SFSTs and DUI procedure.
He served on the board of the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Hamilton County Bar Association. He was also a proud member of the OSBA College.
Beyond the courtroom, Steve was a generous mentor, community advocate, and gifted speaker. He led countless seminars, most recently on the role of expert witnesses in OVI/DUI cases, and served as a trusted legal resource locally and nationally.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Steve was deeply committed to his community. He served as a campaign manager in local political races, held leadership positions with civic organizations, and volunteered with causes close to his heart—including Children’s Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He was also a remarkable athlete, having represented Cincinnati at the Ironman Triathlon World Championship four times.
Steve Adams lived his life with fierce integrity, tireless energy, and a deep belief in fairness and justice. He will be remembered not only for his legal brilliance but for the loyalty he inspired, the lives he impacted, and the voice he gave to those facing their darkest hours.
Steve will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Education
- Juris Doctorate - Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Highland Heights, Kentucky (1990)
- Bachelor of Arts - University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Professional Experience
- Attorney at Law – Criminal Defense, OVI/DUI, and Traffic Law (2000–2024)
- Southwest Ohio Regional Representative – Joseph T. Deters, Treasurer, State of Ohio (1999–2000)
- Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor
- Felony Criminal Division (1995–1999)
- Municipal Division (1993–1995)
- Juvenile Division (1991–1993)
- Law Clerk – Judge Norbert A. Nadel, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court (1990–1991)
- Law Clerk – Attorney Henry E. Sheldon, Cincinnati (1990)
- Law Clerk – Attorney Kenneth H. Stone, San Diego, CA (1989)
- Law Clerk – Judge Dennis K. Cashman, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Illinois (1988)
- Health Orderly – Illinois Veterans' Home, Quincy, IL (1987–1997)
Professional Qualifications
- Admitted to the Ohio Bar (1991)
- Admitted to Federal Court, Southern District of Ohio
- Board Certified in DUI Defense – National College for DUI Defense
- Certified in SFST (Student & Instructor Level – NHTSA)
- Certified in Operation of BAC Data Master, Intoxilyzer 5000, and Intoxilyzer 8000
- Recognized Expert Witness in DUI Field Sobriety Testing and Breath Testing
- Argued in Ohio Supreme Court: State v. Ilg (2014 – 7-0 victory), State v. Athon (2013)
Major Legal Accomplishments
Supreme Court Cases
- State v. Ilg - Ohio Supreme Court (June 2014) - WON 7-0 unanimous decision
- State v. Athon - Ohio Supreme Court (February 2013)
- State v. McMillan (2008-1228) - Supreme Court declined jurisdiction
- State v. Butler (2006-1756) - Supreme Court declined jurisdiction
Expert Witness Qualifications
- NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing - Student and Instructor certified
- Breath Testing Machines - Certified to operate:
- BAC Data Master Breath Testing Machine
- Intoxilyzer 5000 Breath Testing Machine
- Intoxilyzer 8000 Breath Testing Machine
- Court Recognition - First District Court of Appeals recognizes Steven R. Adams as expert witness for SFST evaluation and breath testing machines
- Qualified Expert Witness in Hamilton County and Warren County for DUI Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and BAC Data Master
Recognition & Awards
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- Best Lawyers in America (2016–2020)
- Ohio Super Lawyers (2011–2020)
- Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyers (2016–2020)
- AV Preeminent Rating – Martindale-Hubbell
- Superb Avvo Rating (2016–2020)
Publications
- "DUI Blackjack" (2020)
- "Kentucky DUI Defense: The Law and Practice" (2018)
- "Practice Law Like An Ironman: Unbeatable Checklists for any Lawyer Creating and Building a Solo or Small Practice" (2017)
- "The Woman's Guide To: Separation, Dissolution, and Divorce in Ohio" (2017)
- "The Man's Guide To: Separation, Dissolution, and Divorce in Ohio" (2017)
- "Ohio OVI Defense: The Law and Practice" (2016)
- "What Every Civil Attorney Needs To Know About Criminal Law" (2008)
- Numerous legal articles on DUI defense, expert testimony, and trial strategy
Legal Seminars and Presentations
Steven R. Adams taught and presented at over 30 legal seminars across the country, including:
- Founder/Speaker: "What Every Civil Attorney Needs to Know About DUI/Criminal Defense" (2010–2019)
- Speaker: OACDL Seminars (2013–2018)
- Course Instructor: "Diving Into a DUI Case" and "Strategies in Defending DUI Cases"
- Guest Speaker: CLE Seminars for OSBA, Lyons & Lyons, and First District Court of Appeals
- Hosted: DUI-focused seminars through his law firm (2011–2019)
Topics included:
- Jury Selection, Cross-Examination, Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Checkpoints
- Breathalyzer Devices: Intoxilyzer 5000/8000, BAC DataMaster
- Use of Expert Witnesses, Motions to Suppress, Discovery in DUI Cases
Professional Organizations
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- Board Member, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA College Member)
- Cincinnati Bar Association
- Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity (Marshal, 1988–1989)
Triathlon Accomplishments
- Ironman World Championships (Kona, HI): 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002
- Consistently ranked in top 10–30% globally
- Recognized as top-ranking lawyer participant
- University of Kentucky Varsity Swim Team Member
- Completed charity swim marathons (1988–1989)
Charitable and Community Involvement
- Annual Donor, Literacy Center West
- Volunteer, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2001)
- Member, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Sports Challenge Committee (1996–2001)
- Team in Training, Leukemia Society of America (1995–1996)
- Committee Member, American Diabetes Association Fundraisers
Other Honors and Personal Achievements
- Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry (1996)
- American Jurisprudence Award in Sports Law (1990)
- National Dean's List (1987)
- Academic All-Southeast Conference (1987)
- University of Kentucky Swim Team Spirit Award (1987)
Steven's legacy lives on in every client whose life he changed, every case he won, every young attorney he mentored, and every family he helped keep together. His passion for justice, his commitment to excellence, and his genuine care for others created ripples that will continue to impact the legal community and the lives of countless individuals for years to come.
Steven R. Adams will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
His spirit of justice and unwavering advocacy continues to inspire us all.
