Biography of Joe Deters

Hamilton County Prosecuting Joseph T. Deters is one of Ohio’s most vocal advocates for aggressive prosecution of violent criminals.

Joe Deters began his career in public service in 1982 as an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor where he learned first-hand the impact violent crime has on families and neighborhoods. As an assistant prosecutor, Joe dedicated his life to serving and helping our communities.

After a notable tenure as a tough prosecutor, Joe was elected to the position of Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in 1988. Joe honed his skills as a manager of a large office while Clerk and gained the respect of other officeholders and the community. In 1992, Joe returned to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office when he was appointed and, later that year, elected Prosecuting Attorney. Through his tireless efforts prosecuting tough cases, and society’s most violent offenders, Joe garnered a reputation as a no-nonsense advocate for victims of crime, and became a key figure in making Hamilton County more safe. He was subsequently re-elected in 1996, and continued to vigorously pursue his goal of making Hamilton County a safer place to live.

In 1999, Joe was sworn in as Ohio’s 44th Treasurer of State, where he was responsible for collecting, managing and investing more than $11 billion in assets for the State of Ohio. During his six year tenure, the Ohio Treasurer’s Office received 23 national awards for innovation and technology, and earned interest on investments faster than any previous administration.

In the fall of 2004, Joe Deters became a write-in candidate for his former position, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney. He was elected on November 2, 2004 with nearly 60% of the vote.

As the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney, Joe currently oversees and manages an office of over 150 employees, which includes assistant prosecuting attorneys and support staff. The office prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and all offenses committed by juveniles. The Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney also serves as the legal counsel for county officials, county agencies, townships and various boards.

Joe is a lifelong Cincinnatian, where he attended St. Xavier High School. In 1979 Joe graduated from the University of Cincinnati, and then the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1982. Joe is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, National District Attorney’s Association, and Ohio Prosecuting Attorney’s Association. He currently serves on the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Board of Trustees, and previously served on the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Ohio Organized Crime Commission, and the Southern Ohio Leukemia Foundation.