Marcus Sidoti built his entire career on providing both strategic and results-oriented representation for his clients.

He knows what’s at stake in serious criminal cases and is aware of how the outcome can impact a person’s future. Over the past two decades, Sidoti has secured numerous not-guilty verdicts and reductions and dismissals of charges for clients. His criminal defense strategy includes filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, employing investigators who can locate and interview key witnesses and meticulously researching the law to obtain the best possible result for his clients.

Sidoti is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Ohio. He has been recognized throughout the state as one of the top 40 defense lawyers by the American Society of Legal Advocates and one of the top 100 trial lawyers nationally by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Sidoti has helped people get their lives back while fighting injustices in the legal system.

Sidoti worked previously as a first assistant to district counsel for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, now known as Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), and was the managing partner with the law firm of Jordan & Sidoti for over 10 years. He has seen first-hand how a well-intentioned justice system can systematically and unfairly victimize people, particularly minorities. Through his legal knowledge and persistence, he helps give accused people a voice and a path to justice.

Throughout his career, Sidoti has successfully defended individuals charged with crimes in federal and state courts. He also successfully has sued and held accountable numerous police departments, municipalities and officers for constitutional violations resulting in substantial monetary payments to clients.

Sidoti’s more than 100 jury trials to verdict is a notable accomplishment as it reflects his important courtroom experience that is valuable for clients. His ability to build rapport with clients and juries is critical to his effectiveness. He has been recognized as a rising star four straight years and a Super Lawyer every year since 2016.

Sidoti, who joined Friedman and Gilbert as a partner in 2019, is a graduate of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and an honors graduate from the University of Findlay, where he was also an Academic All-American wrestler. 

His international legal experience includes being a part of the defense team that represented South African Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius in his murder trial.

EDUCATION

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, J.D. (2003)

University of Findlay, B.A. cum laude (2000)

Key Cases

United States v. Wheeler
The defendant was charged in a federal drug conspiracy that, if found guilty, could have yielded a life sentence. The case was dismissed against the defendant after two days of trial.

State v. Welch
The defendant was charged with aggravated murder and his co-defendant accepted a plea in excess of 20 years. Through the zealous cross examination of a DNA expert for the state and the employment of a transfer DNA expert for the defense, the Court found the defendant not guilty of all charges.

Fried, Adm. et al. v. Strongsville et al.
Representing the interest of the estate of the decedent shot by a police officer, Sidoti employed experts from throughout the country for the fatal shooting of this unarmed man and obtained a confidential seven figure settlement for the decedent’s family and children. 

PRACTICE AREAS

Criminal Defense

Civil Rights

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member

Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Member

OAJ Ohio Attorneys for Justice

Awards

Rising Star & Super Lawyer, (2016-present)

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2014-present) 

Top 40 defense attorneys, American Society of Legal Advocates (2014-present)