Tess Fraser

Attorney Tess L. Fraser brings a fresh, compassionate approach to criminal defense.

Synonymous with her drive of comprehensive expertise, Tess navigates a wide variety of criminal cases including drug crimes, sex offenses, white collar economic crime, domestic violence, violation of protection order, assault, OVI/DUI and vehicular crimes in several jurisdictions within the state of Ohio. She is also federally licensed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Tess earned her B.S. in Business Communications from Franklin University and is currently working towards her Master’s in Business Administration (M.B.A.). She received her J.D. from Capital University Law School in 2023. Tess worked full time under Attorney Brad Koffel while attending law school. She entered the workforce with expertise and connections that few criminal defense attorneys possess early in their career.

Tess is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (OACDL), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)

From Marysville Ohio, Tess was a state champion runner up in women’s golf. Tess continued her D1 golf career at Kent State University before entering the workforce and completing her college education with Franklin University.

Tess and her wife, Emma, reside in Upper Arlington with their two dogs. When she isn’t counseling clients, Tess stays busy hitting 280-yard drives on the golf course, doing handiwork around the house, and cheering on Pittsburgh athletics.

A Small Sampling of Mrs Fraser's Case Results

Our client, a standout Division I athlete, was indicted in a federal conspiracy case under 18 U.S.C. § 371. As a team captain and leader for the men's basketball team, where he also earned All-Conference honors, and helped guide his team to a conference championship, our client was unwittingly drawn into a scheme he did not fully understand. The conspiracy involved a mastermind and six co-defendants who used their IDs to pass background checks and submit ATF forms for previously purchased firearms.  The government's initial sentencing guideline recommendation called for 30 to 37 months in federal prison. Over nine months of representation, our defense team negotiated with the Assistant United States Attorney, challenged the government's sentencing calculations, and presented compelling arguments to reclassify our client's role, emphasizing his lack of intent and how he was duped into participation.  At sentencing, the court rejected the government's push for incarceration and imposed five years of probation with no jail time—allowing the client to continue his promising athletic and academic career.   This high-profile case highlights the critical value of skilled federal defense counsel in unraveling complex conspiracies, mitigating sentencing factors, and protecting clients from overly aggressive sentencing guidelines. Early intervention can make all the difference in safeguarding futures, especially for young individuals entangled in schemes beyond their full awareness.  If you or a loved one faces federal charges involving firearms, conspiracy, or any internet-related offenses, contact our firm immediately at 614-884-1100.(United States of America v. J.G., Southern District of Ohio. Represented by Attorneys Will Nesbitt & Tess Frasor).

Our client, a father to an eight-month-old daughter, faced serious allegations of strangulation and domestic violence involving the child's mother. The charges stemmed from two separate incidents where he was accused of viciously attacking and strangling the victim—one lasting an estimated 15 to 30 seconds—along with unplugging a security camera during one of the events. After nearly a year of representation, exhaustive negotiations with the state and the alleged victim failed to yield a favorable resolution, as they refused to consider anything short of a felony conviction. Attorneys Will Nesbitt and Tess Fraser took the case to trial, presenting a robust defense before a jury. The jury ultimately found our client not guilty on both charges, fully acquitting him and allowing him to move forward without the burden of a criminal record. This outcome highlights the critical value of skilled, persistent legal advocacy in high-stakes domestic violence cases, where thorough preparation and trial experience can make all the difference. If you or a loved one is facing allegations of domestic violence, strangulation, or related charges, contact our firm immediately at 614-884-1100 for experienced representation.(State of Ohio v. C.K., Franklin County, Ohio. Represented by Attorneys Will Nesbitt & Tess Fraser)