Content-Length: 2657388 | pFad | http://www.expertise.com/legal/criminal-lawyers/illinois/chicago

21 Best Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers | Expertise.com
Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Our Recommended Top 21

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chicago criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

2078Reviewed

1255Curated

21Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

161 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.8 (26)
Yelp
4.5 (20)
Google
5.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Fagan, Fagan & Davis in Chicago offers criminal defense representation for clients in the greater Chicagoland area. With more than 40 years of experience in criminal law, the firm handles both misdemeanor and felony cases, helping clients with criminal, DUI, and traffic charges. Its scope of practice includes representation for theft, drug, violent, sex, and white-collar crimes. In addition, the firm takes on post-conviction expungement and record-sealing actions. Founder Steve Fagan is a member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association.

  • Theft Crimes
  • Sex Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steven Fagan - PartnerActive27 yrs

1945 South Halsted Street, Suite 309, Chicago, IL 60608

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (73)
Google
5.0 (32)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Edward Johnson practices criminal defense in Chicagoland, representing clients charged with homicide, drug possession, DUI, and other offenses. He is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Criminal Defense and by the National Academy of Criminal Defense for Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyer Under 40 in Illinois. He has also received an Avvo Superb rating and Client’s Choice 2016 award. Clients highly recommend Edward Johnson, and he chooses cases every year for pro-bono.

  • Asset Forfeiture
  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft
  • Attempted Murder
  • Murder
  • Federal Crimes
  • Assault and Battery
  • Drug Charges
  • DWI/DUI
  • Civil Forfeiture

11528 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Christopher M. R. Wright serves Chicago and the surrounding areas. Its managing partner, Christopher M. R. Wright, is a criminal defense attorney who aggressively protects the rights of accused people. He offers legal representation for those facing criminal offenses, including murder, reckless homicide, manslaughter, gun charges, and UUW. He also takes on criminal violations involving aggravated and heinous battery, prescription drug fraud, cocaine possession, and drug trafficking. Wright has handled more than 1,000 cases in court.

  • Armed Violence
  • Reckless Driving
  • Robbery
  • Car Jacking
  • Theft
  • Domestic Violence
  • gun lawyer
  • Violating an Order of Protection
  • Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • felony lawyer

Chicago, IL

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (48)
Avvo
5.0 (35)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Dohman Law Group helps level the playing field for defendants across Chicago, Illinois. Its team offers criminal defense services, with a special focus on DUI and traffic violations. It handles first-, second-, and third-time DUI offenses, advising clients on their legal options so that they can get their charges dismissed or reduced. The firm also deals with speeding and reckless driving cases, and it assists with license reinstatement. Dohman Law Group has been recognized by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.

  • Felony DUI
  • Misdemeanor DUI
  • Underage DUI
  • DUI Defense

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cary Dohman - PartnerActive10 yrs

211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1723, Chicago, IL 60606

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (49)
Facebook
5.0 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Kuchinski Law Group works with people who need criminal defense solutions. Serving Chicago and the rest of Illinois, it represents defendants during courtroom proceedings and creates legal strategies to protect their rights. The firm takes on matters related to domestic battery, probation violations, trespassing, illegal gun possession, and home invasion. It also addresses issues involving juvenile, white-collar, and federal crimes. In 2024, the practice secured an esteemed position on the Forbes Advisor list of the Best DUI Lawyers in Chicago.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sergei Kuchinski - FounderActive11 yrs

Chicago, IL 60608

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (25)
Avvo
8.3 (18)
Yelp
4.5 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Melissa Smejkal provides aggressive defense for clients in Chicago and Cook County facing criminal charges, traffic violations, and DUI cases. Melissa Smejkal has over 12 years of experience in legal defense and has an Excellent Avvo rating. Clients highly recommend her as knowledgeable and reliable in court.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Melissa Smejkal - PrincipalActive27 yrs
Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC logo

Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC

1600 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (137)
Google
4.9 (68)
Facebook
4.6 (17)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC, has handled cases featured in the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald. It provides aggressive criminal defense for individuals across Illinois accused of various crimes such as domestic violence, drug possession, homicide, robbery, credit card fraud, and DUI. Its attorneys utilize their comprehensive legal knowledge to develop defense strategies and request expungements if the case is won. The law firm advocates for its clients' rights throughout the legal process, from police interrogations to the end of the trial.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Caitlin Wilder - Associate AttorneyActive4 yrs
Colleen LeFevour - Managing AttorneyActive6 yrs
Matt Fakhoury - Principal AttorneyActive20 yrs
Anna Nolazco - Associate AttorneyActive2 yrs

53 W Jackson Blvd Ste 1505, Chicago, IL 60604

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Bedi & Singer, LLP represents individuals and organizations in white-collar crimes, internal investigations, and state and federal criminal cases in Chicago and across the country. Its state and federal defense services include murder, armed habitual criminal, armed violence, robbery, mail and wire fraud, and health care fraud cases. Additionally, Bedi & Singer, LLP handles cases involving civil rights and police abuse, offering compassionate and experienced advocacy for police brutality, use of excessive force, prison abuse, and more.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jonathan Bedi - PartnerActive19 yrs
Dena Singer - PartnerActive23 yrs

12413 South Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Michael D. Ettinger & Associates is a law firm near Chicago that defends clients accused of crimes, including federal crimes. The firm's attorneys have particular experience with drug-related cases, such as possession, manufacturing, and trafficking, as well as traffic-related offenses, including DUI. They also defend people charged with murder, and white-collar crimes, such as money laundering and mail fraud. Attorney Ettinger is a 1970 graduate of the John Marshall Law School who is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Ettinger - PartnerActive55 yrs
Alexander Michael - AssociateActive15 yrs

Chicago Office 70 W Madison St #1450, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg serves Chicago, Oakbrook Terrace, and Skokie. Awell-established criminal justice attorney in Chicago, David L. Freidberg has over two decades' experience and offers defense for drug crimes, violent crimes, weapons charges, theft, and federal crimes. Other practice areas include white-collar crimes, expungements and record sealing, murder, probation violations, and prostitution. The firm enjoys a Super Lawyer recommendation and ranks in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers on The National Trial Lawyers list.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Freidberg - PrincipalActive30 yrs

191 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (188)
Yelp
5.0 (41)
Facebook
5.0 (38)

Why choose this provider?

The Davis Law Group PC is a firm of criminal defense lawyers serving the Chicago area, including Cook County. It represents those who have been accused of DUI, robbery and theft, traffic-related crimes, assault and battery, and drug possession and use. The office also helps people with drunk driving convictions reinstate their driver's licenses with the Illinois Secretary of State. Founding attorney Larry Davis has over 40 years of experience and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Brandon Davis - PartnerActive16 yrs
Paul SerklandActive25 yrs
Merrill DavisActive11 yrs
Larry Davis - PrincipalActive49 yrs

20 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (16)
Avvo
4.6 (9)
Google
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Kevin P. Bolger & Associates represents people who are facing federal or state charges. The firm has been in business for more than four decades, and Mr. Bolger was recognized as one of America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. The attorneys at the firm provide assistance with a host of criminal charges, including white-collar crimes, drug charges, and violent crimes. They handle all categories of crimes, including misdemeanor and felony charges, as well as capital matters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kevin Bolger - PrincipalActive49 yrs

Chicago, IL 60604
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (20)
Avvo
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Robert J. Callahan and Associates is a law firm that handles a wide variety of criminal cases in the Chicago Metro area and throughout Illinois. The law firm address cases such as felony narcotics, misdemeanor drug charges, violent crimes, embezzlement, murder, and expungement of criminal records. Robert J. Callahan is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and the American Society Legal Advocates 2014 Top 100 Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Callahan - PrincipalActive31 yrs

53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1531, Chicago, IL 60604

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (81)
Google
5.0 (41)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Jennifer Wirth Attorney at Law protects the rights of individuals in the Chicago metro and nearby areas. It handles DUI cases and represents drivers during formal hearings. The legal practice helps clients secure their driving privileges by assisting them in filing disputes to resolve mandatory and discretionary license suspension and revocation penalties. Its team also handles reckless and drugged or drunk driving cases. Principal lawyer Jennifer Wirth has been practicing criminal law for more than two decades.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jennifer Wirth - Managing AttorneyActive23 yrs

2210 W North Ave Ste 6, Melrose Park, IL 60160

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Carlos H. Davalos provides criminal defense services from offices in Chicago, Melrose Park, Rolling Meadows, and Hickory Hills. The firm handles such cases as felony aggravated DUI , aggravated battery and assault, and robbery and burglary charges. Other areas of defense include retail theft and sexual crimes. The firm serves a sizable Latin community and enjoys listings with both Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Carlos Davalos - PrincipalActive13 yrs
Carlos Davalos - PrincipalActive13 yrs

22 W Washington St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (30)
Google
5.0 (25)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Leveraging more than two decades of industry expertise, The Law Office of Howard J. Wise & Associates fights for the interests of people in Chicago and the rest of Illinois. It addresses the criminal defense concerns of those facing charges of fraud, assault, battery, domestic violence, DUI, and internet and computer crimes. It also caters to those who have been arrested for expungement and record sealing, felony crimes, probation violations, robbery, and theft.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Howard Wise - PrincipalActive28 yrs

Naperville, IL 60563

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

John W. Callahan is a law office providing criminal defense in the greater Chicago area. The attorneys of John W. Callahan accept cases in DUI, robbery, hit and run, aggravated battery, and more. Clients recommend the attorneys as informative and supportive legal representation.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Callahan - PrincipalActive28 yrs

53 W Jackson Blvd Ste 1263, Chicago, IL 60604

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Steven Fine is a criminal defense firm serving the Chicago area. The law firm defends clients facing a variety of criminal charges, including violent crime, drug offenses, juvenile infractions, and internet crimes. This legal practice also provides representation against accusations of weapons crimes and theft. Attorney Steven H. Fine has been practicing law for more than 20 years, and he uses his courtroom experience and an aggressive approach to fight charges.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steve Fine - PrincipalActive31 yrs
Steven Fine - PrincipalActive31 yrs

53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1215, Chicago, IL 60604

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (17)
Facebook
4.8 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Breen & Pugh Attorney & Counselors represents individuals, businesses, and organizations in Chicago charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including murder, fraud, and Internet crimes. Its attorneys defend the legal rights of clients using constitutional protections against double jeopardy, unreasonable search and seizure, and the right to a public trial. The firm’s cases and attorneys have been featured in books and movies, including Martin Scorsese's film "Casino" and the book "Victims of Justice" by Thomas Frisbie and Randy Garrett. 

  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime

2502 N Clark St Ste 201, Chicago, IL 60614

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (58)
Avvo
4.9 (52)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg offers criminal defense representation to people in Chicago and the rest of in Illinois. It provides legal advice to help defendants make well-informed judgments about the course of their cases. In addition, it safeguards its clients' rights and dignity inside and outside the courts to aid them in acquiring the best results possible for their circumstances. The firm handles cases involving theft, assault, battery, federal crimes, and murder. It has been helping accused people get justice for more than 18 years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Weisberg - PrincipalActive29 yrs

1 East Erie St. Suite 525-4591, Chicago, IL 60611

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Clyde Guilamo, LLC, provides legal protection to criminally accused clients in Chicago. Lead lawyer Clyde is a trial attorney who has been protecting clients' rights for over 10 years. He lets them choose the means of communication, whether face-to-face or via phone or video call, to allow them to comfortably share information. Since 2011, Clyde has handled more than a thousand cases, including those involving violent crimes, drugs, DUI, theft, domestic violence, and rape.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation
  • Criminal Law

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Clyde Guilamo - PrincipalActive13 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Fagan, Fagan & Davis
161 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60601Free Consultation
Edward Johnson and Associates P.C.
1945 South Halsted Street, Suite 309, Chicago, IL 60608Free Consultation
Law Office of Christopher M. R. Wright
11528 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628Free Consulation
Dohman Law Group
Chicago, ILFree consultation
Kuchinski Law Group
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1723, Chicago, IL 60606
Law Office of Melissa Smejkal
Chicago, IL 60608
Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC
1600 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Bedi & Singer, LLP
53 W Jackson Blvd Ste 1505, Chicago, IL 60604
Michael D. Ettinger & Associates
12413 South Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.
Chicago Office 70 W Madison St #1450, Chicago, IL 60602
The Davis Law Group, P.C.
191 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093
Kevin P. Bolger & Associates
20 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Robert J. Callahan and Associates
Chicago, IL 60604
Jennifer Wirth Attroney at Law
53 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1531, Chicago, IL 60604
The Law Offices of Carlos H. Davalos
2210 W North Ave Ste 6, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Howard Wise
22 W Washington St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
John W. Callahan
Naperville, IL 60563
Law Office of Steven Fine
53 W Jackson Blvd Ste 1263, Chicago, IL 60604
Breen & Pugh Attorney & Counselors
53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1215, Chicago, IL 60604
Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg
2502 N Clark St Ste 201, Chicago, IL 60614
The Law Office of Clyde Guilamo, LLC
1 East Erie St. Suite 525-4591, Chicago, IL 60611

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Chicago, IL Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chicago, Illinois?

    For non-emergency matters, the Chicago Police Department can be reached at (312) 746-6000.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chicago, Illinois?

    You must submit a FOIA request to the Chicago Police Department to obtain a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case. You can submit your form by mailing it to this address: Unit 114 3510 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60653 or you can drop it off in person at the Police Records Customer Service Section. You can also fax the document to (312) 745-6948 or email it to foia@chicagopolice.org. Additionally, you have the choice of filing your request online at this page https://police-chicagops.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(ref5gc4mxffqor0dt3jxef0p))/SupportHome.aspx?

  • What are the most common criminal offenses in Chicago?

    Among the most common types of criminal chargers in Chicago are:

    • Immigration offenses
    • Drug charges
    • Sex offenses
    • Property crimes
    • White-collar crimes
    • Violent crimes

    Criminal charges may be brought at the state or federal level. In most cases, the penalty will be more severe if the defendant has a criminal history.

  • What should you do if a warrant for your arrest in Chicago has been issued?

    The most crucial thing to do after learning that an arrest warrant has been issued for you is probably to keep calm. Even if it is normal, panicking will not help you. Instead, get in touch with a qualified Chicago criminal lawyer immediately. Your attorney can advise you on how to present yourself to the police and can then get to work on building your defense.

  • What types of defenses are available to you if you are accused of committing a violent crime in Chicago?

    Robbery, rape, murder, and assault are a few examples of violent crimes. The following are some of your defense options if you were found guilty of any of these crimes in Chicago:

    • Poor investigative methods, including those that violate someone's right to due process
    • Selecting the incorrect suspect
    • Self-defense
    • Inadequate line-ups and flawed identification methods
    • Protection of others

    Whether you committed the crime or not, it is essential to retain a skilled attorney. These are extremely complicated cases with severe punishments.

  • How can a criminal defense attorney in Chicago assist you if you have been accused of a crime?

    An experienced criminal defense attorney in Chicago will zealously stand up for your rights by:

    • Establishing a unique attorney-client connection with you and your family
    • Carefully scrutinizing all the evidence against you to spot any errors or contradictions in it
    • Collaborating with specialists, such as forensics scientists, psychiatrists, and ballistics experts, to back your claims when expert testimony is required in formal court procedures
    • Looking for new evidence to support your claims
    • Advocating for you throughout the whole legal process, including bail hearings, court appearances, and parole hearings
  • Is it possible to get your criminal record in Chicago sealed or expunged?

    Yes. However, not everyone is eligible for record sealing. Depending on the offense, certain conditions must be met for sealing. Records may be sealed or erased for people in Chicago who have only ever been arrested or convicted of a non-violent misdemeanor or felony.

    Eligible for record sealing:

    • Minor traffic offenses
    • Class 3 and 4 felonies
    • Municipal ordinance violations
    • Class 4 drug possession offenses
    • Certain prostitution offenses
    • Certain battery offenses

    Unqualified for record sealing:

    • Sexual offenses
    • Most violent offenses
    • DUI offenses
    • Domestic battery
    • Animal cruelty








ApplySandwichStrip

pFad - (p)hone/(F)rame/(a)nonymizer/(d)eclutterfier!      Saves Data!


--- a PPN by Garber Painting Akron. With Image Size Reduction included!

Fetched URL: http://www.expertise.com/legal/criminal-lawyers/illinois/chicago

Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy