Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chicago | 125 available

125 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in Chicago, Illinois. These lawyers are rated between 4.1/5 to 4.5/5 and 62% provide free consultation with fees ranging from $47 to $76 per hour.

Active Lawyers

75 - 125

Hourly Fees

$228 - $372

Free Consultations

47% - 76%

Average Rating

4.1 - 4.5 ★


125 Criminal Defense Lawyers Found Near You

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60601
Firm: Beermann Pritikin Mirabelli Swerdlove LLP

“Having practiced law for 30 years, I pride myself on being aggressive, skilled, and prepared. My goal Is to resolve your problem with the least amount of time and expense.”. Karen has been a lawyer for 30 years, concentrating in all types of litigation—criminal, civil, and appellate. Karen has excellent and diverse trial experience and has litigated cases across the country in a wide variety of matters including: commercial business real estate litigation, insurance coverage disputes, physician disputes, contracts, probate, defamation, domestic relations, white collar criminal defense, environmental matters, employment discrimination, injunctions, business torts, trade secrets, professional negligence, and civil rights.  At the same time, Karen has exceptional negotiation skills which allow her to quickly and creatively settle matters for clients with the least possible expenditure of time and money. She is formally trained as a mediator and in collaborative law.. A member of the Illinois, California, and U.S., Supreme Court bars, Karen has handled numerous significant cases, including a successful United States Supreme Court appeal on behalf of the Cook County Democratic Party, the death row appeals of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, a reversal in the Illinois Supreme Court in an employment discrimination matter, and a wrongful arrest and injury action against the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers arising from the infamous May 2000 brawl in the Wrigley Field stands.  In December 2008, Karen tried a six week jury trial and obtained a $1.2 million fraud verdict against a nationally known home builder, represented by the world’s largest law firm.. Karen’s valued clients include, among others, physicians, medical clinics, internet entrepreneurs, authors, retail establishments, small business owners,  construction companies, and a non-profit animal shelter.. For over 20 years, Karen has been an adjunct professor at University of Illinois College of Law and DePaul University College of Law.  She has guest lectured at Stanford University and American University and single-handedly teaches civil procedure to recent law graduates taking the bar.. Karen has extensive experience in domestic relations.  In 2008, she was appointed by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to assist in redrafting the divorce laws in Illinois.  She was solely responsible for redrafting the statute concerning grounds for divorce, when, if passed, should modernize and streamline the process of dissolving a marriage.  In 2007, she was a headline speaker at the Family Rights Rally at the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C. on the issue of child custody and parental alienation.. For over 20 years, Karen has been a part of the local and national media.  She has been the designated local Chicago Fox affiliate legal expert giving weekly commentary on diverse issues such as family law, business matters, criminal cases, and appellate decisions.  She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Court TV and other media venues.  For over 20 years, Karen hosted and produced radio talk shows including “Legally Speaking” on WGN Radio in Chicago for which she has won numerous awards, among others, Achievement in Radio for Best Public Affairs and the Kogan Award.  She currently has a weekly segment on WGN where she discusses current legal events and answers listeners’ questions.. Karen also writes and lectures. Her articles are published in the Chicago Sun-Times, local magazines, and online. She has spoken at many seminars and events on issues of family law, media law, women in business and current legal news stories.. Karen was voted one of 40 under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch by Chicago Lawyer Magazine, One of the 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago by Today’s Chicago Woman, Outstanding Alumni of the Year at University of Illinois College of Law, and the Distinguished Graduate Award. She was voted a Leading Lawyer, part of a network of elite lawyers in the state and received the Impresa Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60603
Firm: The Toney Law Firm, LLC

Sarah has been representing defendants in cases ranging from misdemeanors through reckless homicides for the past 18 years.  She was an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law for 13 years where she taught Legal Writing, as well as helped run the Expungement clinic where students represented real clients and appeared at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse.. In 2020, she was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to the Forensic Science Task Force as the only private lawyer to examine the efficiency of Illinois crime labs.  In 2016, she was accepted into the month-long Trial Lawyers College, and in 2019, was asked to join the faculty.. In 2014, Sarah became a Charter Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association where she served on the Board of Directors. In 2018, she was appointed to the Justice Foundation, the charitable arm of the DUI Association, which helps fundraise and award scholarships to seminars to lawyers in need, and she still serves on the Foundation today.. Sarah was named Young Lawyer of the Year in 2014 by the Illinois State Bar Association. She is AV rated Preeminent lawyer by Martindale Hubble. In the past two years, she has appeared on Court TV and NBC 10 pm News to discuss current criminal cases, and been named a Top 50 Woman Lawyer by Super Lawyers, and a Top 100 Lawyer by Super Lawyers. She also served as mentor to another female lawyer with the Commission on Professionalism in 2016-2017.. Sarah frequently serves as a guest speaker at John Marshall Law School, and has authored a chapter in the IICLE handbook for DUIs, most recently in 2020. She is on the board of the IL Bar Foundation and served on the Lawyers Care Committee, helping lawyers and their families in need, especially during Covid where she participated in awarding 50 grants to struggling lawyers. She also served on the Gala Committee for the IBF, helping to plan and raise funds for the annual fundraiser.. Sarah has also attended countless seminars from science classes to learn blood testing in DUI and drug cases, to breathalyzer classes working hands on with the machines that IL uses to breahalyze drivers, to DNA classes with the expert from the Amanda Knox trial.  She has gone through the same officer training as police officers with regard to administering Field Sobriety Tests, which is very useful in every DUI case when an officer testifies how those tests were performed on the client.. Sarah was a featured attorney on the radio show Money for Lunch. Listen here:. It is important that you hire a good lawyer as soon as you can after your arrest. In many cases, there are things that should be done before your first court date, lie file motions or request the preservation of evidence that might be destroyed within a few days.  Give Sarah a call for a free consultation, and read her reviews below.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.9 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60661
Firm: Sandra Byrd, Attorney at Law

Sandi Byrd entered private practice in October 2002 following nearly six years working as an attorney in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. Since entering private practice Sandi has represented clients in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook Counties. Sandi graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in 1996 and was admitted to practice law in Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the same year. Since the beginning of her career Sandi has focused her practice almost exclusively in criminal defense. She has successfully tried many jury and bench trials including everything from minor traffic offenses to murder cases. Sandi is an active member of the Kane County Bar Association, currently serving as it General Counsel and as a member of the Criminal Law Committee, and is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.3 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60603
Firm: Dowd Bloch Bennett & Cervone

Robert E. Bloch is a 1984 graduate of Northwestern University School of Law. He served two years as a field attorney for the National Labor Relations Board before entering the private practice of law.. Robert represents a broad array of private and public sector labor unions. He has extensive experience in traditional labor law practice, including single and multi-employer contract negotiations, NLRB and Illinois State Labor Board proceedings, federal and state court litigation, prevailing wage enforcement, and arbitration of discipline and labor contract disputes. Robert advises labor organizations on internal matters, has implemented and monitored union trusteeships, and supervises local and international union elections. He also advocates for unions on regulatory and legislative matters.. Robert also represents individuals in the negotiation of employment and severance agreements, claims arising from employment discrimination and discharge, and recovery of underpaid wages.. Robert is admitted to practice in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Federal District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois (trial attorney), and the Illinois Supreme Court.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60611
Firm: Warren J. Breslin Law Offices

Preeminent Legal Ability. Warren Breslin is honored to be listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers. He holds the highest preeminent legal ability rating bestowed by Martindale-Hubbell, the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. With a history spanning more than 135 years, the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network has provided information about lawyers to the legal community for the benefit of lawyers who may be seeking the assistance of an attorney with superior credentials and successful experience in a particular area of practice.. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of bar members and the judiciary, and attest to the individual lawyer's legal ability and adherence to professional standards of ethics. Exclusive to the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, ratings are universally accepted as exceptionally valuable benchmarks by members of the legal community. Academic & Professional Profile. Warren Breslin is an honors graduate from DePaul and Loyola Universities of Chicago, having ranked at the top of his graduating classes at both schools. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from DePaul and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola. He has published in the Northwestern University School of Law's Journal of Police Science and Administration and has contributed, through numerous writings, to the change and development of modern police procedures.. As a Chicago Police Officer for nearly nine years and as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney for over two years, Warren Breslin has acquired a wealth of experience in criminal arrest and prosecution. He was selected by the Chicago Police Superintendent to issue police directives in response to new Supreme Court rules and case law development in arrest, search and seizure. Warren Breslin headed a special task force in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office investigating political and organized crime involving Chicago City Hall contracts. He prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases in two Cook County districts. In addition to his police and prosecution background, he was an associate at the nationally renowned law firm of Chapman and Cutler where he developed a strong legal background in banking and finance.. Warren Breslin established his own criminal defense law practice in 1982 and has since successfully defended clients in thousands of criminal and traffic cases. His law practice has always been limited to criminal and traffic defense, thereby enabling him to concentrate on the ever-changing law in his field. Although his practice is centered in the Greater Chicago metropolitan area, Warren Breslin is licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Colorado, Washington D.C. and by the United States Supreme Court and has defended clients in many other states, having been admitted to practice on a case by case basis.. Warren Breslin is an experienced trial attorney having successfully defended clients in virtually every type of felony and misdemeanor case, including capital murder, arson, robbery, burglary, forgery, theft, sex, weapons and drug cases. A routine part of his practice includes representation to save or regain drivers' licenses and freedom of clients charged with drunken driving and other serious traffic violations.. Warren Breslin's academic achievements and lifelong experience in criminal arrest, prosecution and defense have given him not only keen insight and skill but also a most competitive advantage in applying his profession.. Fixed fees or fee range quoted in consultation.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60601
Firm: Law Offices of George M. Sanders, P. C.

John Yetter finished Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, earning University Honors and NCAA Academic All-American status. He graduated in 1996 from the University of Dayton School of Law, earning University awards for his studies in Advocacy and Property Law while also giving time to the tax and disability law clinics.. Mr. Yetter’s practice is dedicated to complex litigation and appeals. In the last twenty years, he tried over forty jury trials as first chair counsel in addition to over one hundred bench trials and numerous administrative and regulatory hearings. This history includes capital, complex financial, transactional, health care and anti-trust cases.. He has written and argued dozens of appeals to Illinois Appellate Courts, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit Court. In 2007 he was the lead author of a Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.. Mr. Yetter is a member of the Illinois Bar (1996), the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois Trial Bar (2001), Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (2003), and the United States Supreme Court (2005). He has been admitted, pro hac vice, in Indiana, Wisconsin and New Mexico.. An active member of the Chicago, Illinois and Kane County Bar associations, Mr. Yetter has written and presented Continuing Legal Education seminars on topics including jury selection, administrative hearing procedures and appellate practice.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60612
Firm: Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC

I have practiced law now for more than 1/2 of my life, focused primarily in the areas of Criminal Defense, DUI/Traffic Defense, Driver's License Reinstatement, and Immigration. In my 29 plus years of practicing law, I have tried cases ranging from First Degree Murder, on down to defending minor traffic and local ordinance tickets. I have appeared in Federal Courts, other State Courts on a pro hoc vice basis, such as Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Arizona. I believe that everyone, regardless of their "station in life" is entitled to the best defense that I can give them. I believe that our system of justice, while not perfect, is still the greatest in the world, and the Constitution and Bill of Rights offer the best chance of achieving Justice.. I like to think that no case is too big, or too small, for me to take on. The day that I can no longer find the words to speak on behalf of even the most unpopular client will be the day that I retire. I said that when I was in Law School, and I still say that today.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60602
Firm: Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg

I consider myself an aggressive, prepared, and determined criminal defense lawyer and I've devoted myself to my profession. I am fascinated by the law and I enjoy fighting to protect the rights of my clients.  Whether you are charged with first degree murder or a misdemeanor marijuana case, I always give 100%.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60604
Firm: Durkin and Roberts

I am dedicated to protecting your rights and will provide you with the best possible defense.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60607
Firm: Steven R. Hunter

I am a graduate of the highly ranked University of Michigan Law School.  My legal education laid the foundation for my career as a criminal defense attorney.  I have specialized in criminal defense for over 35 years.  In that time I have tried thousands of cases, both bench trials and juries, and litigated hundreds of motions. My experience includes Illinois state and federal courts.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60601
Firm: The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens - Chicago

Hello- I am Robert Edens and I  am here to help people navigate the complexities of the legal system. On your behalf, I will aggressively pursue your interests and protect your rights. With over 20 years of experience, I have resolved thousands of cases; relieving clients of the anxiety caused by the financial burden and uncertainty that often accompanies their case.. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or for a free case evaluation.  .

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60601
Firm: Pissetzky Law LLC

For the greater part of the past two decades, Gal Pissetzky devotes his life to defending the rights of those accused with a variety of state and federal criminal felony charges. Mr. Pissetzky has taken over 100 cases to trial both before a jury and before a judge. He has litigated countless motions in which law enforcement violated his client's Constitutional rights. Mr. Pissetzky has handled multi-issue complex trials and appeals. He has argued before the Illinois Supreme Court, as well as numerous Illinois and Federal Appellate Courts. His practice focuses only on defending clients accused of federal crimes, white collar crimes, sex offenses, large-scale drug crimes, and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder and gun offenses.. He has been vigorously representing clients in both the state and federal court systems. Located in Chicago, he represents clients throughout Illinois and the country. Mr. Pissetzky prides himself on providing superior client service. He is truly dedicated to protecting the rights of his clients and preserving their future.. Mr. Pissetzky combines his vast legal knowledge with his superior understanding of the court systems to provide the best possible defense for his clients. He will listen to his clients, conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation, and analyze the applicable law in light of the specific facts in order to pursue the best defense possible.. Mr. Pissetzky is a well-respected member of the legal community. He has represented many clients in high-profile cases, and is frequently quoted in the press. He regularly appears on TV as the legal consultan/advisor regarding high profile criminal cases. He was named one of Illinois' Rising Stars 2011™ by Super Lawyers ®magazine, as well as one of the "10 Best Client Satisfaction" attorneys by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and "Top 100 Trial Lawyers: Illinois" by The American Trial Lawyers Association.. Mr. Pissetzky began his successful career as a defense attorney in 2002 after spending four years with the Cook County State Attorney's Office. He obtained his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School. He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.1 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.1 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60603
Firm: Martin, Brown and Sullivan, Ltd.

Built on the foundation of his service as a federal prosecutor and a civil trial attorney with the U.S. Justice Department's Tax Division, Mr. Hartnett's practice now focuses on assisting individuals and entities in 6 areas:
- federal criminal prosecutions,
- federal civil tax controversies,
- conducting corporate internal investigations,
- professionals before licensing authorities,
- witnesses in federal investigations, and
- federal and state appeals.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60602
Firm: Law Offices of Reem Odeh

Attorney Reem H. Odeh is a dedicated litigation attorney who concentrates in a range of law areas including immigration, personal injury, criminal defense, family, medical malpractice, social security, commercial, bankruptcy, and disability law.. The Law Offices of Reem Odeh is located in the heart of the city withing walking distance to most courts and city offices at 134 N. La Salle, the same office as the Law Offices of Sandaman, Levy, & Petrich.. Of counsel* with attorneys throughout the US, The Law Offices of Reem H. Odeh and its associates carry valuable knowledge of the law on an international scale. The firms' reputation has stemmed from both local and international legal matters.. Attorney Reem Odeh and her associates are dedicated to seeing that each every client receives zealous representation, attention and respect.. Of Counsel* Attorneys: Attorney David Trais, Attorney Waleed Ghuneim.. *Of counsel denotes attorneys who collaborate with our firm on a cases by case basis. They work independently from The Law Offices of Reem H. Odeh and are not legally responsible in any way for cases except those we collaborate on. All such collaborations will be disclosed to our clients.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.1 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60608
Firm: Katz Law Office Limited

A representative of the common man and woman to enforce your legal rights.. Matthew Katz is someone who for years has been committed to fighting for the rights of poor and minority communities, and now for his clients. Since 1989, he has been an organizer and participant in various projects and forms of social activism to improve the human condition and work to ensure that the civil rights to which we are all entitled are protected. Here, we delineate the various activities and accomplishments of his student, political and professional life.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.9 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60604
Firm: Thomas C. Brandstrader

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.3 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60604
Firm: Tabet DiVito and Rothstein LLC

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60610
Firm: Johnson & Associates, P.C.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.3 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60604
Firm: Martin, Brown and Sullivan, Ltd.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.9 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60605
Firm: Julie B. Aimen

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.4 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60614
Firm: Allan A. Ackerman, P.C.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60602
Firm: Adamski and Conti

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.4 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.4 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60606
Firm: ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60606

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Chicago 60606
Firm: ARNSTEIN & LEHR LLP

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Chicago and surrounding areas.

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Disclaimer: This content is based on aggregated public information and estimated market trends. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.