Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in chicago | 265 available

265 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in chicago, Illinois, including Martin Quintana, Matthew & Drnovsek Law, Matthew Arthur, and Matthew Katz. These lawyers are rated between 4.3/5 to 4.7/5 and 70% provide free consultation.

Criminal Defense Case Statistics Overview

Criminal Defense Case Timeline

Min2Max18

Criminal defense cases in Chicago typically resolve within 2 to 18 months, depending on case complexity, court schedules, and whether the matter proceeds to trial.

chicago Court Backlog

Low500Medium1500High3000

The Cook County court system often manages a backlog ranging from 500 to 3,000 criminal cases, reflecting both new filings and ongoing matters.

Criminal Defense chicago Filing Volume

Min700Max1800

Estimated monthly criminal case filings in Chicago range from 700 to 1,800, based on recent public court data.

Criminal Defense Case Outcomes

Pre-litigation25Post-filing35Trial10

Resolution rates vary: approximately 25% of cases resolve before formal charges, 35% after filing but before trial, and about 10% result in favorable trial outcomes for defendants.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Martin Quintana

Firm: Quintana Law Group, LLC
1 East Wacker Drive , Chicago , Illinois 60601
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury
Martin Quintana is the founder and the managing partner of Quintana Law Group, LLC based in Chicago and Downers Grove. He focuses his practice on state and federal criminal defense along with personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice.. Prior to forming Quintana Law Group, LLC he was a partner at a small boutique firm that focused on personal injury, workers’ compensation, and medical malpractice. His strong presence as a highly successful trial lawyer and his prominence throughout Chicago has provided him the opportunity to develop a large and widerange of a client base which affords him the ability service a vast amount of clients.. Martin’s passion for the law began when he was only 21 years of age. At that time Martin began an internship with a prominent Chicago lawyer that lasted throughout his college and law school career and culminated with several years of invaluable service as a young lawyer with the same attorney. He has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict and has also written briefs for and argued before the Illinois Appellate Court. Martin’s broad range of legal knowledge affords him the ability to represent clients in a vast array of legal disciplines.. Martin received his law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan with a concentration in litigation. He received his Bachelor in Science degree from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois where he double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science.. Martin’s litigation experience and his ability to be fluent in Spanish has afforded him the opportunity to sit on multiple boards and lead a variety of Legal Clinics throughout Chicago such as in Rogers Park through Block Club Federation and in Little Village through Universidad Popular and through Little Village Community Council.
Avvo Review
“would be difficult seeing how lawyers tend to use big words sometimes. Martine helped me through eve”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Yelp Rating: Rated 2.8 out of 5

Matthew & Drnovsek Law

Firm: Matthew & Drnovsek Law
1200 W 35th St , Chicago , Illinois 60609
Practice Areas: Divorce & Family, Criminal Defense, DUI
Yelp Review
“Great lawyer! Demijan went out of his way to help me even when things weren't going well. He's been helping me on my custody case for years and I always...”
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Google Review
“I can't say enough good things about Matthew & Drnovsek Law. From the very beginning, their team was on top of everything, responsive, organized, and always one step ahead. I was d…”
— Daniel R. Neuhaus
Yelp Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Mitchell S Sexner & Associates

Firm: Mitchell S Sexner & Associates
2126 W Van Buren St , Chicago , Illinois 60612
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, DUI
Yelp Review
“Best experience of my life !!!! My license was suspended and I was in all sorts of trouble. The law office I called before I called them said there was...”
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Google Review
“Julio was a very professional lawyer. He represented my son Robert and won the case on the first time representing Robert. I like his approach and style. He is a very talented lawy…”
— Brenda Mitchell
Yelp Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Miranda Law Office

Firm: Miranda Law Office
3535 N Pulaski Rd , Chicago , Illinois 60641
Practice Areas: DUI, Criminal Defense
Yelp Review
“I highly recommend Miranda Law offices. I had so many questions about my case and they helped me all the way through, answered every question I had and...”
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Google Review
“I had the privilege of having Miguel Miranda as my attorney, and I can’t recommend him enough!!! From start to finish, he carried himself with the highest level of professionalism …”
— Itzen D
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Orescanin

Firm: Illinois Advocates, LLC
77 W. Washington St. , Chicago , Illinois 60602
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“I truly can't explain how much a help Mike was. He took the incentive to explain everything as well”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Orescanin for over 4 years. He continuously strives to employ tactics that win cases for his clients. He is genuinely a nice person too, whi…”
Yelp Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5

Michael J. Petro - Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Firm: Michael J. Petro - Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
20 N Clark St , Chicago , Illinois 60602
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Yelp Review
“He is a super smart attorney and had my case dismissed with no fees within 10 minutes. He knew they had nothing to charge me with or hold me. I am so glad...”
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Google Review
“My husband had the most complicated X felony case ever. We called a lot of attorneys but no one was able to help us. Michael Petro was the only one who agreed on to work on that ca…”
— Ruta Vit
Avvo Rating: Rated 3.6 out of 5

Michael Harrison

Firm: Sidley & Austin
1 South Dearborn Street , Chicago , Illinois 60603
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Banking
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Gruszeczki

Firm: Gruszeczki & Smith Law, LLP
33 N. Dearborn , Chicago , Illinois 60602
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
I've been a lifelong resident of Cook County, born and raised on the northwest side of the city. After graduating from law school, I worked as a prosecutor in Cook County.  I've taken what I've learned there to represent my clients vigorously. I pride myself in helping my clients get results.
Avvo Review
“on the same page as him and gives honest and professional advice. If you need help with criminal d”
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Lawyers.com Review
“Mike is an incredible trial lawyer who has an impressive knowledge of the law. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking out a criminal defense attorney.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Finn

53 W Jackson Boulevard   525  60 , Chicago , Illinois 60604
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“Mr. Finn was very good, his office answer question quickly, 2 years ago he took care of my shoplift case and handled my expungement within 1 year!”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Falconer

Firm: Law Office of Michael J. Falconer
35 E Wacker Dr , Chicago , Illinois 60601
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes, Internet , Securities , White Collar Crime, Criminal Defense
Lawyers.com Review
“There is a well-known true story about Michael Falconer. When he was a young prosecutor in the Cook County State's Attorney's office he discovered evidence suggesting that two men …”
Avvo Rating: Rated 2.3 out of 5

Michael D. Monico

Firm: Monico, Pavich and Spevack
20 South Clark Street   700  6060 , Chicago , Illinois 60603
Practice Areas: Appellate ,Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“I thought Mr. Monico was very self serving and at times seemed distracted and somewhat disorganized. I had to repeat facts time and again. He always...”
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Google Review
“Mike is an impeccable attorney AND basically quickly becomes like a family member. Don’t hesitate to retain him. You’ll be happy you did.”
— B HOUSE
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Chomiak

1005 N. Western Ave , Chicago , Illinois 60622
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Michael Chomiak has been practicing criminal defense law for over 10 years. Since leaving the State's Attorney's Office in 2003, he has defended countless clients throughout the Illinois in both State and Federal Court.
Avvo Review
“Very knowledgeable and confident in courtroom. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. He”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Cheronis

Firm: Law Office of Michael D. Cheronis
2502 N. Clark St. , Chicago , Illinois 60614
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Facing the reality of a criminal prosecution is frightening. Having the right lawyer makes all the difference. Simply put, Michael Cheronis is the right lawyer. As a former Chicago felony prosecutor and a seasoned defense attorney, Mr. Cheronis possesses the expertise and the experience necessary to provide exceptional counsel and the best possible results.. Communication is key throughout the criminal process. Keeping his clients informed of everything – from pre-trial negotiation with prosecutors through trial strategies and techniques – is the benchmark of Mr. Cheronis’ defense strategies. No one knows what happened, or didn’t happen, better than the accused client.. Using aggressive, effective pre-trial and trial strategies, Mr. Cheronis has successfully defended thousands of Illinois citizens charged with crimes. He represents clients charged with drug offenses, DUI, violent crimes, sex crimes, and white collar crimes. From the initiation of a criminal investigation through trial and sometimes beyond, Mr. Cheronis will personally handle each and every aspect of your matter.. Mr. Cheronis will work for and with you to establish a solid defense and protect your rights. Only with a creative and determined attorney like Mr. Cheronis can you be certain that your rights will be protected. He has obtained successful verdicts for his clients in hundreds of cases throughout Chicago and Cook County.
Avvo Review
“onfident in his abilities. He did not let me down. Mike’s got that dog in him. His cross-examin”
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Lawyers.com Review
“Mike is an aggressive and intelligent attorney. His knowledge of the law is second to none. His clients and fellow attorneys respect him.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Melissa Smejkal

Firm: Law Office of Melissa Smejkal
1328 W 18th Street , Chicago , Illinois 60608
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Attorney Mellisa Smejkal is a leading criminal defense lawyer based in Chicago. She has been practicing law since 1998 and opened her current law firm in 2005. The firm largely serves clients in Cook County and the surrounding areas. Its specialty areas include DUI cases, traffic offenses and a nig range of criminal offenses (assault and battery, homicides, prostitution, sexual assault, murder, gun charges and theft among others). Attorney Melissa Smejkal is also good in getting her clients’ criminal history expunged.
Avvo Review
“feel completely supported throughout the entire process. Beyond her listening skills, Melissa's expe”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I highly endorse Mrs. Smejkal. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5

Matthew L. McBride

Firm: Sneckenberg, Thompson and Brody, LLP
161 N Clark Street   3575 , Chicago , Illinois 60601
Practice Areas: Civil ,Criminal Defense ,Employment & Labor ,Family ,Immigration & Naturalization
Avvo Review
“Matthew is a very good attorney.He has proven to me that justice is not always blind.He is a very hard working and ethical man.Matthew takes pride in ...”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 3.1 out of 5

Matthew Katz

Firm: Katz Law Office Limited
2408 West Cermak Road , Chicago , Illinois 60608
Practice Areas: Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Civil Rights, Constitutional , Criminal Defense , Divorce, Family , Traffic Violations, Immigration, Immigration, Immigration
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 Review
“ed up with NOTHING!!!! I PERSONALLY do not recommend this attorney or his firm. Save your money”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Matthew Arthur

900 West Jackson Boulevard , Chicago , Illinois 60607
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“l my questions even though this was a consult and I ultimately used some of his suggestions in my fi”
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Lawyers.com Review
“Matt Arthur is one of the best attorneys I know.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Mollie O'Brien

Firm: Bryce Downey & Lenkov LLC
200 N La Salle St Ste 2700 , Chicago , Illinois 60601
Practice Areas: General Practice, Criminal Defense
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Michael Metoyer

Po Box 411938 , Chicago , Illinois 60641
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“I used mr metoyer services a few years ago. I was impressed with his knowledge He is very smart and”
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Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Mitchell Sexner

Firm: Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC
2126 W Van Buren Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense
Over 20,000 highly satisfied clients have been assisted by our offices over the years. You can call anytime to discuss your case without any cost or obligation and speak with one of our talented attorneys. Our phones are staffed by live representatives 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Our lawyers can be reached by calling one of our local numbers or the toll-free number of to discuss your matter by phone. You may also set up a free office appointment at a time convenient to you to discusss any type of case. Like other past clients that we've helped, we are ready to fight for your rights and give you the best possible attorney representation. For criminal and traffic matters, legal defense fees are generally quoted as flat fees, not hourly. Payment plans and weekend appointments are available. For Workers Compensation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury matters, no attorney fees are due unless we are successful in securing our client a monetary settlement or judgment. At the law offices of Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC, you can consider yourself in very capable hands. Our legal team is big enough to provide superior legal service, but small enough to care. Call us today and let us explain what can be done for you.
Avvo Review
“nships, transparency and providing great legal advice and guidance. I would highly recommend Mitchel”
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Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. Mitchell Sexner has risen to prominence in the legal world by providing years of outstanding service to his clients. He has a phenomenal reputation.”

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.