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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Champaign

Our Recommended Top 15

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

72Reviewed

49Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

420 N. Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Koth Gregory & Nieminski is a law office that serves clients in Champaign who are dealing with criminal charges, such as DUI, traffic violations, drug possession, domestic violence, and retail theft. It helps defendants recover their lives by representing them in plea negotiations and trials, appealing trial court rulings, and fighting for not-guilty verdicts. Its partner, William L. Gregory, has been practicing criminal defense cases since 2000. He served as an assistant attorney at the DeWitt County State’s Attorney's Office before joining Koth Gregory & Nieminski.

  • DWI/DUI

1210 Towanda Ave #15,, Bloomington, IL 61701
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

For more than 15 years, The Prior Law Firm, P.C., has been defending its clients' rights in Champaign. It represents individuals charged with various crimes, including aggravated battery, arson, burglary, and criminal damage to property. The firm has experience guiding clients through the state's alternative dispositions, like the Offender Initiative Program and boot camp. John Prior Jr., the firm's namesake, is the former State's Attorney of Henderson County. He has been practicing law for over three decades.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary

146 N. Market, Paxton, IL 60957

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Lance C. Cagle, Attorney at Law, caters to clients in Champaign and its surrounding communities. Cagle focuses his practice on criminal defense, working on drug and alcohol-related offenses, theft, burglary, and sexual assault cases. He has represented clients in court, resulting in their charges reduces or dismissed, and has won acquittals in bench and jury trials. Cagle also works with individuals facing charges for driving under the influence and those with traffic offenses. He serves as a National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member.

  • Theft & Burglary

301 South Center Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Skelton & Wong, PC, handles criminal defense cases in Champaign and the surrounding communities. Its attorneys work on felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence, sex offense, and drug possession claims. They hold trial experience, representing defendants in various stages and litigation levels. One of its lawyers, Steven Skelton, has been in practice since 1976. He has tried over 500 claims to juries and won federal and state court cases. Skelton is also a member of the Elite Capital Litigation Trial Bar.

  • DWI/DUI

101 W. Tomaras Ave., Suite 006, Savoy, IL 61874

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Lauren A. Anaya provides full-service representation to individuals and families in Champaign and the surrounding metros. It defends clients who have been charged with criminal cases, including traffic offenses, battery and assault, drug possession, DUI, and white-collar crimes. The firm also assists clients in estate planning, immigration, and family law disputes. Anaya has more than 25 years of experience and previously worked as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

301 North Neil Street, Suite 400, Champaign, IL 61820
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Daniel P. Fossier, Attorney at Law, has been serving clients in Champaign and the surrounding areas for more than two decades. He advocates for the rights and liberties of those accused or under investigation for felony or misdemeanor offenses, such as DUI. Fossier also handles cases in the areas of business, family, and personal injury law. While working for Hughes, Hill & Tenney for more than nine years, he defended the interests of physicians and businesses.

  • DWI/DUI

702 Bloomington Rd., Suite 217, Champaign, IL 61820
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (35)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Cisco Law, P.C., provides legal services to Champaign and the neighboring cities. It defends the rights of clients arrested for criminal charges involving battery and assault, traffic tickets, unlawful possession of firearms, drug offenses, and DUI. It also offers legal assistance to individuals who obtained additional charges for resisting arrest. In addition to criminal defense, the law firm represents victims of medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and car accidents. Its founder, Jeff Cisco, brings over 17 years of legal experience.

1801 Woodfield Dr., Savoy, IL 61874

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Ruggieri P.C. offers criminal and traffic defense to the residents of Champaign and the surrounding areas. The cases it handles include misdemeanor and felony offenses, municipal ordinance violations, domestic disputes, and traffic violations. It also represents individuals arrested for DUI. In addition to criminal and traffic defense, the firm takes on a business law matters, including new entity formation and business purchases and sales. Its founder, A.J. Ruggieri, focuses his practice on business and real estate law.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

306 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
1.0 (3)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Meyer Capel is a multi-disciplinary law firm founded in the early 1960s, that operates from offices in Champaign and Bloomington. Its criminal and traffic law practice defends people accused of state offenses, such as petty traffic violations and non-probational felonies. These include persons charged with murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping, arson, and grand larceny. Traffic violations the firm handles include aggravated speeding in a school or construction zone, reckless driving, and possession of more than one license by a commercial driver.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jeffrey Davis - ShareholderActive28 yrs

2006 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Tichenor Law Office caters to individuals in Champaign and the neighboring communities. It provides legal representation for individuals who are facing criminal charges. It also assists clients looking to have their criminal records of old cases expunged and sealed for a clean slate. Some of the cases that it handles include traffic and DUI-related charges. Christopher Tichenor, the principal of the firm, has been handling criminal and civil law matters for more than 10 years.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Expungement

101 W. Tomaras Ave, Suite 74, Savoy, IL 61874
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (39)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Cherie Kesler, Attorney at Law, is a multi-practice firm serving clients in Champaign since 2001. It protects the legal rights of individuals accused of crimes, including DWI/DUI. Cherie E. Kesler, the firm's founder, also advises and represents clients in the areas of family, elder, and corporate law. She grew up in the area, providing her with an understanding of the dynamics of the surrounding communities. Kelser is an advocate for individuals and families and participates in activities that promote learning and musical enrichment for children.

108 East Anthony Drive, Urbana, IL 61802

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)
Yelp
2.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Wozniak & Associates is a multi-practice law firm founded in 1998. It has a team of criminal defense attorneys near Champaign who represent clients under investigation and charged with an array of criminal offenses. The firm has locations near Champaign and in Mattoon, enabling it to serve clients throughout Central Illinois. It handles felonies and misdemeanors, such as crimes involving burglary and theft, drug offenses, DUI, and traffic violations. The firm also defends clients accused of violent crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Wozniak - Co-FounderActive28 yrs

517 Seventh Street,, Charleston, IL 61920
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (15)
Facebook
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The Britton Law Offices, LLC, is a multi-practice firm that represents Champaign residents who have been accused of criminal offenses. It helps defendants understand their legal options against any criminal defense case, whether they have been charged with misdemeanors or serious felonies. Its attorneys utilize a result-oriented approach and remain prepared to litigate their clients' cases in court. They also handle personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Principal attorney Sean M. Britton is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

  • DWI/DUI

504 W. Columbia Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Office of Jerome P. Lyke Attorney is a Champaign-based firm that represents individuals with civil and criminal cases in state and federal courts. It provides criminal defense for traffic and DUI violations. The firm also assists with family law matters, such as divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody, and adoption. Other practice areas include personal injury, real estate, and estate planning. Jerome has been practicing law since 1982 and is currently part of the board of the Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

207 West Jefferson Suite 500, Bloomington, IL 61701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (24)

Why choose this provider?

JP Law Office offers criminal defense advocacy for individuals throughout Champaign and the surrounding metros. The firm's attorney, Jennifer Patton, has been practicing law for over 20 years and draws on her background as a former prosecutor in devising strategies to help clients fight criminal charges filed against them. She and her team take on cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, as well as traffic offenses and driving under the influence charges. Patton also handles family law cases.

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.

FAQs

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

    217-333-8911 is the non-emergency contact number of the Champaign Police Department.

  • What are the common cases that criminal defense attorneys handle in Champaign?

    Common cases that criminal defense attorneys handle in Champaign include:

    • traffic violations
    • homicide and murder charges
    • white-collar crimes
    • gun crimes
    • theft and burglary
    • home invasion

    It is crucial to seek legal counsel if facing criminal charges, as an attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation to protect your rights and mitigate potential penalties.

  • What should you do if your child is facing juvenile charges in Champaign?

    If there are indications that your child may face adult charges, it is important to act fast and reach out to a qualified criminal defense attorney in Champaign. These legal professionals have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the complex juvenile justice system and provide guidance on the best course of action for your child's future. An attorney can work to minimize the impact of the charges and potentially have them reduced to a juvenile offense.

  • What are the consequences of a juvenile conviction in Champaign?

    Juvenile offenses are typically treated differently from adult convictions and may not be visible on background checks. However, if a juvenile is prosecuted as an adult for a serious crime in Champaign, they may be subject to standard penalties and end up with a criminal record that could potentially impact their future opportunities.

  • Can an employer reject an applicant with a criminal conviction history in Champaign?

    Yes. According to Illinois laws (which applies to Champaign), an employer may reject an applicant after conducting a case-by-case analysis and determining that there is "a substantial relationship between the previous criminal offense and the employment sought or held." The applicant may also be rejected if there is "an unreasonable risk to property or the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public."

  • What are your rights if you have been charged with a drug crime in Champaign?

    If you are confronted with drug charges in Champaign, note that you have certain rights that are guaranteed to you. These rights include the right to plead not guilty, remain silent during your arrest and trial, seek legal representation regardless of your financial situation, prevent the use of certain evidence against you in court, and challenge any court rulings. While it can be intimidating to face drug charges, it is crucial to assert your rights and seek legal counsel to protect your interests.