Expertise.com

2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chicago

Our Recommended Top 21

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Chicago 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.

2078Reviewed

1255Curated

21Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

161 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60601
Website

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.

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

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steven Fagan - PartnerActive26 yrs

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

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.

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

Chicago, IL
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

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

Why choose this provider?

The criminal defense attorneys of the Dohman Law Group have been practicing law for Chicago area clients for 40 years. The attorneys at the firm offer assistance with cases involving various categories of DUI and other traffic violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license. The law firm has been locally and nationally recognized by organizations including The American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys and the National Academy of Criminal Defenders.

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

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Cary Dohman - PartnerActive9 yrs

734 Ridge Road, Homewood, IL 60430
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (17)

Why choose this provider?

"Derrick B. Reese J.D.;LL.M has 25 years of experience defending clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Chicago and the surrounding counties of Illinois. He graduated at the top 5% of his law school and went on to receive his Masters of Law Degree. Attorney Derrick B. Reese has received incredible case results in cases that others may have considered "unwinnable". He is articulate and feels comfortable and confident during jury and bench trials. Attorney Derrick B. Reese takes an aggressive approach when defending charges such as UUW, gun charges, drug charges, murder charges, domestic violence, reckless homicide, burglary, DUI's, DWI's, felon in possession of a gun, reckless discharge of a weapon, possession of stolen property and more.

  • Drug Crimes
  • gun lawyer
  • Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • DWI/DUI
  • homicide attorney
  • drug possession lawyer
  • theft lawyer
  • class x felony lawyer
  • stalking lawyer
  • possession of a stolen car lawyer

1600 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (164)
Avvo
5.0 (137)
Facebook
4.6 (17)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Matt Fakhoury LLC is a Chicago-based criminal defense law firm. Matt Fakhoury is a former prosecutor in the Third Municipal District and in Chicago. Fakhoury and his team give legal representation for assault and battery, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, and robbery. They handle cases involving disorderly conduct, domestic battery, expungements and sealings, home invasions, property crimes, and sentence violations. They also serve clients in the Rolling Meadows and Skokie areas.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Caitlin Wilder - Associate AttorneyActive3 yrs
Anna Nolazco - Associate AttorneyActive1 yr
Colleen LeFevour - Managing AttorneyActive5 yrs
Matt Fakhoury - Principal AttorneyActive19 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 - PrincipalActive26 yrs

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

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

Why choose this provider?

Kuchinski Law Group provides representation to individuals in criminal defense lawsuits in Chicago. It offers legal advice, drafts an escort strategy, prepares all the necessary petitions, complaints, or inquiry documentation, and conducts an introduction to U.S. criminal law. It handles various cases, such as DUI, domestic violence, and expungements. Additionally, the firm advocates for clients' rights on family and immigration law matters. Founding attorney Sergei Kuchinski has been in the legal practice for over 10 years. He is also fluent in Russian and Estonian.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sergei Kuchinski - FounderActive10 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 - PrincipalActive48 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
Steven Fine - PrincipalActive30 yrs
Steve Fine - PrincipalActive30 yrs

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

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 AttorneyActive22 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 - PrincipalActive29 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 - PrincipalActive12 yrs
Carlos Davalos - PrincipalActive12 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 - PartnerActive18 yrs
Dena Singer - PartnerActive22 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 - PartnerActive54 yrs
Alexander Michael - AssociateActive14 yrs

191 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093
Website

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
Merrill DavisActive10 yrs
Paul SerklandActive24 yrs
Larry Davis - PrincipalActive48 yrs
Brandon Davis - PartnerActive15 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 - PrincipalActive30 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 - PrincipalActive27 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?

Howard J. Wise and Associates is a criminal defense firm serving Chicago and the surrounding area. The firm provides representation in assault, battery, DUI, domestic violence, drug, and fraud cases. It also handles criminal appeals, record sealing, and expungement. Founding attorney Howard J. Wise has more than 20 years of experience in the legal field. Additionally, he and several of his associates are former prosecutors who now defend the rights of Chicago-area defendants and suspects.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Howard Wise - PrincipalActive27 yrs

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

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?

Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg is a law firm with one dedicated criminal defense attorney. Andrew M. Weisberg has been practicing criminal law in Illinois since 1996. He's familiar with all aspects of criminal law and can provide assistance to people accused of both felonies and misdemeanors, including burglary, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. Attorney Weisberg is a former Cook County felony prosecutor, and this experience helps him to plan his defense strategies.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Andrew Weisberg - PrincipalActive28 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 - PrincipalActive12 yrs

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 Chicago, Illinois?

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

  • 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