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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Our Recommended Top 11

We did the research for you!

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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.

2068Reviewed

1245Curated

11Top 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 - PartnerActive26 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
Website

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
Website

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 - PartnerActive9 yrs

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (71)
Facebook
5.0 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Kuchinski Law Group works with people facing charges for different criminal offenses. Serving Chicago and throughout Illinois, it represents defendants during courtroom proceedings and creates legal strategies to protect their rights and freedom. 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 - FounderActive10 yrs

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 in Chicago and 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 AttorneyActive3 yrs
Matt Fakhoury - Principal AttorneyActive19 yrs
Colleen LeFevour - Managing AttorneyActive5 yrs
Anna Nolazco - Associate AttorneyActive1 yr

Chicago, IL 60604
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Serving Chicago and the rest of Illinois for more than 20 years, Robert J. Callahan and Associates helps accused individuals obtain criminal defense representation and counsel. Its lawyers use their ability to navigate complex legal issues, achieving favorable outcomes such as case dismissals and reduced charges. Its team aggressively defends clients against various charges, including assault and battery, fraud, DUI, violent crimes, federal offenses, and white-collar criminal cases. The firm also assists clients who are in need of executive clemency and expungement of criminal records.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Callahan - PrincipalActive30 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 throughout Illinois. It addresses the legal concerns of those facing charges for various types of criminal violations, such as 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 violation, robbery, and theft.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Howard Wise - PrincipalActive27 yrs

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

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
Facebook
4.8 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Led by attorneys who have been named among Chicago’s top trial lawyers with high-profile acquittals and media recognition, Breen & Pugh Attorneys & Counselors provides criminal defense solutions to locals of Chicago and the rest of Illinois. The law firm guides its clients through the criminal justice process, including police interrogations, bail discussions, evidence review, plea bargaining, and sentencing negotiations. It handles cases involving possession or sale of controlled substances, internet crimes and piracy, racketeering and money laundering, environmental offenses, and white-collar crimes.

  • 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 accused of crimes in Chicago and neighboring areas 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 - 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, has been providing legal advice and representation to criminal defendants in Chicago and surrounding towns in Illinois since 2017. It takes on various criminal defense matters, including violent crimes, possession of drugs, DUI, and theft. It advocates for its client's best interests in the courtroom to help them obtain fair resolutions for their cases, such as acquittal at trial or charge dismissal. It also negotiates with prosecutors to pursue plea deals on behalf of its clients.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Probation Violation
  • Criminal Law

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Clyde Guilamo - PrincipalActive12 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 Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC
1600 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Robert J. Callahan and Associates
Chicago, IL 60604
Howard Wise
22 W Washington St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
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