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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Chicago, IL

Our Recommended Best Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers

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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.

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10Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
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.

  • Drug Charges
  • Federal Crimes
  • Theft
  • DWI/DUI
  • Assault and Battery
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
11528 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60628

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.

  • Gun Charges
  • Class 1, 2 Felonies & Class 3 Felonies
  • Criminal Sexual Assault
  • Burglary
  • Class X Felonies
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Charges
  • Harassment
  • Misdemeanors
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
Chicago, IL

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (144)
Avvo
5.0 (38)
Yelp
4.2 (5)

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.

Cary Dohman has been a criminal defense lawyer since graduating from the John Marshall Law School, where he finished cum laude. Through Cary's leadership, the Dohman Law Group has been lauded by the American Association of Attorney Advocates as a Top 10 Law Firm in DUI Defense.

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

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
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 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.

Matt Fakhoury is a former prosecutor and a member of the Arab American Bar Association. He currently teaches law courses for undergraduate sociology students at DePaul University. He has been featured on CNN, CourtTV, and Morning in America.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Expungement

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
2502 N Clark St Ste 201, Chicago, IL 60614

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (81)
Avvo
5.0 (54)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg offers criminal defense representation to people in Chicago and the rest of 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.

Andrew M. Weisberg has been practicing law for over 28 years. From 2015 to 2022, the National Trial Lawyers acknowledged him as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Illinois. He previously worked as a prosecuting attorney at the Cook County State Attorney's Office.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
22 W Washington St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60602

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (34)
Avvo
4.9 (31)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

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 the rest of Illinois. It addresses the criminal defense concerns of those facing charges of 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 violations, robbery, and theft.

Howard Wise received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1996. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insights into how prosecutors reason and attack. He has experience crafting arguments to put criminals behind bars and uses this knowledge to create a solid defense for his clients.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1723, Chicago, IL 60606

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (72)
Facebook
5.0 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Kuchinski Law Group works with people who need criminal defense solutions. Serving Chicago and the rest of Illinois, it represents defendants during courtroom proceedings and creates legal strategies to protect their rights. 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.

Sergei Kuchinski is a criminal defense attorney with a 95% success rate. A former prosecutor and police officer, he uses his skills to advocate for defendants' rights. He is also a certified criminal investigator, Federal Bureau of Investigation statement analyst, and criminal interviewer and interrogator.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
1 East Erie St. Suite 525-4591, Chicago, IL 60611

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (58)
Avvo
5.0 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Clyde Guilamo, LLC, has been providing legal advice and representation to criminal defendants in Chicago and the rest of Illinois since 2017. It takes on various criminal defense matters, including violent crimes, possession of drugs, DUI, and theft. It advocates for clients’ 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.

Clyde Guilamo has over 13 years of legal experience. In 2022, the National Black Lawyers Association recognized him as one of the top 40 under 40 lawyers in Illinois. He has handled more than 1,000 criminal cases and over 100 bench and jury trials.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
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 drug possession or sale, internet crimes and piracy, racketeering and money laundering, environmental offenses, and white-collar crimes.

Thomas M. Breen has been consistently recognized as one of the top lawyers in Illinois. In 2012, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has prior experience handling civil and criminal matters outside Cook County as a Special Prosecutor.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Chicago
121 S Wilke Rd #301, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (40)
Avvo
4.3 (27)
Yelp
2.3 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Gordon H. Hirsch focuses on what matters to clients most — reputation, freedom, and life. He helps residents in Chicago defend their cases and get their lives back on track. He is the founder and managing attorney at Hirsch Law Group, comprising a brilliant team of former prosecutors who are now aggressive criminal, DUI, and traffic violation defense attorneys, proudly serving and defending clients throughout the state of Illinois. Gordon is a leading legal advocate when it comes to cases involving theft and robbery, sex crimes, traffic violations, and federal crimes. His exemplary legal skills are reflected in his Superb standing at Avvo with a perfect score of 10.0.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes

Compare Best Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
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 60628
Dohman Law Group
Chicago, ILFree consultation
Law Offices of Matthew M. Fakhoury, LLC
1600 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg
2502 N Clark St Ste 201, Chicago, IL 60614
Howard Wise
22 W Washington St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
Kuchinski Law Group
211 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1723, Chicago, IL 60606
The Law Office of Clyde Guilamo, LLC
1 East Erie St. Suite 525-4591, Chicago, IL 60611
Breen & Pugh Attorney & Counselors
53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1215, Chicago, IL 60604
Hirsch Law Group
121 S Wilke Rd #301, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

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