Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chicago | 172 available
172 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in Chicago, Illinois, including John Yetter, Jon Erickson, Jonathan Feldman, Attorney at Law, and Joshua Kutnick. These lawyers are rated between 4.6/5 to 5.0/5 and 70% provide free consultation.
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
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
Estimated monthly criminal case filings in Chicago range from 700 to 1,800, based on recent public court data.
Criminal Defense Case Outcomes
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.
Practice Areas: Appellate , Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes, DUI/DWI, Felonies, Juvenile , Parole and Probation, Traffic Violations, Antitrust & Trade Law, Antitrust & Trade Law, Antitrust & Trade Law, Antitrust & Trade Law
John Yetter finished Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, earning University Honors and NCAA Academic All-American status. He graduated in 1996 from the University of Dayton School of Law, earning University awards for his studies in Advocacy and Property Law while also giving time to the tax and disability law clinics.. Mr. Yetter’s practice is dedicated to complex litigation and appeals. In the last twenty years, he tried over forty jury trials as first chair counsel in addition to over one hundred bench trials and numerous administrative and regulatory hearings. This history includes capital, complex financial, transactional, health care and anti-trust cases.. He has written and argued dozens of appeals to Illinois Appellate Courts, the Illinois Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit Court. In 2007 he was the lead author of a Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.. Mr. Yetter is a member of the Illinois Bar (1996), the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois Trial Bar (2001), Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (2003), and the United States Supreme Court (2005). He has been admitted, pro hac vice, in Indiana, Wisconsin and New Mexico.. An active member of the Chicago, Illinois and Kane County Bar associations, Mr. Yetter has written and presented Continuing Legal Education seminars on topics including jury selection, administrative hearing procedures and appellate practice.
Avvo Review
“Jack assisted my daughter with a case and she received a very favorable result. Both Jack and Wayne”
166 W Washington St Ste 680 , Chicago , Illinois 60602
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
In my law practice, deep expertise meets unwavering dedication. With decades of experience navigating the complexities of Illinois Criminal and Juvenile law, I have built a reputation as a trusted advocate and advisor. As an adjunct faculty member at Chicago-Kent College of Law, I am not only shaping the next generation of legal professionals but also staying at the forefront of legal developments. My leadership roles in the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Illinois State Bar Assocation reflect my commitment to advancing the profession, ensuring lawyers across the state remain informed and prepared for the ever-evolving legal landscape. When you work with me you gain a partner who combines knowledge, insight, and a passion for achieving the best outcomes for you and your case.
Avvo Review
“I hired Galhotra at the scariest time of my life. I was in great hands. He saved my life!!”
“Nir Basse took my money, an $800 retainer, and did ZERO work. We contacted him to help my nephew, who had just been released from prison, get his driver's...”
“I will tell a story.I called many lawyers and finally spoke to an intelligent,honest,and most of all caring attorney.Just hired him!I will finish this story when my case is finishe…”
“Facts- I hired this Mr. Granich . After I hired him- I reported him to the ARDC , and sued him in court. I would not recommend him to anyone with a serious...”
“Very effective, professional and trustworthy. Honestly, my life would be a lot worse right now if I had not been recommended to Mr. Granich by my cousin. I don't want to get into t…”
“Great attorneys, attentive answered all my questions, experienced & knowledgeable , I called in I had few questions, Clyde took the time answering...”
“My experience did not end off so well. Initially, Attorney Guilamo, had me speaking with his assistant about my case. I was charged 1500 for representation because that is all it w…”
“Barry has always done a great job with my cases. Regardless of how minor or major, he is very thorough and well prepared. Barry always explains to me the...”
“This guy is one of the best lawyers I I have ever known when the public defender said it can't be done he proved her wrong in so many ways He is a great lawyer and a great guy I am…”
“Andrew was extremely responsive, a great communicator (anticipating questions and setting very clear expectations), and empathetic. His high degree of experience came through every…”
Practice Areas: Divorce & Family, Criminal Defense, Bankruptcy
Yelp Review
“Thank you Huda! Absolutely outstanding team. I have used them a couple of times now and have received excellent service and have been very pleased with the...”
“I have used David Daudell's law firm services on several matters. David is profesional, yet approachable. He provides very good legal advice. He was always available and reachable.…”
Practice Areas: Divorce & Family, Criminal Defense, Immigration
Yelp Review
“Best Legal Council Rep in Chicagoland. Helped me with my legal issues more than once and I am forever grateful. I highly recommend getting in touch with...”
“Sergei Kuchinski is the best lawyer you could ever find, starting from small cases and all the way to the big and complicated ones. Communication with him was professional and clea…”
Jon F. Erickson has been a successful lead trial attorney in some of Chicago’s most challenging courtrooms for the past 24 years. As an author, litigator and advisor, Jon F. Erickson has developed an expertise in criminal defense and civil rights law and is considered a leader in DUI defense.. Jon F. Erickson has handled over 127 federal civil rights cases, 42 USC Sec. 1983, in the in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and has secured millions of dollars in damage awards for his civil rights clients.. Jon F. Erickson has obtained not-guilty verdicts in hundreds of criminal criminal cases -- many high profile cases. In November of 2010, Erickson & Oppenheimer, Ltd. obtained a Not Guilty on 1st Degree Murder for U.S.A. National Boxing Champion, Semajay Thomas and has since won a Not Guilty Jury Verdicts in an “unheard-of” 3 consecutive 1st Degree Murder trials.. Jon F. Erickson has represented thousands of criminal defendants and has served as lead trial cousnel in thousands of bench and jury trials. Jon F. Erickson has obtained not-guilty verdicts in hundreds of criminal defense cases -- many high profile cases. In November of 2010, Erickson & Oppenheimer, Ltd. obtained a Not Guilty on 1st Degree Murder for U.S.A. National Boxing Champion, Semajay Thomas and has since won a Not Guilty Jury Verdicts in an “unheard-of” 3 consecutive 1st Degree Murder trials.. Erickson honed his DUI trial skills as a lawyer with the Cook County Public Defender's Office where from 1991 to 1993 he handled thousands of DUI cases. Since then, he has successfully defended hundreds of people accused of DUI, including the high-profile federal Section 1983 civil suit for false DUI arrest against Chicago DUI cop Richard Fiorito. Erickson's work resulted the removal of the officer from the street, the mass dismissal of over 134 DUI cases in 2009, and a settlement of $450,000.. In a federal drug conspiracy trial in Western Michigan, Erickson represented a man who a United States Federal District Judge Gordon J. Quist called “… probably the biggest drug dealer in the United States of America.”. Erickson served as a legislative aide to Illinois State Representative Larry McKeon, specializing in criminal and civil rights legislation and in 2003, served on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Transition Team and advised General Madigan on civil rights and domestic violence issues. He has guest-lectured on Illinois’ Hate Crime laws at the annual Illinois Victim’s Assistance Academy.. Erickson served on an advisory committee on civil rights issues to then Congressman Rahm Emanuel and from 2009 to the present, has served Congressman Mike Quigley in the same capacity.. Erickson is currently working with state legislators to eliminate the iniequities in Illiniois's TASC and Drug Probation statutes.
Avvo Review
“my money but couldn't be bothered with the actual case”
“Jon Erickson is one of the finest DUI defense lawyers in Chicago. He practiced in front of me for over five years when I was a judge, and for many years before that as a fellow def…”
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI, Traffic Ticketing
Yelp Review
“I was going through a tough situation and read reviews from other platforms that were great, so to them I turned. Great rates and great job. They help...”
“I can’t say enough good things about Alex. They were not only highly skilled but also compassionate and supportive during a very stressful time. Communication was always clear and …”
Gus Kostopoulos is a former prosecutor with over 18 years experience successfully handling criminal law matters. As a prosecutor, Mr. Kostopoulos was nominated to first chair in the courtroom.. Mr. Kostopoulos handles all criminal defense matters including domestic violence, DUI, theft crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and white collar crimes.. If you have been charged with a crime, call us today for a free consultation.
Avvo Review
“Please do your research before hiring Gus. Hiring him was the worst decision of my life. He was ill-”
“One of the top attorneys in the entire state. Brilliant legal mind. Very well respected by judges and fellow attorneys state wide. Endorse wholeheartedly.”
KELLY MOORE became a partner at McSweeney Moore Law Offices in 2013 after graduating cum laude from the John Marshall Law School. She attended the John Marshall Law School from 2010-2013 and she was able to complete law school in only two and a half years.. Since becoming a partner, Kelly has practiced a variety of criminal law cases; everything from minor traffic offenses to class X felonies. She has participated in bench trials by presenting opening and closing statements, and direct and cross examinations of various witnesses. She has been successful in completing a number of hearings on Motions to Quash Arrest and Suppress Evidence and Preliminary Hearings, for example. Kelly also second chaired an Attempt First Degree Murder case that was set for a jury trial. Some of the more complicated cases that Kelly is currently working on include First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, and Home Invasion.. During law school, she was ak for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. There, she observed hundreds of criminal cases, participated in bench trials and motions, wrote legal memoranda and completed discovery. She was also a law clerk for Goldberg Weisman & Cairo, Illinois' largest personal injury and workers' compensation law firm. There, she assisted civil attorneys with legal memoranda, discovery and court filing. Additionally, she was a judicial extern for the domestic relations judges in the Will County Courthouse where she observed hundreds of domestic relations cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic abuse. She also had the opportunity to draft court orders and write legal memoranda. Kelly is currently the lead attorney on all McSweeney Moore Law Office’s domestic relations cases.. Kelly is on the Executive Board of Directors of the Southwest Bar Association. She became the President in 2020. She is extremely active in the Southwest Bar Association. She is the Chair of their annual scholarship program as well as their annual golf outing. She is also involved in the Bar Program and the Pro Bono program.. KELLY MOORE spent one year in Dublin, Ireland prior to attending law school. She waitressed to earn a living and in her free time, she experienced all of the traditions and customs that Ireland had to offer. After Dublin, Kelly backpacked around Europe for 30 days and travelled to more than 10 countries. Her experience traveling gave her the ability to relate and understand all cultures. Before traveling, Kelly attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There she received Bachelors of Arts Degrees in Criminology and Law Studies and Spanish Language and Literature as well as an accompanying Minor in Sociology. Before college, Kelly graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.. KELLY MOORE will utilize her array of knowledge in defense of your criminal, DUI, traffic or Family Law case.
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this attorney. Kelly is an excellent attorney who is very knowledgeable in the area of criminal law. She cares for all of her clients and zealously advocates for each and…”
“I have had the opportunity to be in court numerous times with Ms. Levine. I am always impressed with his demeanor and legal knowledge. I endorse this lawyer.”
Practice Areas: Business , Civil Rights, Contracts, Corporate , Criminal Defense , Defamation, Libel and Slander, Discrimination, Family , Insurance , Personal Injury, Professional Malpractice, Family
“Having practiced law for 30 years, I pride myself on being aggressive, skilled, and prepared. My goal Is to resolve your problem with the least amount of time and expense.”. Karen has been a lawyer for 30 years, concentrating in all types of litigation—criminal, civil, and appellate. Karen has excellent and diverse trial experience and has litigated cases across the country in a wide variety of matters including: commercial business real estate litigation, insurance coverage disputes, physician disputes, contracts, probate, defamation, domestic relations, white collar criminal defense, environmental matters, employment discrimination, injunctions, business torts, trade secrets, professional negligence, and civil rights. At the same time, Karen has exceptional negotiation skills which allow her to quickly and creatively settle matters for clients with the least possible expenditure of time and money. She is formally trained as a mediator and in collaborative law.. A member of the Illinois, California, and U.S., Supreme Court bars, Karen has handled numerous significant cases, including a successful United States Supreme Court appeal on behalf of the Cook County Democratic Party, the death row appeals of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, a reversal in the Illinois Supreme Court in an employment discrimination matter, and a wrongful arrest and injury action against the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers arising from the infamous May 2000 brawl in the Wrigley Field stands. In December 2008, Karen tried a six week jury trial and obtained a $1.2 million fraud verdict against a nationally known home builder, represented by the world’s largest law firm.. Karen’s valued clients include, among others, physicians, medical clinics, internet entrepreneurs, authors, retail establishments, small business owners, construction companies, and a non-profit animal shelter.. For over 20 years, Karen has been an adjunct professor at University of Illinois College of Law and DePaul University College of Law. She has guest lectured at Stanford University and American University and single-handedly teaches civil procedure to recent law graduates taking the bar.. Karen has extensive experience in domestic relations. In 2008, she was appointed by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to assist in redrafting the divorce laws in Illinois. She was solely responsible for redrafting the statute concerning grounds for divorce, when, if passed, should modernize and streamline the process of dissolving a marriage. In 2007, she was a headline speaker at the Family Rights Rally at the Lincoln Monument in Washington, D.C. on the issue of child custody and parental alienation.. For over 20 years, Karen has been a part of the local and national media. She has been the designated local Chicago Fox affiliate legal expert giving weekly commentary on diverse issues such as family law, business matters, criminal cases, and appellate decisions. She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Court TV and other media venues. For over 20 years, Karen hosted and produced radio talk shows including “Legally Speaking” on WGN Radio in Chicago for which she has won numerous awards, among others, Achievement in Radio for Best Public Affairs and the Kogan Award. She currently has a weekly segment on WGN where she discusses current legal events and answers listeners’ questions.. Karen also writes and lectures. Her articles are published in the Chicago Sun-Times, local magazines, and online. She has spoken at many seminars and events on issues of family law, media law, women in business and current legal news stories.. Karen was voted one of 40 under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch by Chicago Lawyer Magazine, One of the 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago by Today’s Chicago Woman, Outstanding Alumni of the Year at University of Illinois College of Law, and the Distinguished Graduate Award. She was voted a Leading Lawyer, part of a network of elite lawyers in the state and received the Impresa Award from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.
Avvo Review
“eady to get into the case an is what I would call a "go-getter." I could tell that she loves what sh”
“Having seen Karen in the classroom, I can attest to her tremendous skills as a law professor bringing along the next generation of counsel. Those skills are matched or surpassed by…”
“Mr. Shapiro is The Columbo of Law! Nobody better connected to the client, case & universe to align perfect perspective. He has won both cases for me and I...”
900 West Jackson Blvd, Suite 5W , Chicago , Illinois 60607
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Josh’s greatest ability is to analyze the strengths and weakness of both sides of a case, and to determine the best path that is in the client’s best interest. His personal style and courtroom acumen have been noted by many clients as his strongest traits. Clients remark that he is one way in his office, calm and comforting yet truthful and realistic. Yet he can be very different in the courtroom, where he can be equally savvy and tactful, aggressive when needed, and calm when appropriate. His ability to explain the details of law and the criminal justice system to his client sand their families.
Avvo Review
“I met Josh. Being under unusual Court circumstances. And was in pretty deep. I hired Josh. Not only”
“I highly endorse Mr. Kutnick. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.”
Practice Areas: DUI, Criminal Defense, Traffic Ticketing
Yelp Review
“This man is awesome. If your look for someone straight forward and honest he's the guy. He thinks 10 steps ahead and his main goal is to get the job done...”
“Mr. Feldman is a great lawyer. He responded to all of my calls and questions in a timely manner. He was very confident and knows his stuff. If you’re looking for a great honest law…”
“Long story short, my nephew got into an accident over the winter and received numerous citations in the process. Stephanie was able work her magic for us...”
“Stephanie Kemen is an awesome attorney to have on your side! She represented my son just recently. Stephanie is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what she does and shows…”
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.
