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Best Chicago Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense lawyers in Chicago now work without a cash bail system. Since 2023, judges decide pretrial release based on risk, not money. That makes early representation at your first hearing critical. The attorneys below handle state and federal charges across Cook County.

Our team evaluates Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Experienced Chicago Criminal Lawyers for State & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the Driver Defense Team Website
1625 N Mannheim Rd, Stone Park, IL 60165, USA

With more than 3,000 five-star reviews and a 98% satisfaction rate, Driver Defense Team has earned a strong reputation among Illinois drivers. The Stone Park firm handles DUI charges, traffic tickets, felony DUI, and driver's license reinstatement.

A 35-person team covers cases across Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties. Each client works with several lawyers at once, an approach the firm built its name on.

Driver Defense Team also earned Super Lawyers recognition in 2025 and a place on the Inc. 5000 list. Spanish-speaking clients can get help in their own language, and a free case evaluation is available to drivers facing charges.

Screenshot of the Kostopoulos Criminal Defense Lawyers Website
18W140 Butterfield Rd #1504, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USA

Led by former prosecutor Gus Kostopoulos, this Oakbrook Terrace firm brings more than 20 years of courtroom experience to each case. The team defends people charged with assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes.

Kostopoulos and his attorneys have handled thousands of cases across the Chicago area. They take calls 24 hours a day for anyone facing charges.

The practice covers both misdemeanor and felony matters, from theft to federal crimes. Clients work directly with seasoned trial lawyers who know the local courts.

Screenshot of the Luisi Legal Group Website

Luisi Legal Group is a Chicago criminal defense firm based in the Bucktown neighborhood. Attorney Vincent A. Luisi Jr. and his team have secured more than 2,000 case victories.

The office focuses on drug charges and theft cases, along with domestic battery matters. Bilingual staff assist Spanish-speaking clients, and the phones stay open around the clock.

Luisi Legal Group offers a free consultation to people facing charges in Cook County. The attorneys handle each case from arrest through trial.

Screenshot of the Moretti Law, P.C. Website
875 N Michigan Ave #3100, Chicago, IL 60611, USA

Moretti Law has defended clients in Chicago and the suburbs since 2001. Attorney Emilio Moretti handles criminal and traffic cases from three office locations.

The practice takes on DUI, retail theft, battery, and domestic violence charges, plus reckless driving and suspended-license tickets. Moretti offers complimentary consultations to clients across Cook and DuPage counties.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Jonathan Feldman Website

Defending clients across Chicago, Cook, DuPage, Lake, and the collar counties, Jonathan Feldman takes a hands-on approach to every case. He represents people charged with DUI, drug offenses, and felonies.

Feldman digs through the evidence for weaknesses and moves to suppress proof police gathered by violating a client's rights. His office answers calls at any hour.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Clyde Guilamo, LLC Website

A former Chicago prosecutor with more than 100 trials behind him, Clyde Guilamo now defends the accused full-time. The Aurora attorney has been named to a Top 40 Under 40 list.

Guilamo handles gun charges, drug crimes, sex offense allegations, and violent crime cases. He also handles robbery and aggravated battery cases.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg Website
33 N Dearborn St #1830, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

Darryl A. Goldberg takes on the federal cases that many local attorneys avoid. Ranked among Chicago's top federal defense lawyers, he handles drug conspiracy, health care fraud, and white-collar charges nationwide.

His practice also covers criminal appeals and civil rights claims. Spanish-speaking clients can reach the office for help in their own language.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Steven Fine Website
53 W Jackson Blvd STE 1550, Chicago, IL 60604, USA

Steven Fine focuses on high-stakes criminal cases that carry serious prison time. With more than 20 years of experience, this Chicago criminal defense attorney handles felonies, drug charges, and sex offense allegations.

Fine also defends people against weapons charges and violent crime accusations. He serves Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties from his downtown office.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Michael J. Young Website
9842 Roosevelt Rd, Westchester, IL 60154, USA

With 29 years in practice, Michael J. Young defends drivers and the accused from his Westchester office. He concentrates on DUI cases and the license troubles that follow them.

Young guides clients through felony and misdemeanor charges, license reinstatement, and hardship-permit hearings for people in the western suburbs.

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Screenshot of the Bedi & Singer, LLP Website
53 W Jackson Blvd Suite 1101, Chicago, IL 60604, USA

Bedi & Singer is a trial-focused firm that has taken hundreds of criminal cases to verdict. Partners Jonathan Bedi and Dena Singer hold Super Lawyers recognition for their courtroom record.

The team handles white-collar crimes, federal charges, and civil rights cases involving police misconduct. They take on matters other lawyers decline to bring to trial.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Matthew Prengaman Website

Matthew Prengaman gives each client one-on-one attention backed by a decade of courtroom work. The Cook County attorney handles drug charges and weapons cases.

He also takes traffic offenses, personal injury claims, and debt-collection complaints. Prengaman offers remote consultations for clients who can't meet in person.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates Website

Howard J. Wise brings 25 years of defense experience to clients in Chicago. From his Loop office, he handles DUI and federal charges, including cases in federal court.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Steven R. Roach Website
8501 W Higgins Rd Ste 420, Chicago, IL 60631, USA

Steven R. Roach has defended Chicagoans for nearly 30 years. He takes DUI, drug, sex offense, and violent crime cases from several Chicagoland offices.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Carlos H. Davalos Website
2923 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 911, Chicago, IL 60618, USA

A former state's attorney from the Felony Crimes Division, Carlos H. Davalos now runs a bilingual defense practice known nationally for DUI work. He keeps offices in Chicago, Rolling Meadows, and Melrose Park.

Screenshot of the Robert A. Fisher of FisherLevine Law Group LLP Website

Robert Fisher has defended state and federal cases since 1979, from investigations through appeals. He works alongside former Cook County prosecutors at the firm's Loop office, serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago cost?

Fees vary by case. Many Chicago attorneys charge a flat fee for misdemeanors. Felony and federal cases often cost more and may be billed hourly. Ask for the fee structure in writing before you hire.

Is there still cash bail in Cook County?

No, Illinois ended cash bail. Since September 2023, the SAFE-T Act replaced bail with a pretrial release system. A judge weighs your flight risk and danger to others. Prosecutors can still ask to detain you for serious charges.

How long does Illinois have to file charges?

It depends on the crime. Most felonies carry a three-year statute of limitations. Misdemeanors must be charged within 18 months. Serious crimes like murder have no time limit.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Illinois?

Felonies are more serious. Illinois sorts felonies into Class X down to Class 4 by severity. Misdemeanors run from Class A to Class C. A Class A misdemeanor can bring up to 364 days in jail.

Should I take a plea deal or go to trial?

That depends on the evidence. Many Cook County cases end in a negotiated plea. But a weak case may be worth fighting at trial. Your lawyer can review the proof and advise you.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time DUI?

Yes, even a first DUI is serious. A first offense is usually a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. A conviction can suspend your license and stay on your record. A lawyer may challenge the traffic stop or the testing.

What happens if my case is in federal court?

Federal cases follow different rules. Chicago federal charges go to the Northern District of Illinois downtown. Sentencing there follows strict guidelines. Hire an attorney with experience in that court.

Types of Criminal Cases Chicago Defense Lawyers Handle

DUI and Traffic Offenses. DUI is among the most common charges in Cook County. A first offense is a misdemeanor, but repeat or injury cases become felonies.

Drug Charges. These range from cannabis possession to delivery and trafficking. Penalties depend on the drug type and the amount involved.

Domestic Battery. Illinois treats these cases seriously. An arrest can trigger an order of protection right away.

Gun and Weapons Charges. Illinois has strict firearm laws, including UUW and FOID violations. Many carry mandatory prison time.

Theft and Retail Theft. Charges scale from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony burglary. The dollar value often sets the class.

Violent Crimes. Assault, battery, and robbery cases carry steep penalties. Most are charged as felonies.

White-Collar and Federal Crimes. Fraud, embezzlement, and conspiracy cases can be complex. These often follow long investigations.

Sex Crimes. These carry severe penalties and registration rules. Some have no statute of limitations.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago

Check their local court experience. A lawyer who works Cook County courts knows the judges and prosecutors. That local insight can shape your strategy.

Ask about trial experience. Some attorneys settle most cases. You want one ready to go to trial if needed.

Match the lawyer to your charge. Federal and white-collar cases need different skills than a DUI. Pick someone who handles your type of case.

Confirm their availability. Criminal cases move fast after an arrest. Choose a lawyer who answers quickly.

Get the fee agreement in writing. Know what is covered before you sign. Ask how costs, such as expert witness fees, are handled.

What Penalties Can You Face in Illinois?

Outcomes depend on the charge and your record. Class X felonies carry 6 to 30 years in prison and no probation. Lower felonies and misdemeanors may allow probation, court supervision, or diversion. A skilled lawyer may get charges reduced or dropped before trial. First-time offenders sometimes qualify for programs that avoid a conviction.