Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyers | Best Criminal Attorneys Attorneys in IL

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of Illinois

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Illinois
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Illinois

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2024 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Illinois. To rank the top criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers in Illinois, we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, success in high-profile cases, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Illinois. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

David Reid Clark
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Monmouth, IL
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Stephen Mark Komie
DUI / DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Chicago, IL
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Gary W Adair
Criminal Defense and Marijuana Lawyer
Chicago, IL
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Scott A. Kent
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Wheaton, IL
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Steven W Hanna
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Moline, IL
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JohnPaul Ivec
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Plainfield, IL
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Rosemary Kostopoulos
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Chicago, IL
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Lawrence Victor Jackowiak
Police Misconduct Lawyer
Chicago, IL
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Philip Finegan
Criminal Defense and Social Security Disability Lawyer
Bloomington, IL
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Daniel D. Hinich
Criminal Defense Lawyer
homewood, IL
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David J. Winer
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Waukegan, IL
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Robert J. Callahan
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Chicago, IL
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More Noteworthy Illinois Attorneys

Illinois Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Illinois Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (IACDL) - The Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers was founded in 1986. The IADCL seeks to preserve the adversarial system of justice, promote study and research and to educate the public and attorneys. In addition to be a professional organization for criminal defense attorneys in Illinois, the IADCL provides attorneys with networking opportunities and the public with attorneys listings for criminal defense.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Illinois Attorney General

Illinois Attorney General - The Illinois Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer, responsible for upholding justice, consumer protection, and civil rights. This office advocates for fair policies, safeguards the public interest, and addresses legal challenges that impact residents. The Attorney General's authority extends to representing the state in legal matters, enforcing laws, and promoting equitable treatment for all individuals in Illinois.

illinois Courts

illinois Courts - The Illinois Courts are responsible for the equitable administration of justice within the state. Their duties encompass interpreting and applying the law, adjudicating civil and criminal cases, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring due process, and overseeing family law matters like divorce and child custody. Illinois' judiciary also plays a vital role in addressing legal issues specific to the state, such as those related to its urban centers and diverse population.

Illinois General Assembly

Illinois General Assembly - The Illinois General Assembly functions as the legislative body for the state, operating under a bicameral system consisting of the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives. The Senate has 59 members serving staggered, four-year terms, while the House comprises 118 members serving two-year terms. The General Assembly is tasked with proposing, debating, and passing laws that govern the state, as well as formulating the state budget, levying taxes, and addressing various policy issues including education, healthcare, and public safety.

Illinois Public Defender Association

Illinois Public Defender Association - Founded in 1969, the Illinois Public Defender Association is a nonprofit educational organization for Public Defenders. It was established by Gerald W. Getty, Marshall J. Hartman, and Morton Zwick. With 32 officers representing diverse State aspects, it collaborates with the Office of the State Appellate Defender and volunteers for programs. Semi-annual seminars promote education, idea exchange, and camaraderie for Public Defenders and court-appointed counsel.

Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois Supreme Court - The Illinois Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the state, responsible for interpreting and administering the law. Its primary duty involves reviewing appeals from lower courts to ensure the proper interpretation and application of state laws and the constitution. The court's responsibilities encompass hearing a wide array of cases, including civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, and establishing legal precedents that guide lower courts and legal practitioners across Illinois. Additionally, the Illinois Supreme Court oversees the regulation of attorneys, managing attorney admissions, setting ethical standards, and disciplining lawyers to uphold ethical conduct within the legal profession statewide.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Illinois