1. Law Office of Stephen L. Richards
Practice Focus: Complex felony defense, murder, wrongful conviction, appeals, post-conviction relief, and juvenile defense
Case Types Handled: Murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, gun crimes, appeals, post-conviction petitions, wrongful conviction claims, juvenile delinquency, and Class X felonies
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, post-conviction relief, habeas corpus petitions, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and wrongful conviction investigation
Background: Firm founder Stephen L. Richards has more than 30 years of experience and has successfully overturned convictions in twelve murder cases. He has won seven out of nine appeals before the Illinois Supreme Court. He received the Defender Prize from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association in 2003 for his commitment to justice. The firm focuses exclusively on complex, high-level felony charges and brings together more than 50 years of collective criminal defense experience. The practice emphasizes around-the-clock accessibility and uses a flat-fee payment structure rather than charging per court date.
Location: 219 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601
Contact: (773) 866-1980 | https://www.richardscriminallaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
2. The Law Office of Purav Bhatt
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, drug crimes, gun crimes, violent crimes, white-collar offenses, and DUI
Case Types Handled: Drug possession, drug trafficking, gun crimes, aggravated unlawful use of weapon, assault, battery, domestic violence, theft, DUI, federal crimes, and white-collar offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, preliminary hearings, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and probation violation defense
Background: Purav Bhatt is a former Cook County State’s Attorney who uses his prosecutorial experience to defend clients. He is rated 10/10 by Avvo and was selected as a 2014 Clients’ Choice attorney. He is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts. Mr. Bhatt serves as an Adjunct Professor at the John Marshall Law School at the University of Illinois, teaching criminal law. The firm has handled cases ranging from shoplifting to serious gun crimes throughout Cook County and Illinois. Recent case results include dismissal of aggravated unlawful use of weapon charges and dismissal of drug possession with intent to deliver charges.
Location: 180 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1610, Chicago, IL 60601
Contact: (773) 791-9682 | https://bhattchicagodefenselaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, white-collar crimes, drug offenses, sex offenses, violent crimes, and federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Federal drug crimes, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, internet crimes, child pornography, conspiracy, RICO, sex offenses, assault, battery, kidnapping, and identity theft
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, grand jury defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and appeals
Background: Hal M. Garfinkel has practiced criminal defense in Chicago and throughout Illinois, focusing on both state and federal court representation. The firm has handled complex federal criminal cases across the country. The practice emphasizes understanding federal criminal law and navigating the differences between state and federal court procedures. Mr. Garfinkel handles cases in DuPage County, Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, Will County, and other Illinois counties.
Location: 134 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60602
Contact: (312) 629-0669 | https://www.garfinkelcriminallaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation
4. Darryl A. Goldberg, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Federal drug charges, murder defense, weapons possession, sex crimes, violent crimes, and asset forfeiture
Case Types Handled: Federal drug charges, murder, weapons possession, sex offenses, violent crimes, mortgage fraud, asset forfeiture recovery, and appeals
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, asset forfeiture defense, appeals, and post-conviction relief
Background: Darryl A. Goldberg focuses on major felony cases with particular emphasis on federal drug charges and serious violent offenses. His practice philosophy emphasizes exhausting all defense options before considering plea negotiations, believing that many defense attorneys accept plea agreements too readily. Mr. Goldberg works to build strong cases designed to preserve client freedom and will only recommend a plea when that is genuinely the most realistic option for the client’s situation.
Location: 53 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1615, Chicago, IL 60604
Contact: (312) 559-9300 | https://www.goldbergdefense.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
5. Pissetzky Law LLC
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, state criminal defense, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud, and violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Drug trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud, RICO charges, conspiracy, murder, assault, robbery, sex offenses, and white-collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, pre-indictment advocacy, grand jury defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and appeals
Background: The firm brings more than 20 years of experience handling complex federal cases. The attorneys have argued before the Illinois Supreme Court and have experience as litigators in federal courts throughout the country. The practice handles cases in both Chicago and Northbrook offices and represents clients nationwide in federal matters. The firm emphasizes early legal representation during federal investigations to potentially influence the direction of the case before charges are filed.
Location: 70 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602
Contact: (312) 239-8292 | https://www.pissetzkylaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available by appointment
Criminal Defense Regulations in Illinois
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Illinois Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). Applicants must demonstrate good moral character through a character and fitness review. Illinois requires graduation from an ABA-accredited law school.
Public Defender System: The Cook County Public Defender’s Office is one of the largest in the nation and provides representation to indigent defendants in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Other Illinois counties maintain their own public defender offices. Eligibility is based on income and assets relative to federal poverty guidelines. The state also maintains a capital litigation trial bar for death penalty cases (though Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011).
Specialty Certifications: Illinois does not have a state-sponsored criminal law specialist certification. Attorneys may obtain voluntary certifications from the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 7.1 through 7.5 govern advertising. Communications must not be false or misleading. Illinois prohibits direct solicitation of prospective clients when a significant motive is pecuniary gain, with exceptions for close relationships and legal aid services.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Illinois recognizes attorney-client privilege under common law and codified provisions. Communications must be made in confidence for purposes of obtaining legal advice. The privilege survives the death of the client. Exceptions include the crime-fraud exception and disputes between attorney and client.
Mandatory CLE Requirements: Illinois requires 30 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education every two years, including 6 hours of professional responsibility. Four of the professional responsibility hours may be earned through approved mental health or substance abuse programming.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Under 725 ILCS 5/103-5, defendants in custody must be tried within 120 days of being taken into custody. Defendants on bail must be tried within 160 days of demand for trial. The defendant may waive speedy trial rights. Delays caused by the defendant, continuances at defendant’s request, and other specified circumstances toll the speedy trial period.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Illinois eliminated cash bail through the SAFE-T Act, effective September 2023. Pretrial release is now the presumption, with detention available only for specified violent offenses, domestic violence, and other qualifying charges where the defendant poses a risk to safety or flight. Judges must hold a detention hearing and find by clear and convincing evidence that detention is necessary.
Felony Classification System: Illinois classifies felonies as Class X, 1, 2, 3, and 4, plus murder as a separate category. Class X felonies carry 6 to 30 years (extended term 30 to 60 years). Class 1 felonies carry 4 to 15 years (extended term 15 to 30 years). Class 2 felonies carry 3 to 7 years (extended term 7 to 14 years). Class 3 felonies carry 2 to 5 years (extended term 5 to 10 years). Class 4 felonies carry 1 to 3 years (extended term 3 to 6 years). Murder carries 20 to 60 years or natural life.
Death Penalty Status: Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011 under Governor Pat Quinn. Capital punishment is not authorized in Illinois.
Expungement and Sealing Eligibility: Illinois allows expungement of arrests not resulting in conviction, court supervision sentences (after waiting periods), and certain drug offense probations (710/1410 probation). Sealing is available for many misdemeanor and felony convictions after a 3-year waiting period from completion of sentence. Violent offenses, sex offenses, domestic violence, and DUI supervision are not eligible for sealing. Cannabis offenses have been decriminalized and prior convictions may be automatically expunged or eligible for expedited relief.
Habitual Offender Laws: Illinois has habitual criminal statutes that impose enhanced sentences for repeat offenders. A defendant convicted of a Class X felony who has two prior Class X or Class 1 felony convictions must be sentenced to a term of natural life. Extended-term sentencing is available when aggravating factors are present, including prior convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a bond hearing in Cook County?
Under the SAFE-T Act effective September 2023, Cook County no longer uses cash bail. At the initial appearance, the prosecutor may request detention if the charged offense qualifies. Qualifying offenses include forcible felonies, domestic violence, violations of protective orders, and offenses where the defendant poses a specific danger to a person. The judge holds a detention hearing and must find by clear and convincing evidence that no conditions of release can mitigate the risk. If detention is not ordered, the defendant is released with conditions that may include electronic monitoring, check-ins with pretrial services, stay-away orders, or curfews. The defense can challenge detention through a hearing where witnesses may testify. If the state does not file a verified petition for detention, the defendant must be released.
What is court supervision in Illinois and how does it affect my record?
Court supervision under 730 ILCS 5/5-6-1 is a sentence that results in dismissal of charges upon successful completion. The judge sets conditions such as fines, community service, drug testing, or counseling. The supervision period typically lasts 6 months to 2 years. If you complete all conditions, the case is dismissed. Court supervision for most offenses can be expunged after a waiting period of 2 years from completion. However, court supervision for DUI, reckless driving (for defendants 25 or older), and sexual offenses against minors cannot be expunged. Court supervision counts as a prior offense for sentencing on subsequent charges but is not technically a conviction for most purposes including employment applications.
What are the penalties for Class 4 felony possession of a controlled substance in Illinois?
Class 4 felony possession of a controlled substance under 720 ILCS 570/402(c) carries 1 to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (extended term 3 to 6 years). Alternatively, the court may impose probation of up to 30 months or conditional discharge of up to 30 months. Fines may reach $25,000. For first-time offenders, 410/1410 probation under 720 ILCS 570/410 provides for discharge and dismissal upon successful completion, making the case eligible for expungement. The SAFE-T Act eliminated detention for simple possession offenses, so defendants are typically released pretrial. Treatment court may be available as an alternative to traditional prosecution. Subsequent convictions may result in enhanced penalties and reduced eligibility for probation.
How do I get my record sealed or expunged in Illinois?
To seal or expunge records in Illinois, first obtain your complete criminal history from the Illinois State Police. For expungement of arrests not resulting in conviction, file a petition with the circuit clerk in the county where the arrest occurred and provide notice to law enforcement and prosecutors. Expungement destroys records, while sealing keeps records accessible only to law enforcement. Most misdemeanor and some felony convictions qualify for sealing after a 3-year waiting period from completion of sentence. File a petition for sealing under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2. The court reviews whether sealing is in the interest of justice, considering rehabilitation and public safety. Processing time ranges from several months to over a year. The Illinois State Appellate Defender provides forms and information at osad.illinois.gov/expungement.html. You may only seal felony convictions once; subsequent felony convictions will unseal prior sealed felonies.
What is the difference between Class X and Class 1 felonies in Illinois?
Class X felonies are the most serious category below murder and are reserved for offenses such as home invasion, armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and major drug trafficking. Class X felonies carry mandatory prison sentences of 6 to 30 years with no possibility of probation. Extended-term Class X sentences range from 30 to 60 years. Class 1 felonies include offenses such as residential burglary, criminal sexual assault, and second-degree murder. Class 1 felonies carry 4 to 15 years imprisonment (extended term 15 to 30 years). Unlike Class X offenses, Class 1 felonies are probation-eligible unless the defendant was on felony probation when the offense was committed. Both classes require mandatory supervised release after the prison term: 3 years for Class X and 2 years for Class 1. Both classes may be designated as violent or non-violent, affecting eligibility for day-for-day good conduct credit.