Paxton Criminal Lawyers

I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Being a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, I view our local communities as home and I care about what happens to my neighbors. My law firm, Olson & Reeves, Attorneys at Law has 2 locations, with one being in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and one being in Centralia, Illinois. Our law firm has 3 partners, and we have all been best friends since middle school. We all three also attended the University of Illinois. I went to law school at SIUC where I received my JD. My practice centers around criminal &...

Graduated university of Wisconsin 1977. John Marshall Law school 1980 work in the Lake County states Atty.'s office as a prosecutor for five years up until 1985. Handled all prosecutions from traffic cases to misdemeanors then onto felonies and everything including armedrobbery ,drug charges,murder sexual assault. Since 1985 I have been vigorously defending clients for the last 30 years on all types of criminal and traffic matters in Lake Cook Mckenry counties, and Kenosha county in Wisconsin. I have the knowledge and experience of dealing with all these prosecutors and judges in this area for a long time , which...

Steve McCollum has extensive experience in Criminal, DUI, and Juvenile cases, including 16 years as a prosecutor and 20 years as a defense attorney. Formerly the Chief Deputy State's Attorney for Lake County, Steve is a member of the Board of the Lake County Bar Foundation, the past President of the Lake County Bar Association, and has been the Chairperson of the Criminal Law Committee for the Bar Association. He was previously selected by the Illinois Supreme Court to the screening committee for the Capital Litigation Trial Bar for the 19th Judicial Circuit. As an Assistant State's Attorney and...

Born and raised in Chicago, Mr. Thompson earned his B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1984. In 1987 he graduated with his J.D. at the Northern Illinois University in Chicago. He is fluent in Spanish.

Mr. Thompson has 18 years of experience litigating Personal Injury claims, Workers' Compensation, Criminal Law, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy & Traffic cases. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Admission to Federal Trial Bar, and is a board member in good standing with multiple charitable organizations.

Mr. Thompson has been married for thirteen years and...

I am a licensed Illinois attorney currently practicing at McHenry county's largest criminal defense firm, Donahue and Kililis, PC. I represent clients in criminal and civil court daily, in McHenry, Lake, Cook, DuPage, DeKalb, and Boone counties. I represent clients at all stages of need, in various criminal offenses, including but not limited to: DUI/Summary Suspension, Domestic Battery, Drug offenses, Petty & Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses, Battery, Sexual Misconduct, License Reinstatement. I also handle civil matters including trial and hearings on Orders of Protection, Civil/No Stalking No Contact Order, Forcible Entry & Detainer, Small Claims and limited areas of...

Mr. Gebhardt has extensive experience in the fields of criminal, traffic and real estate law. He has worked for the Cook County States Attorneys Office as a prosecutor and has broad experience in all facets of real estate law in Illinois.

Inspired at a young age by family members practicing criminal defense law, John has had a lifelong passion for legal defense. John attended Indiana State University graduating Magnum Cum Laude in 2012 with a degree in criminology, criminal justice and political science. While attending Indiana State, John pursued his interest in flight by becoming a pilot. John then attended Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law. While in law school, John was admitted to the Dean’s Tutorial Society and tutored other law students. John also participated in moot court, trial team and was awarded two scholarships for his extensive knowledge...

In private practice, Scott has handled both civil and criminal matters. Since 2002, he has handled criminal defense matters exclusively. He practices in Cook, Lake, McHenry and DuPage counties. He has successfully defended numerous matters ranging from traffic, misdemeanors and DUIs, to the most serious felonies, including property crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes and homicides.

I have been a trial attorney in a courtroom almost daily for 20 years. Having spent 10 years as a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office I have handled cases ranging from DUI to Murder. I have worked in Domestic Violence and with Orders of Protection and followed misdemeanor and felony cases through every stage. I currently have my own practice and help clients with criminal, DUI, traffic, family law, expungements, juvenile, and federal employment discrimination.

An Evanston criminal defense attorney is competent, experienced, and ready to take on your case and fight for your rights! If you have been accused of committing a crime, you need the support of a lawyer you can count on, and you can have that confidence when you come to Pfeifer & Pfeifer, Attorneys at Law. Attorney Jeremy Pfeifer attended IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he earned his law degree. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he is well equipped to take on your case and support you...

Benjamin Lawson is a former prosecutor who now runs his own practice handling cases ranging from criminal defense to DUI defense and traffic tickets. He also handles personal injury cases and advises small businesses. He practices primarily in Kankakee County, Will County and Cook County.

The Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege was founded by Attorney Schmiege, who is devoted to the practice of criminal defense alone. When an individual retains the representation of the firm, Mr. Schmiege works tirelessly to prepare the strongest defense possible. He will not hesitate to challenge any federal investigation or evidence brought forth by the prosecution. For more information about working with a Chicago criminal lawyer, do not wait to contact the firm! Mr. Schmiege is known for taking cases that no one else will take and winning the "unwinnable" cases against all odds.

Katherine Levine graduated from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and was admitted into the Illinois Bar in 2008. Prior to becoming an attorney, she served four years active duty as a United States Marine and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 2001. After law school, Katherine worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney until August 2015 where she successfully tried hundreds of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. Today, she is in private practice defending individuals accused of serious state and federal crimes. Her experience as a prosecutor provides her insight into the strategies and...

Attorney Faraj is experienced in criminal defense, military law, personal injury, and business litigation. He is recognized nationally as a trial attorney, who has represented clients before state, military and federal courts. Mr. Faraj first began defending Armed Forces members in the United States Marine Corps. Since then he has began a private practice that focuses on defending service-members as a civilian attorney. If you need assistance with a legal matter, Attorney Faraj is diligent, decorated, and devoted to his clients.

Shahina grew up in Skokie, Illinois and has lived in the Chicagoland area most of her life. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2018 with Juris Doctorate. Before coming to Driver Defense Team, she was a staff attorney for numerous judges at the Cook County Criminal Division for over two years. While in law school, Shahina clerked for one of the largest and most respected prosecutor’s offices in the United States – Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a 711 law clerk, she successfully litigated several bench trials and gained a wealth of experience in advocacy. She also clerked at...

Mr. Sowa was a Special Agent in the Illinois Bureau of Investigation, the State Police agency for investigating narcotics and organized crime, and later became an Assistant State's Attorney in DuPage County. Prominently active in the Kane County Bar, he is a member of its Criminal Law Committee and Courthouse Design Committee, and a lecturer on ethics and criminal law for the Kane County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee Seminars. Mr. Sowa is the past Chairman of the Criminal Law Committee.

Mr. Sowa manages our office in Geneva, handling cases in Kane, DeKalb, Kendall and outlying counties.

Mr. Sowa has extensive experience...

Mr. Benison earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. While attending Law School, Mr. Benison achieved the JMLS best oralist award for his participation in the 2L Herzog Moot Court Competition. He was selected for a student externship with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office during his final year of law school. Prior to entering Law School, Mr. Benison was in private practice as an accountant, working with local business in Northern Illinois. In his free time, Mr. Benison enjoys spending time with his wife, Erika, and their three children.

Jared possesses a varied background from family and divorce law to criminal law.

Unlike most other attorneys, as a former immigrant student of law, I have keen understanding about common needs of people of immigrant communities. I specialize in family/employment immigration, deportation defenses, all issues regarding visas, and asylum. You can have an assurance that I will resolve your immigration problem in timely, efficient, and more importantly, creative manner.

Henry B. Samuels is a member of Samuels & Bernstein in Highland Park, Illinois. He has a wide ranging practice and represents clients in a wide variety of litigation matters before Federal and State Courts as well as administrative agencies. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Samuels has achieved tremendous results both at trial and through settlement. Mr. Samuels criminal practice includes representation of clients charged with Felonies, DUI’s, Misdemeanors, Traffic and Ordinance Violations. His areas of concentration include but are not limited to representing individuals in civil litigation matters, residential and commercial real estate transactions, and small businesses...

David B. Franks is a highly effective Criminal Attorney, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Lawyer and Traffic Defense Attorney who has practiced criminal law since being admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989. Mr. Franks has more than fifteen years of criminal prosecution and defense experience. Mr. Franks served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in both Cook County and McHenry County, Illinois. In McHenry County he served four years as a prosecutor in the Misdemeanor and Felony Divisions. He served as one of the first two designated Domestic Battery Prosecutors in McHenry County, as well as the Misdemeanor and Traffic...

Attorney Robert (Bob) Canfield was born and raised in Rockford, IL. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1965. After joining the Army in February of 1968, he went on to Army flight school and graduated 2nd in his flight class. He spent a year in Vietnam flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the 101st Airborne Division and then returned to Fort Rucker, Alabama, as an Instrument Flight Instructor.

Following active Duty, he attended the University of Minnesota where he received his BA in psychology in 1976 and his Law degree in 1978. After taking and passing both the...

Scott W. Brammer grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After graduating from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1992, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree, Mr. Brammer was admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois. That same year, he was also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Scott has spent over 30 years as an attorney in McHenry concentrating on Family Law, Residential and...

Author: The Illinois Guide Book to Auto Accidents The Illinois Guide Book to Semi Truck Accidents Avvo Rating: 10.0 Superb American Association of Justice/American Trial Lawyers Association Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

Michael J. Swanson is an experienced courtroom attorney who knows how to navigate the court system to aggressively represent his clients and maximize favorable outcomes. Prior to joining the law firm of Swanson & Sackett P.C., Michael served as the Managing Attorney in the Madison County State's Attorney's Office child support division. In this role, he handled thousands of cases each year and gained extensive courtroom experience. Michael earned his Juris Doctorate at Saint Louis University and his bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), which he attended following his six-year enlistment with the U.S. Air Force....

Benjamin Stephens has been with Johnston Law Offices for nearly 20 years and concentrates his practice in the areas of workers' compensation, personal injury and criminal defense. He has litigated both workers' compensation and personal injury cases for the firm, and has been involved in securing settlement awards in excess of one million dollars, in addition to numerous workers' compensation cases in excess of six figures. Ben graduated from New Athens High School and attended Eastern Illinois University where he graduated with high honors. He continued his education at Southern Illinois University School of Law where he graduated in 2005....

Jacob was admitted to practice law in Illinois in January 2021. He concentrates his practice in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense, and DUI and Traffic. Jacob obtained courtroom experience interning, as a legal research intern and 711 intern, for the Madison County States Attorney's Office during his summers in law school. Jacob graduated from Edwardsville High School and attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he graduated with a degree in business management in 2017. He completed his legal education at Southern University School of Law, graduating in 2020 with a Juris Doctor degree. Jacob is an active member of...

Tyler Phillips began his legal career as solo practitioner following graduation from the St. Louis University School of Law in 2012. Thereafter, Tyler joined Blickhan, Timmerwilke, Woodworth & Larson in Quincy, Illinois and engaged in a diverse area of practice including divorce, domestic relations, real estate, estate planning, criminal defense, and civil litigation, in both Illinois and Missouri. Tyler joined the firm of Hauk and Owens in 2016 where he continued his practice in both Illinois and Missouri. Tyler joined the firm Rober Law, P.C. in October of 2022, as a partner where he continues to advocate for his clients...

I am criminal defense lawyer Brian J. Mirandola. I served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Kane County for more than seven years, where I prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases and other misdemeanors and felonies. I understand the prosecutor's strategy. I was also a member of the criminal defense team at a large local law firm for nearly two years, where I learned that handling case files as they land in your in-box is no way to provide effective, honest criminal defense representation. That is why I opened my private solo practice last year. I started law school...

Prior to joining the team at Driver Defense Team, Kelly was a partner at McSweeney Moore Law Offices. She worked side by side with retired Judge Colleen McSweeney Moore beginning in 2013. Kelly joined McSweeney Moore Law Offices 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 being sworn in to the Illinois Bar, Kelly has practiced a variety of criminal law cases; everything from minor traffic offenses to class X felonies. She has participated...

Kevin is the Co-Chair of the Insurance Recovery Group at Barnes & Thornburg. He is a litigator and trial lawyer, having focused his practice for more than 20 years on insurance recovery on behalf of policyholders, complex commercial litigation, and claim/dispute-related counseling. He represents policyholders and other commercial parties throughout the United States and abroad, having recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for policyholders. Kevin represents policyholders in a wide range of insurance coverage disputes, including long-tail environmental, toxic tort and asbestos claims under general liability policies; losses stemming from natural and man-made disasters under first-party and business...

Raul A. Villalobos is one of the most well known and respected trial attorneys in the Chicago land area. In his almost forty years of experience he has handled hundreds of criminal and civil trials and has represented individuals as well as Fortune 500 companies. Currently, Raul A. Villalobos is the managing partner at Villalobos & Associates, which handles a wide range of cases from DUI to Consumer Fraud.

Concentration in Immigration and Naturalization Law: Asylum, Business and employment-related Immigration, Consular Processing, Criminal and Deportation/Removal Defense, Detention, Domestic Violence and Immigration, Family Immigration, Federal Litigation, Naturalization; Criminal Defense, Post-conviction relief, sealing or expungement, DUI and license suspension, traffic citations and license reinstatement; firm also practices in Injury and Workers' Compensation cases.

Andrew Gable represents individuals arrested and charged with federal and state felony and misdemeanor crimes throughout the Chicago and Cook County area. He also handles state and federal criminal appeals. He has handled a wide range of cases from murder, felony sexual assault, and felony drug possession to DUI, marijuana possession, and domestic violence. He has represented alleged organized crime members, alleged gang members, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, prosecutors, state and federal law enforcement officers, prison guards, military personnel, bus drivers, truck drivers, teachers, students, entertainers, and executives. ...