1. Sheppard Law Firm, P.C.
Focus Area: Serious felony and federal criminal defense
Practice Areas: Federal Crimes, White-Collar Crimes, Sex Offenses, Homicide Defense, Drug Crimes, Violent Crimes, Appeals
Background: The firm is led by attorneys Barry D. Sheppard and Adam J. Sheppard, with Professor Ajay Gupta serving as of counsel. The team handles complex criminal matters including serious felonies, federal charges, and cases involving significant media attention. The attorneys have experience navigating both state and federal courts throughout Illinois.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Contact: (312) 443-1233 | https://www.sheppardlawfirmchicago.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available; contact firm for details
2. Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, Theft Crimes, Violent Crimes, Federal Crimes, Traffic Offenses
Background: Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel is a former prosecutor with nearly 30 years of experience in criminal law. His time in the state’s attorney’s office provides insight into prosecution strategies and plea negotiation tactics. The firm handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies throughout Cook County and surrounding areas.
Location: 134 N LaSalle Street, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60602
Contact: (312) 629-0669 | https://www.garfinkellawoffices.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; 24/7 availability
3. Pissetzky Law LLC
Focus Area: State and federal felony defense
Practice Areas: Federal Crimes, Drug Crimes, Sex Offenses, Violent Crimes, White-Collar Crimes, Weapons Offenses, Appeals
Background: The firm handles serious state and federal felony cases including drug trafficking, sex crimes, violent offenses, and white-collar matters. The attorneys have been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Illinois Super Lawyers for their work in criminal defense. The firm focuses on aggressive representation in complex cases.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Contact: (312) 883-4357 | https://www.pissetzkylaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Luisi Legal Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense across Cook County
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Drug Crimes, Domestic Violence, Theft Crimes, Traffic Offenses, Violent Crimes, Expungement
Background: The firm has achieved over 2,000 case victories across criminal defense matters. The team includes Spanish-speaking staff to serve clients who prefer communication in Spanish. The attorneys handle cases throughout Cook County and are familiar with local courts, prosecutors, and procedures.
Location: Downtown Chicago, Illinois
Contact: (773) 276-5541 | https://www.luisilegalgroup.com
Consultation: Free consultation available; 24/7 availability
5. Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg
Focus Area: Major felony defense and federal cases
Practice Areas: Federal Drug Charges, Murder Defense, Weapons Offenses, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, Criminal Appeals, Asset Forfeiture, Post-Conviction Relief
Background: Attorney Darryl A. Goldberg has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense. He previously served as a City of Chicago attorney before establishing his criminal defense practice. The firm takes an aggressive and proactive approach to defending clients’ rights and focuses on major felony cases. Mr. Goldberg represents clients throughout Illinois and nationwide.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Contact: (773) 793-3196 | https://www.goldbergdefense.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Illinois
Illinois classifies criminal offenses into petty offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies, with felonies carrying the most severe consequences.
Felony Classifications:
Illinois divides felonies into five classes. Class X felonies are the most serious non-murder offenses and carry sentences of 6 to 30 years in prison. These include aggravated criminal sexual assault, armed robbery, and home invasion. Class 1 felonies carry sentences of 4 to 15 years and include second-degree murder and criminal sexual assault. Class 2 felonies are punishable by 3 to 7 years and fines up to $25,000, including burglary and theft over $500. Class 3 felonies carry sentences of 2 to 5 years, and Class 4 felonies, the least serious, are punishable by 1 to 3 years. First-degree murder is classified separately and can carry sentences of 20 to 60 years, or life imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications:
Illinois misdemeanors are divided into three classes. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, carrying up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500. Examples include DUI and domestic battery. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,500. Class C misdemeanors, the least serious, carry up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $1,500.
Expungement and Sealing:
Illinois distinguishes between expungement (physical destruction of records) and sealing (hiding records from public access). Arrests that did not result in conviction are generally eligible for immediate expungement. Qualified probation completions become eligible for expungement after five years. Under sealing provisions, many misdemeanor and felony convictions can be sealed after a three-year waiting period following completion of the sentence. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and courts but are hidden from most employers. Certain offenses, including DUI convictions and most Class 2 felonies, cannot be expunged. Notably, a person can only seal felony convictions once; subsequent felony convictions cannot be sealed and may result in prior sealed records being unsealed.
Cannabis Expungement:
Illinois law (HB 1438, effective 2019) provides for automatic expungement of minor cannabis offenses involving 30 grams or less that did not involve violence. The Illinois State Police and courts process these expungements without requiring individual petitions.
SAFE-T Act and Cash Bail Elimination:
The SAFE-T Act (Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act) took full effect on September 18, 2023, making Illinois the first state to completely eliminate cash bail. Under the Pretrial Fairness Act provisions, judges can no longer require cash payments for pretrial release. Instead, judges use risk assessments to determine whether defendants pose a flight risk or danger to the community. Class A misdemeanors and felonies remain detainable offenses, meaning prosecutors can petition to hold defendants pending trial for serious charges including murder, home invasion, arson, and domestic violence with weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Illinois’s elimination of cash bail affect my case if I am arrested in Chicago?
A: Since September 2023, Illinois no longer uses cash bail. If you are arrested, you will appear before a judge who will determine release conditions based on public safety and flight risk rather than your ability to pay. For Class B and C misdemeanors and petty offenses, you will typically receive a citation and be released. For Class A misdemeanors and felonies, prosecutors may petition for pretrial detention if they believe you pose a danger to the community or a specific individual, or if you present a significant flight risk. Defendants charged with forcible felonies such as murder, robbery, or aggravated criminal sexual assault face the highest likelihood of detention.
Q: What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Illinois?
A: Expungement in Illinois means the physical destruction or return of arrest and court records, effectively erasing the record from existence. Sealing means records are hidden from public view but not destroyed. Law enforcement, courts, and certain employers conducting legally-required background checks can still access sealed records. Expungement is generally available only for arrests without conviction or specific qualified probation completions. Sealing is available for a broader range of convictions, including many misdemeanors and some felonies, after a three-year waiting period.
Q: Can I seal a DUI conviction in Illinois?
A: No. DUI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed under Illinois law. A DUI will remain on your driving record and criminal record permanently. However, if you were arrested for DUI but the charges were dismissed, dropped, or you were acquitted, you may be eligible to expunge the arrest record. Some alternatives exist, such as applying for a Governor’s pardon, but this is rare and difficult to obtain.
Q: What happens to my felony conviction record after I complete my sentence in Illinois?
A: After completing your sentence, including any probation or parole, you may become eligible to petition for sealing after a three-year waiting period. Many misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions qualify for sealing. However, certain offenses including violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, and most DUI-related crimes cannot be sealed. If you seal a felony conviction and are later convicted of another felony, a judge can issue an order unsealing your prior conviction, and you will not be eligible to seal subsequent felony convictions.
Q: Are there special considerations for juvenile records in Cook County?
A: Yes. Illinois provides stronger protections for juvenile records than adult records. Juvenile adjudications (findings of delinquency) are generally confidential and are not considered criminal convictions. Most juvenile records become eligible for expungement after the individual turns 18, provided certain conditions are met such as completing any ordered supervision and avoiding subsequent offenses. The process involves petitioning the juvenile court, and if granted, the records are physically destroyed. Cook County has an Adult Expungement Advice Desk that provides assistance with the process.