Best Criminal Lawyer in Illinois
GBENGA LONGE
Criminal Lawyer
Upon graduating from the Indiana University School of Law- Indianapolis in 2010, Gbenga was appointed as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the second largest prosecuting agency in the country. During her tenure as a prosecutor, Gbenga prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases at various levels, many of which were high profile in nature. Gbenga successfully navigated hundreds of cases through jury trials, motions, and hearings. She handled a wide-ranging caseload of felony and misdemeanor cases including financial crimes, DUI and traffic violations, drug offenses, sex offenses, theft, and other violent crimes.
Purav Bhatt
Criminal Lawyer
The Law Office of Purav Bhatt is a premier criminal defense law firm located in Chicago, IL. We are committed to providing our clients with highly effective, strategic legal representation in order to achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. We tailor our defense strategies to meet the needs of our clients and fight aggressively to protect their rights and interests.
With over a decade of experience, our compassionate criminal lawyer has represented numerous clients with unique cases and has managed to get favorable results even in the most complex cases involving serious criminal offenses. When you are facing criminal charges and going through a difficult time, you can count on The Law Office of Purav Bhatt to not only fight for you with a winning legal strategy, but to also be an ally who will guide, support, and stand by you every step of the way.
MATT FAKHOURY, J.D.
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Fakhoury has tried numerous bench and jury trials and has practiced in all areas of Cook County (Chicago – 26th Street and California, as well as Chicago’s First Municipal District Branch Courts, The Second Municipal District (Skokie), The Third Municipal District (Rolling Meadows), The Fourth Municipal District (Maywood), The Fifth Municipal District (Bridgeview), and The Sixth Municipal District (Markham).
Mr. Fakhoury is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University where he teaches law courses in the undergraduate sociology department.
James G. Dimeas
Criminal Lawyer
James G. Dimeas is a Chicago and Schaumburgbased criminal defense lawyer who has spent the past 26 years concentrating his efforts in the practice of criminal law. James Dimeas concentrates his practice on handling criminal cases in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, and Lake County, Illinois.
James Dimeas is a lifelong resident of the Chicagoarea. James Dimeas is a 1985 graduate of Gordon Tech High School and a 1989 graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree. James Dimeas attended the Western Michigan University, Thomas Cooley Law School graduating in 1992 with a law degree. While attending Law School, James Dimeas helped teach Law classes at Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan. Upon graduating from law school, James Dimeas took, and passed, the Illinois Bar Exam the same year and was sworn in as an Illinois lawyer in 1992. James Dimeas became a member of the General Bar for the Federal District Court the same year. In addition to the General Bar for the Federal Court in Chicago, James Dimeas is also a member of the Trial Bar for The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Admission to the Trial Bar for the Northern District Federal Court is reserved for those lawyers that have sufficient trial experience to be allowed to do a trial in Federal Court in Chicago. Application for admission to the Trial Bar is required and will only be approved after it is thoroughly reviewed by a panel of Federal Judges in Chicago. James Dimeas has appeared in Federal Court as far away as Las Vegas Nevada for a Mortgage Fraud Federal criminal case and has appeared in Chicago and Rockford Federal drug cases and in cases involving the Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license scandal, which ultimately ended with the conviction, and the imprisonment of the sitting Governor of Illinois.
Gus Kostopoulos
Criminal Lawyer
Gus is a former prosecutor and experienced trial attorney who has successfully litigated thousands of criminal cases. He has earned a reputation as a tough and aggressive attorney who achieves outstanding results for his clients.
After graduating from law school as a Dean’s Scholar, he was selected to become an Assistant State’s Attorney. Working as a prosecutor, he was in charge of a team of lawyers and paralegals and thousands of open cases.
Gus Kostopoulos
Criminal Lawyer
Education
- Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska
- J.D. – 1989
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- B.A. – 1985
- Honors: Political Science
Professional Associations
- Capital Litigation Trial Bar Association, Member, 2004 to Present
- Illinois State Bar Association, Member, 1989 to Present
- Sangamon County Bar Association, Member, 1989 to Present
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, President, 2004 to 2005
- Sangamon Country Defense Bar Association, President, 1993 to 2005
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Director, 1992 to 1993
- Sangamon Country Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, President, 1990 to 1991
- American Association for Justice, Member, 1991
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member, 1990
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 1990
John Randal Kopp
Criminal Lawyer
Mr. Kopp is passionate about defending the rights of people facing criminal charges. Unlike many attorneys who quickly agree to plea deals to avoid court, John R. Kopp is a trial attorney at heart. He is ready to defend you vigorously. If the prosecutors fail to offer a plea deal that protects your future, he will bring your case to court.
Mr. Kopp grew up in Aurora, Illinois, where he attended Marmion Academy before going on to Marquette University to earn a degree in communications. In 2008, he earned a law degree at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and became a member of the Illinois State Bar.
Navigate the Labyrinth of Illinois Law: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer
Being caught in the legal crosshairs in Illinois can feel like wandering through a corn maze – disorienting, with unexpected twists and turns, and requiring a clear path forward. The criminal justice system can be a complex and intimidating labyrinth. In this situation, having the best criminal lawyer in Illinois by your side is not just a benefit, it’s a lifeline. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Illinois Criminal Law:
Illinois has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Illinois possesses an in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode the Legal Landscape: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Illinois criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
- Identify Location-Specific Issues: Illinois counties or cities may have their own local ordinances or procedures. Your lawyer’s deep understanding of the state’s legal landscape allows them to identify any potential location-specific issues that could impact your case.
2. Masters of the Illinois Criminal Justice System:
Top criminal lawyers in Illinois are more than just legal scholars – they’re seasoned veterans of the courtroom:
- Navigate the Local Legal System: They are familiar with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, and the nuances of courtroom proceedings in Illinois. This familiarity allows them to navigate the legal system effectively on your behalf and anticipate potential challenges.
- Command the Courtroom: They possess extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at presenting your case in a persuasive and compelling manner. This includes effectively questioning witnesses, delivering strong arguments, and advocating for your rights before the judge and jury.
3. Guardians of Your Constitutional Rights in the Prairie State:
The foundation of the criminal justice process lies in your fundamental rights. Top-tier criminal lawyers in Illinois are dedicated to safeguarding these rights throughout your legal journey:
- Understanding Your Rights in Illinois: They ensure you fully comprehend your Miranda rights (right to remain silent and right to an attorney), as well as other crucial legal protections under Illinois law.
- Ensuring Due Process under Illinois Law: Your lawyer meticulously reviews all legal procedures to guarantee you receive fair treatment under the law, adhering to the established principles of due process within the Illinois judicial system.
- Challenging Unlawful Searches and Seizures: If your rights were violated during a search or seizure, your lawyer can fight to suppress any illegally obtained evidence that could be used against you in court.
4. Unveiling the Truth Through Meticulous Investigation:
Building a strong defense starts with a comprehensive understanding of the facts. The best criminal lawyers conduct a thorough investigation into your case, specifically tailored to the laws and procedures of Illinois:
- Scrutinizing Police Reports and Witness Statements: They meticulously analyze police reports and witness statements to identify any inconsistencies, weaknesses, or potential defenses that could cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
- Securing Exculpatory Evidence: Your lawyer actively searches for any evidence within the legal framework of Illinois that may support your innocence or mitigate the charges against you. This may include witness alibis, physical evidence, or overlooked details in the police report.
- Consulting with Experts: When necessary, they may collaborate with experts like forensic investigators, ballistics analysts, or mental health professionals familiar with Illinois legal standards, to strengthen your case and provide expert testimony that could be crucial to your defense.
5. The Art of Negotiation and Plea Bargaining in Illinois:
In many cases, reaching a favorable plea agreement can be a viable option. Top-tier criminal lawyers possess exceptional negotiation skills and can use their understanding of Illinois law to advocate for you effectively:
- Understanding Plea Bargain Options in Illinois: They explain all available plea bargain options specific to Illinois law and guide you through the decision-making process, considering potential consequences and long-term impacts on your life.