Best Criminal Lawyers in Chicago

Todd D. Cohen
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Todd D. Cohen

Criminal Lawyer

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Defense
  • Traffic
  • Civil Cases
  • DUI
  • License Reinstatement
  • Felony
  • Misdemeanor
  • Drug
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Workplace Injuries
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Premise Liability and Dog Bites

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
    • J.D.
  • Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
    • B.A.
    • Major: Pre-Law Public Relations
    • Minor: Political Science

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, 2004

Professional Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Kane County Bar Association & NW Suburban Bar Association
Stephen L. Richards
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Stephen L. Richards

Criminal Lawyer

AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • Criminal Law
  • White Collar Crime
  • Serious Felonies
  • Drug / Weapons Cases
  • Appeals — Post-Convictions
  • Sentencing — Mitigation
  • Civil Rights/1983
  • Legal Education
  • Legal Ethics

LITIGATION PERCENTAGE

100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALTIES

  • Certified Lead Counsel, Capital Litigation Trial Bar, Illinois Supreme Court, 2001

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Illinois, 1985
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2008

EDUCATION

  • Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, New York
    • J.D. – 1983
    • Honors: Order of Barristers, Moot Court
John Randal Kopp
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John Randal Kopp

Criminal Lawyer

John R. Kopp is a 2008 graduate of the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he earned a degree in communications. He grew up in Aurora, Illinois, and attended Marmion Academy.

Mr. Kopp evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of each case he prosecuted for the Cook County State’s Attorney Office. When he encountered a weakness, he placed himself in the position of the defense lawyer so that he could best prepare himself for arguing the prosecution’s case.

Many of his cases involved preparing police officers for their testimony at trial. Through that process in hundreds of trials, Mr. Kopp gained a thorough grasp of police investigations, warrant executions and arrest procedures. With that knowledge, he can attack the shortfalls and errors the police made in their case against you.

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
    • 2008
  • Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    • Major: Communications
  • Marmion Academy

Honors

  • National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 under 40 for Criminal Defense Law
  • The American Society of Legal Advocates – Top 40 under 40 for Criminal Defense Law (less than 1.5% of lawyers nationally)
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys – 10 Best Attorneys Selection for Illinois
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys – 10 Best Attorneys Selection for Illinois
  • National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys – Top 10 under 40
Vadim Shifrin
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Vadim Shifrin

Criminal Lawyer

Vadim Shifrin, Principal and Founder of Shifrin Law Group, is a respected trial attorney with a history of success representing clients in the personal injury and criminal law fields. Mr. Shifrin has been recognized yearly as an Illinois Super Lawyer and Rising Star, an honor given to only 2.5% of all attorneys practicing in Illinois.

Mr. Shifrin is licensed to practice in Illinois and the Northern District of Illinois. He received his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. Mr. Shifrin is also currently the consulting attorney for The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University. He is the central point of contact for graduate students seeking legal consultations and advice.

Prior to starting his own full-service trial practice law firm in 2015; Mr. Shifrin was the Assistant Director of the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology at DePaul University College of Law for nine years. At this think-tank, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of a nationally ranked intellectual property organization by providing long-term strategic vision and management. During his tenure at DePaul, Mr. Shifrin also worked as a consultant to the Center for Art, Museum and Cultural Heritage Law at DePaul University College of Law.

From 2009-2013, Mr. Shifrin also acted as Of-Counsel at The Law Office of Steven R. Decker. There, Mr. Shifrin litigated complex cases in the fields of criminal law and personal injury law. During that time, he has also represented clients in a variety of negotiations, as well as, contract, employment, landlord-tenant, real estate, corporate, and intellectual property matters.

CIERRA N. NORRIS
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CIERRA N. NORRIS

Criminal Lawyer

Cierra N. Norris is a Criminal Defense Attorney and founder of The Law Office of CN Norris, a firm dedicated to social justice.

After becoming a mother at the age of 16, Norris read a statistic stating that her son was more likely to become incarcerated as a black male born to a single mother. This was the impetus for Norris’ decision to enter the legal field pushing her to not only provide better opportunities for her son, but to make a positive impact on society. Her determination was a key factor in putting herself through school to earn both her bachelor’s degree and her law degree. She worked multiple jobs and waitressed in order to accomplish her educational goals.

In 2017, Attorney Norris founded The Law Office of CN Norris at the age of 27. She brings courage, instinct, attention to detail, and a hunger for knowledge and fact-finding to her practice. She is passionate about putting an end to mass incarceration and injustice and her practice and successes as an attorney are a testament to this. Attorney Norris humanizes criminal defense by truly connecting with her clients and is open, honest, and uses her litigation skills and knowledge of the law to bring her clients justice. She treats her clients with respect and promises to fight for them as she would for her own family.

Norris holds a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University College of Law where she served as the school’s Student Bar Association Supreme Court Justice, Student Bar Association Constitutional Committee Member, and Black Law Student Association Mock Trial Team Member. Norris’ experience prior to opening her firm includes serving as a Law Clerk for the City of Chicago’s Public Defender Office 711, working as Judicial Extern to the Honorable Judge Victoria A. Roberts, and working as a Criminal Intake Volunteer at Cabrini Green Legal Aid.

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Michael K. Goldberg

Criminal Lawyer

Michael “Mike” Goldberg received his Juris Doctorate in 1992 from the University of Illinois College of Law. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Illinois-Urbana, where he also played hockey for the Fighting Illini. In 1992, Mr. Goldberg joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted criminal matters for five years. As an Assistant State’s Attorney, Mike tried twelve jury trials and numerous bench trials.
 
Mr. Goldberg has been with Goldberg Law Group since 1997. In private practice, he has argued in the Illinois Supreme Court and in all five appellate courts in Illinois. In addition to being licensed to practice law in Illinois, Mr. Goldberg is admitted to practice in Arizona and is admitted to the Trial Bar in the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois.

Bar Admissions

icn-arrow.png Illinois, 1992
icn-arrow.png U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1998

General and Trial Bar

icn-arrow.png Arizona, 2013

Professional Associations and Memberships

icn-arrow.png Illinois State Bar Association
icn-arrow.png Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys
icn-arrow.png Arizona State Bar Association
icn-arrow.png Decalogue Society of Lawyers
icn-arrow.png Constitutional Rights Foundation Lawyer
icn-arrow.png Federal Defender Program in the Northern District of Illinois, Panel Attorney
icn-arrow.png Chicago Bar Association, Health Care Law Committee
DAVID M. SMITH
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DAVID M. SMITH

Criminal Lawyer

As the Founding Attorney and CEO of Chicago Trusted Attorneys®, David brings over a decade of criminal defense litigation and trial experience representing clients facing both felony and misdemeanor charges.  Focusing on the litigation needs of clients and their families, David is committed to developing solutions to help solve even the toughest problems, and he approaches each new challenge as an urgent matter to be resolved expeditiously and cost-effectively.

Working closely with clients and the entire Chicago Trusted Attorneys®’ legal team to develop and implement the best tactics for a successful resolution. David serves as the lead recruiter of legal talent and manages the team in all client cases.  He believes in working through the details of each and every case, collaborating with the greater team so that all clients can benefit from the best legal strategies and solutions.

In the criminal defense sector, Mr. Smith serves as a trusted referral for numerous other attorneys and law firms who understand the quality of work established and maintained by Chicago Trusted Attorneys®.  Many of these loyal referring attorneys and law firms have worked with David for over a decade helping thousands of clients who have benefited from having their charges dismissed or reduced by the legal team at Chicago Trusted Attorneys®.

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Matthew Chivari

Criminal Lawyer

Matthew Allen Chivari, Esq., is a lifelong resident of Northern Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, a Master of Education degree from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from DePaul University, College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. While at DePaul, Mr. Chivari was a member of DePaul’s National Trial Team, received a Certificate in Criminal Law, and received CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in numerous law school courses, including Prosecuting & Defending Criminal Cases, Negotiations, and Juvenile Justice.

Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Chivari has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense. He began the practice of law by establishing his own criminal defense firm in Chicago’s Loop, handling mostly state criminal matters, at the trial and appellate court levels. After joining Leonard Trial Lawyers, Mr. Chivari has expanded his practice, now focusing primarily on federal criminal matters in jurisdictions throughout the country.

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
  • The Chicago Bar Association
  • Northwest Suburban Bar Association
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Having the best criminal lawyer in Chicago is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Legal Expertise: The best criminal lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law, courtroom procedures, and local Chicago regulations. They can provide you with the most accurate legal advice and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case.

  2. Experience: Experienced criminal lawyers have handled a wide range of cases, including those similar to yours. They understand how the local legal system works, the tactics used by prosecutors, and the potential consequences you may face. Their experience can be invaluable in navigating your case.

  3. Protection of Rights: A skilled criminal attorney will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes ensuring that law enforcement did not violate your constitutional rights during the arrest and gathering evidence to challenge any illegal actions.

  4. Negotiation Skills: Many criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains or negotiations with prosecutors. The best criminal lawyers know how to negotiate effectively to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether that’s a reduced sentence, alternative sentencing, or a dismissal of charges.

  5. Investigation: They have the resources and expertise to conduct thorough investigations into your case. This can involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case to build a strong defense.

  6. Courtroom Advocacy: If your case goes to trial, a skilled criminal lawyer can provide strong and persuasive advocacy on your behalf. They can cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and argue legal points effectively to increase your chances of a favorable verdict.

  7. Emotional Support: Facing criminal charges can be emotionally challenging. The best criminal lawyers not only provide legal guidance but also offer emotional support and reassurance during a difficult time.

  8. Minimizing Consequences: Even if you are found guilty or decide to plead guilty, a top criminal attorney can work to minimize the consequences you face. This could include reducing penalties, negotiating probation instead of jail time, or exploring options for rehabilitation and treatment.

  9. Knowledge of Local Courts: Chicago’s legal system can be complex and unique. The best criminal lawyers in the area have a deep understanding of local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, which can be advantageous in your case.

  10. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a skilled and experienced advocate on your side can provide peace of mind during a stressful legal process. It can also increase your confidence in the outcome of your case.

In summary, having the best criminal lawyer in Chicago is essential to ensure that your rights are protected, you receive expert legal advice and representation, and you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your criminal case.

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