Criminal Defense in Evanston, IL
Defending Evanston Clients With No Apologies.
Defending clients in Evanston and the northern suburbs. Cases arising in Evanston are typically heard at the Cook County Circuit Court Rolling Meadows Courthouse. Our team knows the prosecutors and judges in this district and builds defenses with that knowledge in mind.
Serving zip codes: 60201, 60202, 60203, 60204, 60208
Criminal Defense Services in Evanston
Our attorneys represent clients facing criminal charges throughout Evanston and Cook County. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, we provide the same level of aggressive, experienced defense.
DUI / DWI Defense
Illinois DUI charges carry severe consequences — license suspension, steep fines, even jail time. We challenge every ele…
Drug Charges
From simple possession to trafficking allegations, drug charges in Illinois range from Class 4 felonies to Class X felon…
Assault & Violent Crimes
Assault, battery, domestic violence, and homicide charges can result in decades of incarceration. Evidence is perishable…
Theft & Fraud
From shoplifting to wire fraud and identity theft, property crimes carry both criminal and civil exposure. We challenge …
Record Expungement
An Illinois criminal record can block you from jobs, housing, loans, and professional licenses for life. Expungement rem…
Common Questions from Evanston Clients
Exercise your right to remain silent immediately — politely state you will not answer questions without an attorney present. Do not consent to searches of your person, vehicle, or property. Request an attorney by name if possible. Do not post anything about your situation on social media. Call a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are permitted — the first 24–48 hours are the most critical window for building a strong defense.
Attorney fees vary significantly by case complexity and charge severity. Misdemeanors typically range from $1,500–$5,000. Felonies range from $5,000–$25,000 or more for complex cases. Many attorneys, including our firm, offer free initial consultations. While cost is a legitimate concern, the financial consequences of a conviction — lost employment, fines, license suspension, civil liability — almost always exceed defense attorney fees by a significant margin.
Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders are eligible for diversion programs, court supervision, conditional discharge, or probation that avoids incarceration entirely. The outcome depends on the specific charge, your history, the quality of evidence, and — critically — the quality of your defense. A skilled attorney can often negotiate for supervision or deferred prosecution that keeps your record completely clean.
Misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 3–6 months. Felony cases can take 6 months to 2 or more years depending on complexity, available evidence, and whether the case proceeds to trial. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible without compromising the strength of your defense — sometimes the best outcome requires patience and preparation, not speed.
Yes. Charges are dropped or dismissed for multiple reasons: insufficient evidence, unconstitutional search and seizure, witness unavailability, prosecutorial discretion, or successful pretrial motions. We evaluate every case for suppression motions, speedy trial violations, Brady material issues, and other legal challenges that can produce dismissal before you ever face a jury.