Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best outcome on your case, quickly and efficiently. As a former Will County prosecutor, I have the courtroom trial experience you can count on. I have tried criminal cases ranging from a speeding ticket to first degree murder, and if you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an attorney who knows your case from the prosecutor perspective. I know their strategy and the techniques to counter them.

Don't delay. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba for a free consultation. We handle felony and misdemeanor cases, including drug offenses, DUI, thefts, battery, burglary, robbery, and weapon offenses. We offer affordable rates and flat fees for most cases.

Jack began his dedicated legal career in the area of criminal law as a clerk for the Illinois Attorney General while attending law school. After graduating in 2003, Jack was offered a position in the Medicaid Fraud Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General, where he prosecuted complex white collar and financial crimes.

In 2006, Jack accepted an appointment as an Assistant State's Attorney in Will County. As a well-respected prosecutor in Will County, Jack disposed of hundreds of criminal cases with offenses ranging from DUI to first degree murder. Jack has acted as first chair on over fifty bench trials and over thirty jury trials. His courtroom performance is unrivaled, and his aggressive and effective courtroom demeanor has even been described as "electrifying".

Since beginning his own law firm, Jack has achieved successful outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases. His goal is to help each client avoid a conviction. Jack continues to put his aggressiveness and experience to work for his clients every day.

Practice Areas

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, our office has the criminal trial experience you can count on. You are presumed innocent and it is up to the state to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. As a former prosecutor, I have prosecuted many crimes including first degree murder and I know what will be required of the state, and I will put them to the task.

You need an aggressive criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba today if you have been charged with a criminal offense, including the following:

Felonies and Misdemeanors

* Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
* Drug Offenses - Trafficking or Possession
* Theft/Burglary
* Juvenile Crimes
* Sex Crimes
* Weapon Offenses
* Battery and Domestic Battery

DRUGS / NARCOTICS

Have you been arrested or are you under investigation for the possession or sale of illegal drugs? Do you have questions of whether the police can charge you with possession of those drugs? What if the drugs were found under the passenger seat of a car you were driving; or what if the drugs were in the trunk of the car? Do the police have the right to search you, your house or your vehicle?

These are questions that an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense drug lawyer can answer. As a former Will County Prosecutor, I have handled possession cases from a simple marijuana joint, to cocaine. If you have been charged with a drug offense, you want an experienced former prosecutor on your side.

DUI / TRAFFIC OFFENSES

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, you will have hired one of the most experienced and knowledgeable DUI Attorneys in Joliet. As a former prosecutor in Will County, I have handled hundreds of DUI cases and know how to present the best defense for your case. The area of DUI law is complex and I can help you navigate the process.

Hiring a skilled DUI criminal lawyer is key to a successful defense of your DUI arrest. The penalties, even for a first time arrest for DUI can be costly and may include the suspension of your license, heavy fines, and a possible jail sentence.

JUVENILE CRIMES

When a child is charged with a criminal offense it can be one of the most difficult things that a family can face. The realization that your son or daughter could receive a criminal conviction or worse, can be very stressful.

At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we understand the stress that this situation can cause and we are here to help. As your attorney, it is important to demonstrate to the court that your child is not a criminal, rather a young child who only used poor judgment. We represent clients charged with:

* Criminal trespass to vehicles or residences
* Theft or burglary
* School fights, assault and battery
* Illegal consumption by a minor (underage drinking)
* Possession of fake ID
* Weapon offenses
* Traffic offenses
* DUI
* Drug possession

Mistakes happen, and your son or daughter deserves a second chance.

Our goal is to keep your child from receiving a conviction and ultimately keep their record clean

If it's experience, knowledge of the law, aggressive strategies, accessibility and affordability you are looking for in a Chicago criminal defense attorney, you will find all of those attributes and more at the law offices of Hal M. Garfinkel.

For nearly 20 years Mr. Garfinkel, a former prosecutor, has been making waves as a participant in many high-profile Illinois criminal cases. He can get results for you, too, whether your current legal situation involves a homicide charge or a DUI arrest.

This respected, veteran lawyer is Midwest-raised and educated, knows the people of the region and speaks their language. His former experience as a prosecutor gives him an insider's perspective of the prosecutor's office and its strategies. Mr. Garfinkel knows the system and will work hard on your behalf. At trial or during the appeal process, you will be impressed with the poise, creativity and passion of the quality representation he offers.

You will know from the very start of your relationship, from your free initial consultation onward, that Hal M. Garfinkel is the lawyer you want speaking for you. His 24/7 availability includes off-site, weekend or evening appointments, jail and police station visits and bond or bail hearing.

Contact Mr. Garfinkel right away by phone, fax or e-mail.

Steve McCollum has extensive experience in Criminal, DUI, and Juvenile cases, including 16 years as a prosecutor and 14 years as a defense attorney. Formerly the Chief Deputy State's Attorney for Lake County, Steve is currently the Chairperson of the Criminal Law Committee for the Lake County Bar Association, a member of the Board of Directors for the Bar Association, and a member of the screening committee for the Capital Litigation Trial Bar for the 19th Judicial Circuit. As an Assistant State's Attorney and Defense attorney, Steve has handled many First Degree Murder cases, Reckless Homicide, Sexual Assault cases, and almost every type of felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and juvenile case.

I began my legal career as a Law Clerk for Judge Joseph Barr in the late 1970's. From there, I worked at Dunham, Bowman & Leskera as their Law clerk till January of 1981 when I became an Assistant States Attorney for Madison County Illinois. My tour of duty there lasted 4 years. From January 1985 through December 1996, my legal career had been with both Attorney Ben Allen and Doug Mendenhall. Effective January 1, 1997 I am a solo practitioner, and handle all sorts of legal matters, specializing in Plaintiffs Personal Injury and Criminal Defense. I provide full service legal representation, and can handle most every legal matter you will face in an expert manner. I have been in practice in Madison County, Illinois for over 28 years now, and am well versed in different diverse and overlapping fields of law. Concentrating in State & Federal Criminal Defense work, and am or have been a Public Defender for both our Local State & Federal Courts.

The office generally is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. As I am often in court I ask you call first, and I always return phone calls. For general misdemeanor and traffic matters fees range from $150.00 for a simple speeding ticket, to $400.00 for most simple first time misdemeanors like battery or assault, and $1,000.00 to $3,000.00 for first time DUI's or other more serious misdemeanors, this is a general fee base.

The Bankruptcy Laws changed drastically on October 17, 2005! For chapter 7 Bankruptcy's my fees due to the change in the law & my services after that date as a Debt Relief Agency under that statute will start at $1,000.00 Attorney's fee, with the court fee of $300.00. There will be a Credit Counseling Course, you must take before and after the bankruptcy being filed and you are responsible for paying that. Lastly, we can run a credit report if you request, $30.00 for individuals, $50.00 for a married couple. More complicated cases in Bankruptcy of course require more than the $1,000.00 Attorney's fee for the new Chapter 7 cases after October 17, 2005. As required by statute "We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code."

For most divorce and family matters, as well as civil defense I charge at the rate of $200.00 per hour, plus expenses, and generally require a minimum cash retainer of $750.00, and depending on the case, more. For State Felonies, the fees are $1,000.00 to $2,5000.00 for simple first time non-violent felonies, on up, and the fee is negotiable, based upon the accused's record and the severity of the charge.

For Federal Felonies, the fees start at $2500.00 for simple first time non-violent felonies, on up, and the fee is negotiable, based upon the accused's record and the severity of the charge.

Areas of Practice
Bankruptcy Law
Discrimination
Criminal Law
DUI/DWI
Traffic Violations
White Collar Crimes
Employment Law -- Employee
Estate Planning
Trusts
Wills
Family Law
Child Support
Custody & Visitation
Divorce
Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff
Medical Malpractice
Workers' Compensation Law
Litigation Percentage
90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 1981
U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois, 1985
U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1997
Education
Saint Louis University School of Law, St Louis, Missouri

Doctor of Jurisprudence - 1981
St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri

A.B. - 1978
Major: Political Science
Representative Clients
Madison County, Special Public Defender Since 1997
Panel Attorney, CJA, Southern District of Illinois, 1997
References
Bob Means, Madison County Merit Commission
Wood River Ford, Inc.
Dr. E. J. Diestelkamp
Classes/Seminars
Asst. Professor, Lewis & Clark Community College, Godfrey, IL, 1985 - Present
Honors and Awards
Outstanding Young Men of America, 1983
Professional Associations and Memberships
Godfrey Village, Trustee, 1993 - 1999
Past Employment Positions
Madison County States Attorney Office, Assistant States Attorney, 1981 - 1985
Smith, Allen, Merderhall, Delaney & Assoc, Partner, 1985 -

Maria is a graduate of the University Of Illinois College Of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a degree in Speech Communication. She received her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law. She is an experienced litigator who tried over 80 cases in DuPage, Kane, Cook and Will counties. Maria has also advocated for her clients in at least an equal number of arbitration hearings. In recent years her practice has concentrated primarily in family law matters, including divorce proceedings, post decree petitions, child custody and paternity matters. Maria also handled administrative hearings on behalf of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and now accepts cases on behalf of those wishing to appeal an indicated finding made against them by DCFS. She also handles residential real estate closings and estate planning matters.

Maria is currently a member of the adjunct faculty staff at College of DuPage, where she teaches students in the Paralegal Studies program. She has taught seminars for both the DuPage County Bar Association and The DuPage Association of Women Lawyers. She is a past president of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers and is currently an officer of the DuPage Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers.

Since meeting her husband, Maria has become an avid open wheel racing fan. You can find her every Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis cheering on the winning driver at the Indy 500 with at least 300,000 other fans! In her spare time she enjoys photography and cooking; especially creating new recipes. She hopes to complete a cookbook of recipes collected from generations of her family and friends.

At the Law Offices of Michael Meschino, we represent clients throughout the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Rolling Meadows, Buffalo Grove, and Barrington. We understand that when a person needs a lawyer, the underlying legal matter is important. As such, we are committed to providing every client with the attention they need and deserve.

Family Law
We are available to handle divorce law and all of its related matters, including property division, child custody, and spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance. When you retain our services, you will discover that we are willing to take the time to make certain that you understand all of your legal options during these difficult and life-changing times.

Criminal Defense
At the Law Offices of Michael Meschino, we are prepared to defend you against a wide range of criminal charges, including drunk driving, shoplifting, and traffic violations. We understand the impact that a criminal charge can have on your life. We are here to minimize that impact.

Domestic Violence
In Illinois, there are two ways to become entangled in a domestic violence matter: through a divorce filing or by being charged with domestic battery by the police. In either event contacting an experience domestic violence attorney is essential. Michael Meschino brings more than twenty years of legal experience to Illinois domestic violence matters.

Real Estate
We can help you with a variety of real estate matters. From the home buying process to the closing, our residential real estate lawyer can help. We are also available to handle complicated real estate and construction litigation matters.

Estate Planning and Probate
We can help ensure that hard-earned property and assets are passed on appropriately. From the creation of wills and trusts, to assisting with the probate process, we will stand by your side to see that all of your needs are met.

Email us or call us at 1-800-835-4202 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Solo practice focusing on criminal law, traffic defense & DUI matters (including Drivers License Suspensions and Driver's License reinstatement hearings in front of the Illinois Secretary of State), municipal court, real estate and, administrative hearings as well as litigation. Practice includes matters heard in the Counties of Cook, Lake, Du Page, and McHenry. Sit as an Arbitrator for the Circuit Court of Cook County as well as serve as a bar attorney for the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. In the real estate practice I provide counsel on transactions, closings, sales, and purchases pertaining to residential and commercial real estate.

Bi-lingual attorney, fluent and literate in the Polish language. Alternate languages spoken by firm attorneys: Spanish

Referrals available for Civil, Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, Wills/Trusts/Probate, Bankruptcy as well as other areas of the law.

Richard Schmack was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Berwyn, Illinois. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois in 1977 with double majors in Political Science and History. In 1980 he received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Upon graduation from law school in 1980, Richard was admitted to the Illinois Bar and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the Federal Trial Bar. Richard has made DeKalb County his home since1985. He, his wife, Jackie, who is his office manager, and their sons reside in Sycamore.

Prior to opening his private practice in 1989, Richard served as an Assistant DeKalb County State's Attorney, handling misdemeanor and traffic prosecution, as well as child support enforcement. In his capacity as the civil assistant, Richard represented DeKalb County in lawsuits in Federal and State courts, served as legal advisor to all departments of County government, and represented the County's Zoning Board of Appeals, gaining valuable knowledge of the County's zoning ordinances and regulations.

In private practice Richard is a general practitioner well versed in the areas of Adoptions, Bankruptcy, Criminal Misdemeanors and Felonies, Traffic, DUI, Guardianships, Juvenile Law, Real Estate, Wills & Estates, and Zoning.

We Are A Debt Relief Agency. We Help People File Bankruptcy Under The United States Bankruptcy Code.

Experienced Family Law and Criminal Defense Attorney
You want a strong, capable advocate for your interests in divorce or custody proceedings, but not a lawyer who is indifferent to your anxieties and concerns. My Wheaton, Illinois, law practice is dedicated to compassionate legal counsel while actively pursuing your goals.

Contact me at (630) 221-0100 for a free 30-Minute consultation.

The Law Office of Emily J. Kelly represents men and women throughout DuPage and Kane Counties. I offer knowledgeable representation in all aspects of Illinois family law including, divorce and property division, custody and visitation, child support, alimony, paternity, and modifications to support or custody arrangements.

I am also a proven criminal defense lawyer who you can turn to for effective representation if you have been charged with a crime. I work to protect my clients from the worst consequences of misdemeanor charges, juvenile crimes, and traffic offenses.

Strong Sensible Direction
I consider it my duty to listen to your situation and provide you with information about all of your options so you can make informed decisions. If litigation is necessary or prudent, I will aggressively pursue your best interests in court.

My unique and practical insights into the legal system as a former prosecutor, along with my dedication to individualized service as a sole practitioner, enable me to provide the strong and caring advocacy you deserve. I have practiced since 1989 and remain an ardent student of the law. In fact, I have testified before the Illinois Legislature and authored recently enacted child support legislation.

I Want to Help You — Call My Wheaton Office at (630) 221-0100
For compassionate and capable representation in family law or criminal defense, contact the Law Office of Emily J. Kelly for a free 30-minute initial consultation. My office is conveniently located near the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton. For your convenience, I accept Visa and MasterCard.

Brad Cahow has been practicing law in Kane, Dekalb, McHenry, DuPage, Cook, Will and nearby counties since 1981. Brad provides legal services in the following areas:

REAL ESTATE LAW

Brad has represented several thousand real estate clients in residential sales and purchases. He prepares contracts and provides title insurance services. His experience also includes loan modifications, short sales, and landlord tenant disputes

FAMILY LAW

Brad had years of experience in both uncontested and contested divorces, custody disputes, visitation rights, child support issues and adoptions.

ESTATE LAW

Brad prepares Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney for Heatlh Care and Property, Living Wills. His practice also includes Probate.

PERSONAL INJURY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION

If you suffer a personal injury or are hurt at work, Brad will assist you in recovering damages from the party responsible for your injury.

TRAFFIC AND CRIMINAL LAW

Brad provides representation in traffic, misdemeanor, driving under the influence, and non-violent felony cases.

CIVIL LITIGATION

Brad repsesents small claims litigants, debt collection defendants, landlords, tenants, and contract litigants.

INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE

Our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C., have significant experience defending people charged with crimes.

Sandi Byrd entered private practice in October 2002 following nearly six years working as an attorney in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. Since entering private practice Sandi has represented clients in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook Counties. Sandi graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in 1996 and was admitted to practice law in Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the same year. Since the beginning of her career Sandi has focused her practice almost exclusively in criminal defense. She has successfully tried many jury and bench trials including everything from minor traffic offenses to murder cases. Sandi is an active member of the Kane County Bar Association, currently serving as it General Counsel and as a member of the Criminal Law Committee, and is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Don Zuelke spent over sixteen years as an assistant public defender before entering the private practice in August of 2002. He has practice law for over 20 years, representing clients almost exclusively in criminal cases, and has successfully tried many jury and bench trials. Don graduated from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1984, and was admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year. He then worked as an assistant public defender in the Cook County Public Defender's Office for almost 6 years, followed by almost 11 years in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. He has represented thousands of individuals in criminal defense matters, in everything from DUI and other traffic offenses to murder and other felonies. He is a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar, qualified and authorized to represent clients in death penalty cases.

The attorneys at Zuelke & Byrd are committed to representing their clients zealously. Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent under the law and deserves to have his or her rights protected. Everyone is entitled to a strong defense no matter what the charges are or what the evidence against them is. The law firm of Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C. is dedicated to doing the best possible job for each client, providing each client with the individual attention necessary to successfully defend them. We work hard to get the best possible outcome in each case. Our attorneys are experienced trial attorneys, having successfully tried many jury and bench trials over many years, and will vigorously defend your case at trial.

For more information about our criminal defense lawyers, follow the links below or contact us at Zuelke & Byrd, L.L.C.

The Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius is a general practice, with a focus in criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius represents individuals, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and other business organizations.

Prior to establishing the Law Office of Vincent F. Cornelius, Mr. Cornelius was an associate with the Law Firm of James D. Montgomery and Associates, the predecessor firm of Cochran and Montgomery in Chicago, Illinois where he practiced in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Cornelius is also a former DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney. He was involved in the prosecution of felony, misdemeanor, DUI, juvenile and domestic violence cases. He was evaluated a distinguished prosecutor.

Mr. Cornelius has extensive bench trial, jury trial, and administrative hearing experience. He has defended homicide, white collar, and other serious felony cases. He has also been involved in the settlement of multi-million dollar personal injury cases. He practices in DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane, Kendall and other counties.

Vincent received his Juris doctorate Degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1989. He received his BBA in Business Administration in 1986 from the University of St. Francis where he was an Academic All American athlete.

He has been honored frequently within and outside of the legal community. Mr. Cornelius' participation in the legal community and the community at large has included the following:

President, Illinois Bar Foundation (2008-2010)
Governor's Commission on Criminal Law Reform
Chancellor, Illinois Academy of Lawyers (2007)
Board of Regents, Illinois Academy of Lawyers
Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors
Fellow, Illinois Bar Foundation
Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors, Retired
Chicago Bar Association Committee on Federal Jury Service
Domestic Relations Expedited Matrimonial Fee Arbitrator
DuPage County Bar Association, Asst. Treasurer
Northern Illinois University College of Law, Alumni Council
Life Member, National Registry of Who's Who
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alumni Chapter Board of Directors

Focus on Federal and State Criminal Law. I am available to practice in Illinois(state and Federal)and Indiana Federal courts. Please our website at waaltd.com for more information and for a listing of our current victories.

At Donahue, Sowa & Magana, we are one of the oldest law firms in Illinois dedicated to criminal defense. Our criminal defense attorneys provide representation in all Illinois felonies and misdemeanors, including homicide, white-collar crime, and criminal appeals. Our lawyers have tried cases before every level of Illinois trial court, and have a track record of success.

We hold ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards, and treat all of our clients with respect. The attorneys at Donahue, Sowa & Magana have the capacity, experience, and resources to handle even the most complex cases.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer in northern Illinois, contact Donahue, Sowa & Magana at either our Lisle or Geneva office.