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Chicago & Cook County Criminal Defense

When everything is on the line, you need a fighter in the room.

Former prosecutors. Decades in Cook County courtrooms. We build aggressive, strategic defenses for felony, misdemeanor, and DUI cases — and we don't stop until we've gotten you the best possible outcome.

25+ yrsCombined trial experience
1,200+Cases defended
FormerCook County prosecutors
24/7Free consultations

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Practice Areas

Defense across every level of charge

From traffic court to murder trials — we handle the full spectrum of Illinois criminal cases with the same level of preparation and intensity.

01

Felony Defense

Aggressive representation when the stakes — and the prison time — are highest.

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02

DUI & Traffic

From first offense to repeat DUI, we challenge the stop, the test, and the evidence.

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03

Drug Charges

Possession to trafficking — we scrutinize every search and seizure.

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04

Domestic Violence

Protecting your record and your relationships against serious allegations.

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05

Theft & Retail Theft

Misdemeanor or felony theft charges defended with a strategic eye on your record.

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06

Weapons Charges

Gun and weapons cases require an attorney who knows Illinois FOID and FCCA law cold.

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07

Violent Crimes

Assault, battery, and other serious charges demand an immediate, aggressive defense.

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08

Expungement & Sealing

Winning your case is only half the battle — let's clear it from your record entirely.

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1,200+Cases Defended
25+Years Combined Experience
96%Cases Reduced or Dismissed*
24/7Availability
Why T. Rhoads

We know how prosecutors think — because we used to be them

Former ProsecutorsNow fighting exclusively for the defense.
1

We protect your rights from day one

From the first police contact through trial, we're in your corner — making sure nothing is overlooked and nothing is taken for granted.

2

We build a strategy built for your case

No templates, no shortcuts. Every defense is built around the specific facts, evidence, and judge in your case.

3

We're ready to go to trial

Prosecutors know which firms settle and which ones fight. We're known for being fully prepared to take a case to verdict.

4

We think past the verdict

Expungement and record-sealing are part of the plan from the start, not an afterthought once the case is over.

Meet The Team

Attorneys who've stood on both sides of the courtroom

Daniel Sterling

Founding Partner, J.D.

Former Cook County ASA with 18 years defending felony and DUI cases across Chicagoland.

Renee Cole

Partner, J.D.

Leads the firm's expungement practice and has sealed over 600 client records since 2015.

Marcus Whitfield

Senior Associate, J.D.

Focuses on drug crime and weapons defense, with deep experience in suppression motions.

Client Reviews

What clients say after working with us

★★★★★

"They were upfront with me from the first call, never overpromised, and got my felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. I can't thank them enough."

M. Alvarez — Felony Defense Client
★★★★★

"Professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable about how the Cook County courts actually work. Worth every penny."

J. Park — DUI Client
★★★★★

"My case was sealed within a few months of reaching out. The team explained every step so I always knew what was happening."

T. Rhoads — Expungement Client
Free & Confidential

Don't face this alone. Talk to a defense attorney today.

Every hour matters in a criminal case. Reach out now for a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.