When your freedom is on the line, nothing matters more than having the right criminal defense lawyer in your corner. We know how high the stakes are—your job, your reputation, your future—and we take that seriously. You don’t need a lawyer who plays it safe. You need someone who fights like hell for you, knows the law inside and out, and has the courtroom presence to make prosecutors think twice. That’s how we work. We’re not here to make friends with the prosecution. We’re here to outthink them, outwork them, and put our clients in the strongest position possible.
At Edward Johnson & Associates, we bring aggressive energy into every case we take. We hit hard where it counts, and when the time is right, we know how to work the system to your advantage. Prosecutors don’t intimidate us. Judges respect us. And we never back down when your future is at risk.
What To Look For In A Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer
Choosing the right defense attorney is not about who has the fanciest website. It’s about results. You want a lawyer who has gone to war in courtrooms across Cook County and walked away with wins. Look for someone who:
- Has real trial experience and knows how to fight in court
- Understands Illinois criminal statutes
- Knows how to negotiate with prosecutors without giving up your leverage
- Has handled your type of case before—whether it’s a gun charge, drug case, or federal indictment
- Treats your case like it matters, because it does
You also want someone who won’t sugarcoat your situation. We’re straight with our clients from day one. If a fight needs to be fought, we go all in. If a deal is the smarter move, we get the best terms possible.
Why Your Attorney’s Reputation Matters
Prosecutors know who fights and who folds. A lawyer’s reputation in court changes everything. When you work with us, you get a firm that’s known for not backing down. That reputation forces the prosecution to come to the table with serious offers, or risk a courtroom battle they might lose. We use that leverage to your advantage at every stage. These aren’t situations where you can afford to roll the dice. We build smart, aggressive strategies from day one, so you’re not playing catch-up later.
FAQs About Finding The Best Criminal Defense Attorney
How Do I Know If A Criminal Defense Attorney Is Right For My Case?
Start by asking how many cases like yours they’ve handled. Ask if they’ve gone to trial. If they hesitate or talk around your question, keep looking. The right attorney will be honest, direct, and ready to fight. You want someone who understands Illinois criminal law and has a real plan to defend you. If they’re only focused on plea deals without looking at your options, that’s a red flag.
What’s The Difference Between Aggressive Defense And Reckless Defense?
Aggressive defense means knowing when to push hard and when to pull back—always with strategy behind every move. Reckless defense is all bark with no plan. We don’t take wild swings. We fight smart. We use pressure, motion practice, and our reputation to weaken the prosecution’s case until they’re the ones off balance.
Can My Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Yes, but only if you have a lawyer who knows how to push for it. We’ve had serious felony charges dropped to misdemeanors and entire cases dismissed. That takes pressure, legal skill, and strategy. We review every fact and every piece of evidence and challenge everything from probable cause to constitutional violations under 725 ILCS 5/114-12 and Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Should I Hire A Lawyer Even If I Think I’m Guilty?
Absolutely. Being charged doesn’t mean giving up. Even if you think the case looks bad, we can often find legal flaws, violations of your rights, or weaknesses in the evidence. And if a plea deal is the right path, we fight to get you the best outcome—reduced charges, no jail, or alternative sentencing. That’s where strategy wins cases.
What Should I Do If The Police Want To Question Me?
Say nothing. Tell them you want a lawyer, then stop talking. Don’t try to explain or “clear things up.” Police are trained to get you to talk—and twist your words. Under your Fifth Amendment rights and Miranda protections, you have the right to remain silent. Use it.
Can A Lawyer Help Me Avoid Jail Time?
Yes. A strong attorney can push for alternatives like probation, court supervision, or dismissal. We fight for these outcomes every day. Judges and prosecutors know who takes cases seriously. When they know we’re in it for a real fight, they’re more willing to work with us. We use that pressure to your advantage.
What If I’m Facing Federal Charges In Chicago?
Federal cases are serious and require immediate, aggressive representation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office does not file weak cases. That means your defense has to be sharper, faster, and more strategic. We’ve handled federal indictments involving drugs, fraud, firearms, and conspiracy charges—and we know how to counter federal prosecutors.
How Soon Should I Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The second you think you’re under investigation or charged. The earlier we get involved, the more control we have over the case. Waiting gives the other side a head start. We take fast action to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and shape how the case develops before it’s too late.
Will Hiring A Tough Attorney Make The Prosecution Angry?
Maybe—but we don’t care. We’re not here to keep them comfortable. We’re here to protect you. Prosecutors respect attorneys who fight hard and know the law. That respect often leads to better deals or serious second looks at the case. We’re not here to play nice—we’re here to win.
Do You Handle Violent Crime Or Gun Cases?
Yes. We’ve defended clients on everything from aggravated battery to unlawful use of a weapon. We attack weaknesses in the State’s case, file motions to suppress unlawful searches under 725 ILCS 5/114-12, and fight to keep our clients out of prison.
Contact A Defense Firm That Fights Hard For You
When your back is against the wall, you need a fighter—not a hand-holder. At Edward Johnson & Associates, we bring courtroom firepower and street-smart strategy to every case we handle. We’ve earned our reputation by going toe-to-toe with prosecutors and delivering results. Contact our Chicago DUI lawyer at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. by calling 708-762-8666 to receive your free consultation. Our Chicago-based office serves clients throughout the entire Chicagoland metro. When you’re ready to fight, we’re ready to lead.