Ironside Criminal Defense represents clients across Chicago and throughout Illinois facing the most serious criminal charges. Led by a former Cook County prosecutor with over 18 years in the courtroom. We answer the phone at 3 a.m. because charges do not wait for business hours.
All consultations are strictly confidential. No obligation to retain.
We handle the full range of Illinois criminal charges, from a first DUI to complex federal white collar investigations. Every case receives the same level of scrutiny and preparation.
The decisions made immediately after an arrest can shape the entire course of a case. These are the most important things you can do right now.
You are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself. Politely tell officers you are invoking your Fifth Amendment right and will not answer without an attorney present. This is not an admission of guilt.
If police ask whether they can search your car, home, or phone, clearly state: "I do not consent to a search." If they proceed anyway, do not physically resist. An unlawful search can result in evidence being suppressed.
Calls from county lockup are recorded and routinely reviewed by prosecutors. Do not discuss the facts of your case, the incident, or any witnesses on these lines. The only truly private call you can make is to your attorney.
Illinois courts move quickly. Bond hearings happen within 48 hours of arrest in Cook County. Having counsel present at that hearing — and before you speak to any investigator — can affect bond conditions, case strategy, and long-term outcomes.
As soon as you are able, document the sequence of events from your perspective — what was said, who was present, what time, what location. Memory fades quickly. Give that account only to your attorney, protected by privilege.
Every Ironside client works directly with a named partner. No handoffs to associates for critical hearings, no junior attorneys on complex cases without partner supervision.
Marcus spent eight years as an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County before crossing the aisle to defense work. He tried felony cases in front of every presiding judge in the Criminal Courts Building at 26th and Cal before starting Ironside. That experience — knowing how prosecutors build cases, what they look for, and where they cut corners — is the core of the firm's defense strategy.
Renata joined Ironside following a federal clerkship in the Northern District of Illinois and two years in the Cook County Public Defender's Office. Her background in federal procedure, suppression hearings, and post-conviction relief gives the firm depth in complex federal cases and appeals. She leads the firm's expungement and record sealing practice.
The results below represent outcomes in specific matters. Every case turns on its own facts, evidence, and circumstances.
Cook County. Evidence suppressed following successful Fourth Amendment motion. Case dismissed prior to trial.
DuPage County. Jury verdict of not guilty on all counts after four-day trial.
N.D. Illinois. Indictment dismissed after demonstrating lack of intent element. No charges refiled.
Cook County. Felony reduced to misdemeanor. No jail time. License restoration achieved within 14 months.
Cook County. Not guilty verdict following cross-examination exposing inconsistencies in complaining witness testimony.
Cook County. Charge reduced through negotiation. Client avoided mandatory minimum sentence.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts, the specific evidence, applicable law, and the judgment of the trier of fact. These summaries are for informational purposes only.
Attorney-client privilege attaches from your very first call. Nothing you share with us during an initial consultation will be disclosed to anyone — not to law enforcement, not to prosecutors, not to any third party. There is no obligation to retain the firm after speaking with us. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and let you decide how to proceed.
Request a Confidential ConsultationWe understand you may have concerns before reaching out. These are the questions we hear most often.
Ask us directlyPolitely decline to answer questions and state that you would like to speak with an attorney before making any statement. You can be respectful without being cooperative. Police are permitted by law to use deceptive tactics during interrogation — including misrepresenting what evidence they have, or what other people have said. Your attorney cannot be present for a phone call with investigators after the fact. Only an attorney at your side protects you.
Call (312) 555-0174 at any hour. We maintain 24/7 availability precisely because arrests rarely happen at convenient times. We will speak with you directly — or, if you are in custody, with a family member on your behalf — as quickly as possible. In Cook County, bond hearings typically occur within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Attorney presence at that hearing matters significantly.
A defense attorney independently investigates the facts, reviews all evidence obtained by the prosecution, identifies Fourth and Fifth Amendment violations, files suppression motions, negotiates with prosecutors, prepares witnesses, and if necessary tries the case to a jury or bench. The goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome — whether that means acquittal, dismissal, or a significantly reduced charge and sentence.
You have the constitutional right to an appointed public defender if you cannot afford counsel. We encourage you to contact us anyway — consultations are free, and we will be honest with you about your options. In some cases, fee arrangements can be discussed. We will never pressure you into a representation agreement that is not right for your situation.
Illinois law permits expungement of arrests that did not result in conviction and certain misdemeanor convictions that meet specific criteria, including waiting periods. Record sealing is available for a broader range of convictions, including many felonies. Eligibility depends on the specific offense, the sentence received, and the time elapsed. We evaluate eligibility at no charge during an initial consultation.
Illinois misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and fines. Felonies carry potential state prison sentences ranging from one year (Class 4) to natural life, depending on the class and any mandatory minimum provisions. Felony convictions also carry collateral consequences including loss of voting rights during incarceration, firearm restrictions, and impacts on employment and housing. The stakes on any felony matter are serious and require immediate counsel.
Misdemeanor cases in Cook County often resolve within three to six months. Felony cases are considerably longer — from six months on a straightforward matter to two or more years for complex litigation. Federal cases in the Northern District of Illinois tend to have longer discovery periods and pre-trial motion practice. We keep clients informed at every stage and do not allow cases to languish.
If you or someone you know has been arrested, do not wait. The earlier defense counsel is involved, the greater the ability to preserve evidence, challenge procedure, and protect your rights.
(312) 555-0174This form is for scheduling purposes only. Please do not describe the facts of your matter in writing. All consultations are conducted by telephone or in person, in strict confidence.
