The Law Office of Barry M. Lewis
211 E Ontario St.
#1800
Chicago, IL 60611-3242
Phone: (312) 372-2221 | Fax: (312) 283-5001
http://www.barrylewislaw.com
Criminal Defense
I prefer to handle criminal cases. This includes serious traffic cases such as charges of a suspended or revoked license, as well as all misdemeanors and felonies, including homicide.
IL, Oct 1975
Bar Number: 1646990
All Illinois Courts, 1975; Federal Trial Bar, 1977.
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Continuing legal education hours became mandatory in Illinois this year for half of the lawyers in the state; the other half must first comply in 2009. For my compliance, I have taught at a DUI update program and attended numerous other seminars. I have also attended immigration law seminars with the intent of becoming a volunteer as well as to educate myself on issues which may assist non-citizen or undocumented clients of mine. My focus for continuing legal education in the future will be as an attendee of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers meetings and seminars, the quality of which is excellent. I may also continue to teach at local seminars. I received good marks for my lecture and materials in the reviews Lorman sent me.
I was co-author and contributing author of an early version of a lawyer's manual interpreting the Federal Rules of Evidence. This was an update of a book on eye witness evidence, and an update on DUI law.
It is hard to single out a few cases; there have been so many. One of my favorites was a "street file" case where I won an acquittal for my client on a murder charge. He was facing the death penalty if convicted.
Juris Doctor
John Marshall Law School
Chicago
IL
1975
Criminal and trial law.
1
I am licensed in all Illinois and federal courts.
I began my practice of criminal law in 1975. Around 1985, I started handling serious personal injury cases and rose in the ranks to become the head of a major insurance company's defense firm. I opened my own law office in 1993.
Our focus is trial law. I defend the accused. I am available on a very limited basis to handle select personal injury cases. I have been defending the accused since 1975, whether it is a popular thing to do or not. It is a necessary service; people need access to quality defense. I opened my own practice emphasizing criminal law in 1993 immediately after a few years running an insurance company's defense program.
My entire professional career has been in the field of trial law. I have been primarily focused on criminal law except for the mid-80s to early-90s when I worked for the insurance company.
I received a plaque from the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education making me a member of their faculty, and for meritorious contributions to legal education and the profession. I was an adjunct professor teaching trial law at a local law school. Additionally, I have taught some continuing legal education courses.
A little knowledge is fine, but I make my clients know every case is different. The internet can be a better source of information than friends.
I'd be happy to review them. Generally, I would rather prepare the document myself; if a client feels a particular motion might be availing, I'll be happy to discuss it. If it has merit, I will present it.
I am not available for this.
Virtually everyone in my family was a lawyer. My father, many of my uncles, and my grandfather all practiced law. The table conversations were fascinating to me. I wanted to be like them and fight for what they believed in so passionately.
Meeting with and being mentored by some of the top lawyers in the city has helped me to be a better lawyer.
I chose this area of practice since it was my father's focus and that of all of his closest friends. It always fascinated me.
I like the independence and not kow-towing to "the man."
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me.
I am very good at finding a rational approach to the client's defense or finding a technical, legal defense. I like to cross examine.
I enjoy sailing, skiing, traveling, bicycling, dancing, and riding my motor scooter.
(312) 283-5001
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Office visits by appointment.
Yes
All languages are available on request.
A preliminary hearing is $750. This will include the initial bond hearing if I am hired early enough to attend it. Many misdemeanors cost $500 to $1,500. My flat fees include a trial by judge, but exclude the following: 1.Out of pocket expenses; 2. Jury trial; 3. Continuances the defendant causes. Flat fees can also be arranged on felony cases, or a flat fee plus a fee for each court date.
$275 per hour.
Free initial consultations are available by phone or in the office in certain instances.
Retainers are $500 for many misdemeanors, $2,500 for many felonies, and $6,000 for homicide.
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