- State court Cook County Circuit Court Criminal Division — Leighton Criminal Court Building
- Federal court US District Court for the district covering Chicago — higher conviction rates, longer sentences than state court
- Rates $250–$500/hr
- Key fact Cook County's high case volume makes local attorney relationships with prosecutors genuinely valuable for plea outcomes
- Local tip Cook County charges the highest filing fees in Illinois. Suburban Cook County attorneys (Evanston, Oak Park) typically charge 15–20% less than Loop-area firms
- Verify isba.org (Illinois State Bar Association) before retaining anyone
Federal prosecution priorities have shifted significantly under the Trump administration in 2026. Immigration-related charges, drug offences, and financial crimes are seeing increased federal attention in cities including Chicago.
Federal cases are categorically different from state prosecution — the DOJ has substantially greater resources, and 2026 has seen expanded use of federal charges in areas previously handled at the state level. If you have received a target letter or believe you are under federal investigation, this requires immediate specialist attention separate from any state matter you may be dealing with.
Full Price Breakdown
| Level | Price Range | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / Simple | $2,200 | Both parties agree on all terms — flat fee arrangement |
| Contested (standard) | $9,350 | Disputed issues, hourly billing, licensed attorney |
| Complex / High-conflict | $27,500 | Multiple disputes, lengthy proceedings, senior counsel |
| Per case | Hourly: $250–$650/hr avg | Initial retainer typically $3,000–$8,000 — not total cost |
📍 Chicago vs national average: Chicago Criminal Defense costs ($9,350) are close to the $8,500 national average. COL index 110 — national baseline is 100. Data sourced from BLS Regional Price Parities and updated quarterly.