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Sami Ziad Azhari
also known as Azhari LLC
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About Sami
Biography
I focus my practice on criminal defense in state and federal courts. My primary areas of practice include DUI defense, drug possession, drug trafficking, assault and battery, weapons charges, and white collar crime. I have litigated numerous cases in state and federal courts, and have actively participated in all aspects of the litigation and trial process including taking and defending depositions of lay and expert witnesses, conducting fact and expert discovery, briefing and arguing substantive motions, and conducting bench and jury trials with first chair experience. My first chair jury trial experience allowed me the opportunity to perform jury selection, conduct opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations of lay and expert witnesses as well as closing arguments.
As a defense attorney, I have handled numerous types of misdemeanors and felonies and appeared regularly in all Cook County courts as well as surrounding counties such as DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. My experience has given me the ability to analyze all the evidence and determine the best course of action. I have been successful in having evidence suppressed, negotiating lesser charges, and alternative sentencing. I currently a serve as a court appointed bar attorney through the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. I also volunteer to represent indigent defendants in Statutory Summary Suspension hearings in Chicago.
I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 2004, specializing in digital signal processing and field and wave electromagnetics. I earned my law degree from Michigan State University College of Law with a concentration in Intellectual Property and Communications Law. While at Michigan State, I was a Trial Advocate on the Moot Court and Advocacy Board. As a part of my experience, I argued in 10 mock jury trials in state courts in New York, Indiana, and Ohio.
Through hard work and advanced trial skills, Sami fights for the rights of his clients.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
32%
Federal Crime
32%
White Collar Crime
31%
Expungement
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2018 2013
Licenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2009
Licensed in Illinois for 18 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2007
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sami online.
Sami Ziad Azhari's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
37 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (37)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (16)
DUI & DWI (6)
Lawsuits & Disputes (5)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (4)
Expungement (3)
Business (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Debt Collection (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Drug Crime (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Federal Crime (1)
Libel & Slander (1)
Litigation (1)
Wrongful Termination (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Fauzia | October 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional, Excellent, Honest, Hardworking, Awesome, Best Attorney
If I use one word to describe the work my attorney Sami Azhari did......It was amazing.Thanks to his hard work and dedication to my case. I was so upset, when I called him first time at 6 am. He listened to me and he gave me peace of mind. For me, Sami is a Great, Great attorney. He is sharp and wel...
Posted by Nick | September 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Complicated Criminal Case Dismissed After First Court Appearance
Sami handled a complicated legal matter with the greatest of ease!! He promptly returned all my calls, texts, and emails leading up to my first and only court case... My charges were dismissed and he literally gave me and my family a second lease on life!! He gave me hope where there was none!! I...
Posted by Rocio | December 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Do not hesitate to hire him!
When I was searching for an attorney I spoke with various lawyers by phone and Sami was the only one who made me feel he would fight for my particular situation...I could sense the passion, the commitment to fighting for me in the conversation we had after explaining my case to him. My case was a ve...
Posted by Curt | December 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Attorney, Excellent Gentleman
Sami Azhari has been nothing but professional, knowledgeable, and frank. Since the first time we've worked together he has been very supporting and friendly. He took my case very seriously, resulting in a judgment in my favor. I would highly recommend Sami Azhari to any & everyone who needs a great ...
Posted by Erik Longoria | January 27, 2017 | DUI & DWI
He knows the law and speaks the truth!
From the first conversation Sami was willing to help. I first read the IL DUI law book then I called Sami. Not only did Sami pretty much read the book back to me he knew about unwritten laws/rules that would work for you or against you in the courtroom. Every Time I spoke with him I learned something...
Sami Ziad Azhari's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Sami for over 10 years and believe he is a highly qualified trial attorney. He is always focused on his client's best interests in court. Sami's expertise in the law and attentiveness assures that a great outcome will occur on his cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the pleasure of meeting Sami and I am happy to say today that he is a good friend of mine and colleague. I once had the opportunity to work alongside Sami on a criminal case and it was a fantastic experience. Sami is a great litigator and I learned a lot myself from watching Sami in court and discussing the case with him. I also believe that Sami is a very honest and selfless person. He is very genuine. I would love to work with Sami again as I have always felt extremely confident in his knowledge of the law. He also has a very informative webpage that I still refer to at times when I am reading about criminal law matters."
"I endorse Sami without reservation. He works hard for his clients and gets results."
"I met Sami while I was in law school and he brought me on as a law clerk to help on a case he was handling. Sami is not only an experienced attorney but he actually takes time with his clients and cares about their cases. I consider him a mentor of mine and now I'm a licensed attorney myself, taking what I learned from him and applying it to my own clients. If you need a defense attorney, I would highly recommend Sami!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sami is an excellent attorney who has a great work ethic."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sami tirelessly advocates for his clients charged with the most serious crimes, and he gets excellent results. He is aggressive but pragmatic. His experience, demeanor, and passion are assets to any client of his."
"Sami is a highly skilled defense attorney. I have the pleasure of interacting with him on a regular basis. Without question, he always treats his clients with the utmost respect and professionalism. Sami is always extremely responsive to his clients, which also sets him apart from others. It is my pleasure to highly endorse this attorney."
"I highly endorse Mr. Azhari. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! Keep up the great work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sami is exceptional at defending clients in criminal cases and I regularly refer my clients to him as I trust his expertise, knowledge and skill. He is an asset to the legal community. In my experience with Sami, he has always gone the extra mile in providing a thorough defense to any client. Every client that I have referred to him has always been exceptionally satisfied with his representation and I trust his expertise in any criminal matter. He achieves great results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer for always showing dedication to clients."
"I know Sami to be a tenacious and thorough advocate for each and every one of his clients. Beyond that, he is patient, knowledgeable, and reliable. My firm often entrusts Sami with case coverage when we have a scheduling conflict, and he always treats our clients with as much care as he does his own. Additionally, he’s always available to offer his knowledge and perspective to fellow attorneys. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who might find himself or herself in need of representation."
"Sami is an excellent lawyer. I have consulted with him on numerous criminal matters and each time he was patient, generous with his time and offered crucial insights that favorably affected the outcome of the case. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an effective and experienced advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sami is a very knowledgeable and thorough attorney. I enthusiastically recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is honest, fair and a sharp lawyer. He knows his way around the courtroom and is extremely professional. Anyone looking for a great lawyer, look no further. Mr. Azhari is always prepared for trial. As a former prosecutor, I recognized that he is a very effective advocate. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Azhari."
"Sami is an exceptional attorney with excellent trial experience. Sami takes pride in his work ethic and dilligent preparation on all of his legal matters. I have relied on Sami to handle legal matters for me. Sami proved that he is an attorney who get the desired results clients want. If I need help on a legal matter, Sami is definitely someone I would call upon for sound advice. I strongly endorse Sami."
"Sami is an excellent attorney. He is a zealous advocate with a great knowledge of the law and an innovator. I endorse this lawyer."
Evan Howard
Criminal defense lawyer
James Shapiro
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Michael O'Meara
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Mark Javier
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Thomas Glasgow
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Kendall Hartsfield
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.
Censure issued in IL, 2024
updated on 06/13/2024Censure means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Honors
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers in America
2023
Listed, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2013
Client's Choice, Avvo
2012
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2012
Certificate of Appreciation, Northwest Suburban Bar Association
2011
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2010
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2009
Illinois Rising Star, SuperLawyers
Work Experience
2011 - 2013
Associate, Lavelle Law, Ltd.
2010 - 2011
Associate, Krohn and Moss
2008 - 2010
Associate, O'Donnell and Associates
2007 - 2008
Associate, Strellis and Field
Associations
2015 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
NWSBA In Court Bar ProgramAttorney Member
2011 - Present
Northwest Suburban Bar AssociationMember
American Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association - White Collar Crime Committee
Chair
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Arab-American Bar Association of Illinois - Judicial Evaluation Committee
Chair
Illinois State Bar Association - Judicial Investigator
Member
Suburban Bar Coalition - Judicial Investigator & Judicial Evaluation Committee
Member
2008 - 2010
McHenry County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2009
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Illinois v. SS
NOT GUILTY
State of Illinois v. TW
NOT GUILTY
State of Illinois v. DL
NOT GUILTY
State of Illinois v. TH
NOT GUILTY
State of Illinois v. CP
Not Guilty
State of Illinois v. MA
No Felony Conviction
State of Illinois v. PG
Not Guilty
State of Illinois v. SN
No Felony Conviction
State of Illinois v. JD
Suspension Rescinded
Education
2007
Michigan State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
Purdue University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Starting Points: DUI Defense
Hot Air & Bodily Fluids: Breath, Blood, and Urine Testing
2014
Starting Points: DUI Defense
Statutory Summary Suspension Hearings: Limited Grounds, but Unlimited Uses
2014
Practical Professionalism: Criminal Law
Recognizing a "Bad" Client
2014
Practical Professionalism: Criminal Law
How to Get and Keep Good Clients in a Competitive Market
2014
Northwest Suburban Bar Association
Traffic Court: Do I Need a Lawyer?
2014
Chicago Bar Association
Expungements and Sealings
Languages
Arabic
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I need to know what can happen with me for retail theft?
02 Oct 2013
Q&A
If you received a DWI in Minnesota but have a drivers license in Wisconsin, which state determines the length of DL suspension
10 Jun 2013
Q&A
Does a DUI show up non conviction show up on a criminal background check? how about if i get my record expunged?
10 Jun 2013