Sam L. Amirante, a retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has returned to private practice, where he concentrates in the areas of criminal and civil litigation. While a Judge, Sam Amirante was assigned to the County's Third District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows for 13 years and 3 years in the City of Chicago, Judge Amirante carried out his duties with competence, integrity, dedication and compassion. A Chicago columnist, who dubbed Judge Amirante the Hugging Judge, noted that he occasionally directed youngsters in court to hug their parents after resolving matters which have caused an emotional break between them, usually evoking a round of applause from his courtroom. After his appointment to the bench in December, 1988, Judge Amirante presided over hundreds of jury and non-jury trials involving Felonies, Misdemeanors, Traffic, Domestic and Civil matters. He earned approval and praise from sundry citizens, government officials and court watchers.
Upon graduation from Loyola University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1970 to 1976 Sam honorably served in the United States Marine Corps on both active and reserve duty attaining the rank of Sergeant and Platoon Leader. While in boot camp he became the17th Marine in the long history of the Corps to receive a perfect 500 points on the tough Marine Corps physical fitness test. Sam is currently a member of the American Legion, Chicago Police Marine Corps League, Italian American War Veterans and various other veteran groups.
While on reserve duty, Sam earned his Juris Doctor Degree (JD) from Loyola University School of Law in 1974, graduating in the upper third of his class and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. While attending school, he worked part-time as a policeman for the Village of Norridge. Following his admission to the Illinois Bar, he became an Assistant Public Defender participating as lead counsel in hundreds of felony and misdemeanor bench and jury trials. Sam eventually became the supervising attorney for all of Northwest Suburban Cook County. In 1978,Sam entered the private practice of law where he tried cases throughout the State of Illinois and other States and served for a Prosecutor for the Village of Norridge. That same year, together with Attorney Robert M. Motta, provided legal counsel for serial killer John Wayne Gacy. At the conclusion of the trial, the trial judge commended Amirante and Motta for the excellent legal defense they had provided during the 15-week long trial. Prior to Judge Amirante's appointment to the bench in 1988, he was a partner in the law firm of Amirante & Etchingham with offices in Park Ridge. In 1987, upon completion of the United States v. Jack Farmer et.al. trial in the United States Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the Court Buffs of Chicago reported in their December 10, 1987 Courtwatchers Newsletter: "Having observed the likes of BAILEY, BUGLIOSI, AND SPENCE PERFORM IN CHICAGO COURTROOMS, we can say the amicable AMIRANTE ranks with them."Sam is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, the Federal and U.S. Supreme courts. He has appeared pro hoc vice on matters in Wisconsin, California, Michigan, Washington, Indiana, and Washington, D.C.
He has served as a representative of the Illinois State Bar Association; Northwest Suburban Bar Association (past president); Italian American Bar Association; Illinois Judges Association; the Justinian Society of Lawyers; the Board of Special Olympics; Board Member of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Chicago; Legal Technology Advisory Board at Harper College; the Arts and Science Alumni Association of Loyola University; National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame; the Italian American Political Coalition and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans; Director and Legal Counsel for the Italian American Police Association; Director for the Little City Board; and as author of the Missing Child Act of 1984, commonly referred to as I-SEARCH; and authored the Loyola Law Review article George Orwell's 1984 Revisited, Police Abuse of Computers in the 20th Century; and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs as well as speaking engagements.
Practice areas
If you or a loved one has been arrested and/or charged with a crime, we understand that you may be afraid and may not know where to turn. Sam Amirante has over 30 years of experience in the criminal court system and knows how to fight for you.
48 years
Attorney Amirante has obtained dismissals and not-guilty verdicts in dozens of DUI cases where his client failed the breathalyzer test. If you have refused a breath test, our work as DUI defense attorneys is that much easier.
48 years
Murder | Attempted murder | Aggravated assault | Manslaugher | Armed robbery | Gun crime | Hit & run | Kidnapping | Car jacking | If you have been charged with any crime, you need to call Attorney Amirante today.
48 years
Family law and divorce conflicts can be very stressful and emotional for everyone involved. Attorney Amirante understands this, so he will work diligently to protect your legal and financial interests during this difficult time.
48 years
If you are charged with a federal crime, Attorney Amirante can help you weigh your options. Call now for a consultation.
48 years
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1974 | 03/13/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2015 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2014 |
Leading Lawyer | Leading Lawyers Network | 2013 |
Ridgewood Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame | Ridgewood High School | 2012 |
MAN OF THE YEAR | ITALIAN AMERICAN POLICE ASSOCIATION | 2011 |
Roast and Toast Award- Dedication and Service | Northwest Suburban Bar Association | 2010 |
Leonardo da Vinci Award- Jurisprudence | Order of Sons of Italy in America | 2002 |
Who's Who | Strathmore | 2002 |
Leadership and Achievement | Strathmore's Who's Who | 2001 |
4 chaplains Award for service to humanity | Chapel of the 4 Chaplains | 2000 |
Certificate of Achievement | American Academy of Judicial Education | 1996 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | Sam L. Amirante & Associates, PC | 2005 - Present |
Part time Hearing officer | Village of Norridge | 2005 - 2008 |
Part time Hearing Officer | Village of Forest Park | 2005 - 2008 |
Adjunct Professor | Harper Community College | 1990 - 2005 |
Associate Judge | Circuit Court of Cook County, State of Illinois | 1988 - 2005 |
Partner | Amirante & Etchingham | 1980 - 1988 |
Attorney | Sam L. Amirante & Associates, PC | 1978 - 1980 |
Part time Village Prosecutor | Village of Norridge | 1978 - 1988 |
Attorney | Norwood Park Fire Protection District | 1975 - 1988 |
Assistant Public Defender trial supervisor | Cook County Public Defender's Office | 1974 - 1978 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Northwest Suburban Bar Association | Past President | N/A |
Illinois Judges Association | N/A | |
Justinian Society of Lawyers | N/A | |
Italian American Police Association | Director and Legal Counsel | N/A |
Illinois State Bar Association | assembly member | 1990 - 2000 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
James Publishing publication | ILLIOIS OBJECTIONS SUPPLEMENT | 2015 |
BEST SELLING LEGAL HISTORY | JOHN WAYNE GACY, DEFENDING A MONSTER | 2012 |
Loyola Law Review | George Orwell's 1984 Revisited, Police Abuse of Computers in the 20th Century | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Loyola University School of Law | Juris Doctor | 1974 |
Loyola University Chicago | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1970 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Law Day | John Gacy Trial | 2014 |
DuPage County Bar Association Mega Meeting | Trial of High Profile cases | 2013 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v Burlinski | NOT GUILTY |
People V Distassio | NOT Guilty all counts |
People v Johnson | NOT GUILTY |
United States v. Jack Farmer et.al | Hung Jury |
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Joe Messineo, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Amirante is a top notch attorney who is well respected by the entire legal community. This is an attorney that I would trust my family members and closest friends to, and whom I proudly endorse!
Kostas Kostopoulos, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Amirante is a great lawyer with formidable legal skills; strongly liked and respected by the lawyers and judges in the legal community. This is an attorney that I absolutely endorse!
Joe Messineo, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Amirante is a top notch attorney who is well respected by the entire legal community. This is an attorney that I would trust my family members and closest friends to, and whom I proudly endorse!
Kostas Kostopoulos, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Amirante is a great lawyer with formidable legal skills; strongly liked and respected by the lawyers and judges in the legal community. This is an attorney that I absolutely endorse!
Daniel Goodman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer I have practiced before him for years as he was a judge and always found him to be prepared, knowledgable and fair. As well, after his resignation from the bench, I have referred all of my clients in need of criminal defense to Sam as i know him to be one of the best in that field and as everyone I have referred has been very happy with his services.
Ryan Schur, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam Amirante is a highly experienced attorney with an outstanding reputation within the legal field. Sam takes pride in being informative, offering personal attention to his clients, and allowing for those clients to feel assured they are in good hands. I have had the privilege of learning from Sam and I am a better lawyer because it. I strongly endorse Sam Amirante for any criminal legal matter.
James Hussey, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. He is a fantastic attorney and is tenacious and fearless. I have complete confidence when I refer my clients to him that he will obtain the best result for them that the facts and law will allow.
Charles Williams, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
A genius-class cross-examiner. I've never seen better. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer.
Robert Motta, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 11, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Sam Amirante is a knowledgeable, savvy trial attorney. He provides his clients with the zealousness that one would expect from an attorney of Sam's quality and experience. As a member of both the trial bar and a former judge...he really provides his clients with the highest quality representation possible.
Alison Motta, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Sam has a wealth of experience, from his years 40 years in criminal law both as a judge an as an attorney, and it shows in his uncanny ability to get his client great results. His reputation amongst his peers and judges as an aggressive and well-versed litigator is greatly deserved. I have the utmost respect for this attorney!
Gary Newland, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 21, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. I have known the Honorable Sam Amirante for about 20 years. Sam will fight for his clients. Many people do not know that Sam has the perfect combination of experience as a lawyer as United States Marine, former Judge and respected lawyer he has great experience and has earned respect. I have seen him in action. You want Sam on your side.