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Richard Joseph Albanese
About Richard
Biography
My name is Richard Albanese and I am a Traffic and Criminal Defense Attorney uniquely geographically located to provide exceptional representation to residents of Illinois and Wisconsin. I am fully licensed and actively practicing in both Illinois and Wisconsin. I routinely handle criminal misdemeanors, felonys, traffic, DUI and OWI cases in both states and advise clients on the possible interstate consequences. I have been practicing law for over two decades.
I have over a decade of experience as a criminal prosecutor serving in Cook County, one of the largest offices in the country. My exposure to massive caseloads has provided me with the tremendous opportunity to handle thousands of cases, motions and trials in all areas of criminal law and to also learn how the prosecutors think and approach cases, which sets me apart from many defense attorneys. I am very much at home in the courtroom and am well known for my courtroom "presence" and common sense arguments that judges and jurors respond favorably to.
I have also proudly served the in the United States Military and was a member of the NATO Operation Joint Endeavor to Bosnia. My philosophy and approach to handling all cases is to remain professional and courteous to the court and adversaries in handling all matters and to demonstrate a ready and strong willingness to fight for my clients at motion or trial if a favorable disposition cannot be reached. I believe in full explanations to clients regarding all possible decisions that need to be made as well as potential outcomes and consequences regarding every case I handle. Please don't hesitate to contact me for a free consultation regarding your case or for a referral to one of my professional extensive contacts in other areas of the law.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
85%
28 years | 10,000 cases
DUI and DWI
10%
28 years | 10,000 cases
Criminal Defense
5%
28 years | 15,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 15 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 26 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Richard Albanese Law Office
5 South County St., First Floor, Waukegan, IL, 60085
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Richard Joseph Albanese's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
98 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (79)
Recommendation (52)
Advocacy (49)
Communication Style (32)
Practice Area Knowledge (32)
Responsiveness (32)
Professionalism (31)
Cost of Services (18)
General Knowledge (17)
Character & Conduct (15)
Trustworthiness (13)
Compassion (5)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 32 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | November 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Traffic lawyer
Richard was an amazing lawyer. His knowledge of traffic law is unparalleled. He got my license back and beat the Illinois bureaucracy for me. No one could ask for a better lawyer.
Posted by Noelle | June 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Client
Richard was extremely helpful and knowledgeable helping my son navigate a ticket in Wisconsin. He was patient with me and made sure I understood the specifics of our situation- even though I had to ask him a few times! I highly recommend Richard should you find yourself with a traffic ticket or need...
Posted by Carolyn | September 03, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent communication from start to finish
My son with an IL drivers license received a substantial speeding ticket in Wisconsin this summer. Fortunately, I had a referral for Richard Albanese and he contacted me quickly and handled absolutely everything. He kept in contact with me with each step of the process. My son received a very fav...
Posted by Tina | December 08, 2022 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Very helpful and knowledgeable regarding Illinois driver's license/ Wisconsin traffic ticket
Richard was extremely helpful and knowledgeable regarding the Wisconsin to Illinois driving point systems and the impact that the Wisconsin traffic ticket would have on my Illinois license. Highly recommend Richard.
Posted by Karen | November 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
WI/IL Ticket
I received a ticket in WI and was unsure of how it would impact my IL license. Richard is incredibly knowledgeable in this area, explained the process to me clearly, followed through diligently and secured a very positive outcome in my case. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Richard Joseph Albanese's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Rick for many years and have seen first hand the oustanding trial lawyer he is. We have worked on many complex cases together as both trial partners and as adversaries. Rick is an extremely bright person and has the rare blend superior analytical and inter personal skills. He is known by his fellow attorneys as an tough, well prepared, highly skilled litigator. Rick handle's his client's matters with aggressive representation along with a thoughfulness of the individual's client's needs. This approach routinely translates into successful results for his clients."
"Rick and I have worked together many times over the years. Rick was a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's office. He was a formidable opponent. As a prosecutor, Rick always conducted himself with the highest degree of integrity while acting as an aggressive advocate for the State. Now that he is in private practice, Rick has brought the same qualities to his representation of criminal defendants. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Albanese has prove himself to be a great attorney that wins cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is terrific! He does a great job in Illinois and Wisconsin. Prior to private practice Richard was great as an ASA!"
"Rick and I worked together at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. He is a sharp, experienced professional who always acts in the best interests of his clients, whether by taking a case to trial or negotiating a plea."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Albanese for many years. Early in our careers, we prosecuted together in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office where he always exhibited a strong work ethic and handled cases professionally and with great attention to detail. Now, as an established defense attorney, Mr. Albanese continues to apply these same strong attributes to the protection and defense of his clients. He is a strong trial attorney and has dual licensure in Illinois and Wisconsin making him a versatile attorney for clients in Chicago and the surrounding area."
"I endorse this lawyer. Whether it be a simple traffic ticket or a serious felony offense, Richard is skilled at protecting the rights of his clients. He has excellent trial skills and knows how to effectively negotiate with prosecutors and judges."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard Albanese is a very professional attorney and well versed on case law. I worked with Mr. Albanese while we were both Assistant Cook County State's Attorneys and Richard tried numerous case, jury trial and bench trial to verdict. Richard Albanese went on to leave the state's attorneys office and has a thriving practice in Illinois and Wisconsin. He demonstrates the same attitude in his defense work that he demonstrated as a prosecutor. I highly recommend Mr. Albanese"
"Richard Albanese is one of the best multi-state licensed attorneys I know. It has been a pleasure watching Richard speak with his clients and fight for them inside the courtroom. Because of this, I learned many skills and have become a better lawyer due to Richard's knowledge and leadership. He is a lawyer who is fluent with the law and handles himself in the most professional manner. Being a former state prosecutor, Richard has invaluable experience that he has carried over to the criminal defense side. I would recommend any potential client with a criminal or traffic matter to Richard."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Albanese is one of the most friendly, helpful, and competent defense attorneys that I know. He treats everyone with respect and is well liked and respected in return. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Albanese to anyone in need of an attorney in either Wisconsin or Illinois."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rick is an exceptional attorney. He has excellent trial skills and is well known in the community for being a zealous representative of his clients. He is careful to take the time needed to talk to his clients, explain to them what is happening and answer all of their questions. I worked with Rick more than a decade ago in the Cook County State's Attorneys Office where I watched him juggle a huge caseload without ever missing a beat. He is funny, laid back, hard working, and easy to work with. His personality and expertise makes it easier for his clients to deal with the stress of being in court."
"I know Rick as a fine criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor. Rick has a wide range of skills and is very experienced. I would be happy to recommend Rick if you need a defense attorney."
"I have known Mr. Albabese as both a prosecutor/opposing counsel, and now, as a private defense attorney. His knowledge and skill are of the highest caliber. His worthiness in the courtroom stems from his years of practice and the thousands of cases under his belt. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Albanese is a strong advocate for his clients. He is held in high regard by attorneys on both sides of the bench. As a former prosecutor he is very well informed as to the law and making sure his clients are represented fully. I highly recommend Mr. Albanese."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mr. Albanese for many years. He was a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney handling felony and misdemeanor cases for many years. He is an attorney with excellent trial skills and a strong knowledge of the law. He is now representing defendants and I have seen him zealously fight for their rights. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Rick for many years as both a prosecutor who worked with me and as a criminal defense attorney. Rick is aggressive, sharp and an expert in criminal law. When Rick represents a client, that client can feel very comfortable in the knowledge that they have an attorney with high integrity who will fight very hard for them!"
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Experience
Honors
2020
Top 10 Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2020
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Illinois, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2020
Top 100 DUI Attorneys in the Chicagoland Area, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2019
10 Best Illinois Criminal Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers
1999
Legal Argumentation Finalist, Southern Illinois University
1998
Peacekeeping Medal Operation Joint Endeavor, NATO
1998
Deans List, Southern Illinois University School of Law
1995
National Finalist and Outstanding Attorney, American Mock Trial Association
1993
State Champion - Extemporaneous Speaking, Iowa State Forensics
1990
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Work Experience
2011 - Present
President, Richard Albanese Law Office
1999 - 2011
Assistant District Attorney, Cook County States Attorney's Office
1992 - 2000
Special Operations, United States Army (Active & Reserve)
Associations
2013 - Present
Northwest Suburban Bar AssociationMock Trial Judge
2013 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinQualified Referral Attorney
2011 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Attorney
2011 - Present
Cook County Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Attorney
2011 - Present
Lake County Bar AssociationAttorney Referral Qualified Member
2011 - Present
Northwest Suburban Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Attorney
2011 - Present
Cook County Mandatory ArbitrationArbitrator
2010 - Present
State Bar of Wisconsin
2010 - Present
Member of Capital Litigation Bar
1996 - Present
American Mock Trial AssociationJudge and Legal educator
Sample of Legal Cases
LAKE COUNTY SUSPENDED - DUI
Petty ticket
MAYWOOD DUI CASE - ILLINOIS STATE POLICE
NOT GUILTY
LAKE COUNTY DOMESTIC BATTERY DISMISSED
Case dismissed by prosecution
CDL DRIVER CLASS B SPEEDING TICKET DISMISSED
Dismissed by Prosecutor
DALEY CENTER DUI NOT GUILTY
NOT GUILTY
LAKE COUNTY FELONY THEFT
REDUCED CHARGE
SKOKIE - TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INJURY
Finding of Not Guilty
DUI DALEY CENTER
Summary Suspension Rescinded
SKOKIE - CLASS 1 FELONY PCS/I
Finding of No Probable Cause
Education
1999
Southern Ilinois School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1995
Loras College
Bachelor of Arts
1991
Fenwick High School
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2014
High School Mock Trial Competition
Trial Advocacy Judge
2013
Trial Advocacy Competition
Trial Advocacy
2012
Lawyers In The Classroom
The Illinois Court System
2006
Misdemeanor Prosecutor Training
Cross Examination of Defense Witnesses
2005
TST Training DesPlaines Police Department
Police Courtroom Professionalism
2005
Evanston Citizens Police Academy
A Prosecutor's role in the Criminal Justice System
Publications
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to get this dismissed or reduced & reduced to what? "failure to keep vehicle under control" Wi. statute 346.75(2).
18 May 2020
Q&A
Is my WI DL going to get suspended ?
07 May 2020
Q&A
Will a t.r. ordinance ticket show on my driving record.
24 Apr 2017
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Truck Drivers: Don't be the Biggest Loser! Handling Overweight Violations in Illinois and Wisconsin
22 May 2013
Legal Guide
Deferred Prosecution in Illinois and Wisconsin: A Second Chance for a First Offender?
11 Apr 2013
Legal Guide
A Former Prosecutor's Do's and Dont's When Interacting With Police and the Court System
12 Sep 2011