Donald John Ramsell

Donald John Ramsell

also known as DUI Don

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Wheaton, IL
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket ... +3 more

128 South County Farm Road, 3rd floor, Wheaton, IL

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 60%

Ramsell wrote the book on DUI - prosecutors judges and lawyers use it. Don has been recognized as an 11-time Super Lawyer and has represented thousands of clients including police officers, other lawyers, airline pilots, celebrities and others.

42 years | 15,000 cases

60%
Criminal Defense 10%

11-time Super Lawyer Don Ramsell has defended criminal cases since 1986. Don has been recognized by his peers and has represented thousands of clients including police officers, other lawyers, airline pilots, celebrities and others.

42 years | 3,000 cases

10%
Juvenile Law 10%

11-time Super Lawyer Don Ramsell has defended juvenile cases since 1986. Don has been recognized by his peers and has represented thousands of clients including police officers, other lawyers, airline pilots, celebrities and others.

42 years | 500 cases

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

Don Ramsell has handled thousands of speeding and traffic tickets since 1986. Don has been recognized as a 11-time Super Lawyer and has represented other lawyers, airline pilots, celebrities and all licensed drivers.

42 years | 1,000 cases

10%
Expungement 5%

Clearing a person's arrest record is critical to getting a job nowadays. Ramsell knows the law in this area and can make it work for you.

42 years | 500 cases

5%
Sex Crime 5%

Ramsell has successfully defended persons accused of Child Pornography, Internet Solicitation, Sexual Assault, Sexual Battery and others. He understands the unique nature of these types of allegations.

42 years | 100 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 8 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Wisconsin for 36 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1989

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 41 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1984

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Hawaii

State: Hawaii

Limited license to appear with local counsel

No misconduct found

Location

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

128 South County Farm Road, 3rd floor, Wheaton, IL, 60187

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

1717 N. Naper Blvd, Suite 200, Naperville, IL, 60563

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

1121 E Main Street, Suite 124, Saint Charles, IL, 60174

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

1900 E. Golf Rd., Suite 950R, Schaumburg, IL, 60173

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

9 Crystal Lake Rd, Suite 220, Lake In The Hills, IL, 60156

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C.

1813 Hicks Road, Suite B, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Donald John Ramsell's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

5 star (37) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Masterful and absolutely without a peer

When I called the Dupage County Bar asking for the absolute best DUI attorney, their answer was immediate- Don Ramsell. Though my first and only DUI, it was not a slam-dunk case. Hie performance in and out of the courtroom was nothing short of masterful. Thanks, Don

Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Awesome law firm

They helped me out immensely and were straight forward with what was going on.

Posted by anonymous | October 5, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

What a great day in court today!

My lawyer, Don Ramsell was amazing! He was able to get my license suspension thrown out in one court visit. He was brilliant at reading through all the evidence and finding that one thing that was not done correctly by the law. I couldn't believe it! I hope I never need legal services again, but if I... do, he will be the one I turn to first.

Posted by Andrew | October 4, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr Ramsell is the real deal

Mr. Ramsell has the reputation of being the best, he is. He handled my case with tenacity and fought for me every step of the way. Case dismissed. You call his office and his staff is patient and willing to take the time to listen and explain things. I would recommend Mr Ramsell and his firm to... anyone. I can not thank him enough for the job he and his firm did for me and my family. Thank you Don and Ramsell and associates! Your the best!

Donald Ramsell

Replied last October 4, 2016

This gentleman was willing to allow us to fight and go all the way for him! His patience paid off when a case that other lawyers said couldn't be won was dismissed with ZERO fines and ZERO penalties.

Posted by Jon | September 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer

Knew exactly what he was doing and for my court dates he is 100% successful

See All Client Reviews

Donald John Ramsell's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
William C. Head headshot
William Head

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Don is one of the country's most capable DUI lawyers. His creative innovations and hard-fought litigation inroads have paved the way for many less knowledgeable, younger attorneys. He has boundless energy and imagination and can analyze a case as well as any attorney in America. He has gone all the way to the United States Supreme Court fighting for his clients' rights. When an attorney or a judge has a friend or family member with a legal problem in Illinois, Don Ramsell is their first call. William C. Head Atlanta, GA www.GeorgiaCriminalDefense.com"

Lawrence Eric Taylor headshot
Lawrence Taylor

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Don Ramsell is one of the preeminent practitoners in the field today. His expertise in drunk driving law and science is widely know in the legal profession, as are his impressive skills in the courtroom. I consider him to be one of the most skilled and knowledgeable DUI attorneys in the country, and endorse him without reservation."

Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"What an honor it was for me to have met and spent some time with Don during a recent DWI defense seminar. He clearly is a go-to lawyer for DUI defense, and is selfless in sharing his DWI / criminal defense gifts with his colleagues. On top of that, he is a very likable and personable gentleman. If someone is going to be charged with DWI, a felony or misdemeanor, they will be in great hands with Don. I highly recommend his services."

Mila Gloria Novak headshot
Mila Novak

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Don for many years. He is one of the most highly respected and reputable DUI defense attorneys I know. I highly recommend his services to anyone."

Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donald John Ramsell is a fantastic attorney whose client-focused approach ensures excellent outcomes in his cases."

John Charles Bateman headshot
John Bateman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ramsell is nationally recognized as a powerhouse in the area of impaired driving defense."

Jason T Komninos headshot
Jason Komninos

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Other

"I know Donald from the National College for DUI Defense. He is a wealth of knowledge on DWI/DUI and appeals. He has done extensive appellate work throughout the country. He also volunteers his time to share his knowledge and experience with other lawyers. Donald truly is a credit to the legal profession."

Cary Dohman headshot
Cary Dohman

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply put, Don has written the book on DUI law in Illinois. Not only is Don the preeminent lawyer in the area of DUI law in Illinois, but he is a highly skilled trial attorney. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Jason Blake Stevens headshot
Jason Stevens

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. When it comes to defending DUI cases Donald Ramsell is second to none. I appreciate his willingness to share his expertise and help other lawyers improve their skills."

Richard Lee Turner Jr. headshot
Richard Turner

Unknown lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Larry Dohman headshot
Larry Dohman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Donald Ramsell on many DUI matters over the years. Don is one of the top DUI defense attorneys, not only in the state, but in the country. Simply, Don is one of the most well-respected DUI attorneys for a reason. I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Philip Ramos headshot
Jason Ramos

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great attorney."

Vincent Fitzgerald Cornelius headshot
Vincent Cornelius

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don is committed to his clients and our profession. He is seasoned, smart, and fearless in the courtroom."

Paul B. Wharton headshot
Paul Wharton

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don Ramsell is a brilliant attorney and tireless advocate for his clients. One could not make a better choice in selecting an Attorney."

Lawrence Allen Stein headshot
Lawrence Stein

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donny is the best of the best. Hire him if you can."

John Justin Richardson headshot
John Richardson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Ramsell's advice is professional and well-reasoned"

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey Billie Douglas Jacobs headshot
Jeffrey Jacobs

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This exceptional attorney is without question one of the best DUI attorneys in the entire nation. He is so good at what he does that many other attorneys reach out to him for advice. Donald literally wrote the book on how to handle DUI's in Illinois! He also is constantly writing and giving lectures on the subject matter. He gets tremendous results for his clients."

Whitney Benjamin Polson headshot
Whitney Polson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Other

"One of the Nation's best. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

View All Endorsements
Mark David Uteg headshot
Mark Uteg

Criminal defense lawyer

Jessica Fangman headshot
Jessica Fangman

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter George O'Connor headshot
Peter O'Connor

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason Michael Kunowski headshot
Jason Kunowski

DUI and DWI lawyer

Nicholas Scott Lee headshot
Nicholas Lee

DUI and DWI lawyer

Douglas J Baxter headshot
Douglas Baxter

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stephen Edge headshot
Stephen Edge

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason D. Edge headshot
Jason Edge

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michelle Lynn Behan headshot
Michelle Behan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ameya P. Patankar headshot
Ameya Patankar

Estate planning lawyer

Charles Anthony Canning headshot
Charles Canning

Family lawyer

John Charles Bateman headshot
John Bateman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason T Komninos headshot
Jason Komninos

DUI and DWI lawyer

Cary Dohman headshot
Cary Dohman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ted Peter Hammel headshot
Ted Hammel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Janella Lynn Barbrow headshot
Janella Barbrow

Estate planning lawyer

Timothy James Reeb headshot
Timothy Reeb

Appeals lawyer

Pierina Juliana Infelise headshot
Pierina Infelise

Criminal defense lawyer

Greg P. Curtis headshot
Greg Curtis

Business lawyer

Lawrence Allen Stein headshot
Lawrence Stein

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Thomas Reuters

2025

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2024

Super Lawyer, Thomas Reuters

2024

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2023

Super Lawyer, Thomas Reuters

2023

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2022

Super Lawyer, Thomas Reuters

2022

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2021

Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2021

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2020

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2019

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2018

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2017

Founding Member, Elite Lawyer

2016

Illinois Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters

2015

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Thomson Reuters

2014

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2013

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2012

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2012

AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating, Martindale Hubbell

2011

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2010

Dean's Award, National College For DUI Defense

2010

Illinois Super Lawyer - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2009

Gas Chromatography Testing, Axion Analytical Laboratories

2009

Illinois Super Lawyers - DUI, Illinois Super Lawyers

2005

Board Certification in DUI Defense, National College for DUI Defense

2001

Certified Instructor Field Sobriety Testing, LaPier and Associates

1989

Outstanding Author, DuPage County Bar Association

N/A

Lead Counsel Verified, LawInfo

Work Experience

1986 - Present

Owner, Ramsell & Associates, LLC

2017 - 2017

Partner, Behan Ramsell PLLC

Associations

2021 - Present

National College for DUI Defense

President & Dean

2017 - Present

Pima County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Faculty

2012 - Present

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense

Board of Directors

2011 - Present

American Chemical Society

Member

2011 - Present

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Jurisprudence Section

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Regent

1986 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

1986 - Present

Kane County Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2010

National College of DUI Defense

State Delegate

2002 - 2003

DuPage County Bar Association

President

2000 - 2001

DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

President

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. DeForest Clark

Law Declared Unconstitutional in Trial Court

People v Budziszewski

Not Guilty Jury Verdict less than 1 hour

Illinois v. McKown

Ramsell wins DUI in Supreme Court

People v. One GMC, et. al.

DUI Vehicle Forfeiture Law Unconstitutional

Illinois v. Lidster

Roadblock Sustained

People v McKown

HGN Test Requires Scientific Hearing

People v Sandoval

DUI Cases dismissed Lack of Speedy Trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

DePaul University College of Law

Law

1981

Loyola University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science

1976

Fenton High School

Speaking Engagements

2017

National College for DUI Defense Winter Session Putting it all together - A DUI case study

2017

DuPage Bar CLE

DUI Defense 101

2017

Cook County Public Defender Nutshell

Basic DUI Defense

2014

Mastering Scientific Evidence

Mock DUI Trial Defense Lawyer

2013

Mastering Scientific Evidence

Cross-Examining Blood Experts

2012

Illinois State Bar Association, Traffic Laws and Courts Section

Defending Refusals in DUI Cases

2011

NCDD Winter Meeting

DUI Case Highlights

2011

Illinois Traffic Law Seminar

Issues in Illinois Drugged Driving

2011

Illinois Traffic Court Conference

Drugged Driving Issues in Illinois

2011

DUI Traffic law Seminar

Beat Field Sobriety Test in Illinois

2011

Advanced OVI Seminar

Trying a Breath Test Case on a Shoe String Budget

2010

Representing a DWI Defendant in New York from Arraignment to Disposition

DWI Test Defenses for Field Sobriety

2010

Illinois Traffic Court Conference

Breath Testing Issues in Illinois - Science and Law

2010

Illinois DUI and Traffic Law Seminar

Issues in Illinois DUI Drug Cases

2010

Defending DUI Cases

Mock DUI Jury Trial

2010

Arkansas DUI Defense Seminar

Closing Arguments in DUI Cases

2009

National DUI Seminar

Interlock Ignition Devices

2009

National DUI Seminar

Sixth Amendment DUI Evidence

2009

Cook County Public Defenders Conference

Attacking the Breathalyzer

2008

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Mock DWI Trial Defense

2008

Illinois DUI and Traffic Seminar

Illinois MDDP Law

2007

Michigan DUI Seminar

DUI Jury Trial Techniques

2007

IICLE DUI Seminar

Illinois Field Sobriety Tests

2006

ISBA Traffic Law Seminar

Illinois DUI Defense

2003

DUI Defense

Illinois DUI Defense

Publications

2025

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. St. Charles, IL Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

2025

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. St. Charles, IL Criminal Defense Lawyers

2025

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. St. Charles, IL Violent Crimes Lawyer

2025

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. St. Charles, IL Sex Crimes Attorneys

2025

Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. St. Charles, IL Traffic Crimes Attorneys

2017

Thomson West publication Illinois DUI Law and Practice Guidebook

2011

ISBA Traffic Law Newsletter Defending Refusals in DUI Jury Trials

2011

Intoxication Test Evidence (West) Nystagmus Testing for Alcohol and Drugs

2010

Thomson West publication Illinois DUI Law & Practice Guidebook

2009

Thomson West publication Understanding DUI Scientific Evidence

1999

Dupage County Bar Briefs Recent Developments in Illinois DUI Law

Languages

Polish

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution