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Neil G. Patel
About Neil
Biography
One of the hardest things a client faces when dealing with a case is the fear they feel at having to deal with what could be a life-altering crisis. As a veteran of both criminal and civil court, I understand how to deliver the best results while helping my clients through their difficult times – with clear communication, intelligent and practical advice, experience born from trying hundreds of bench and jury trials, and an aggressive, confident presence in the courtroom.
In Will County, I've has developed a reputation for being one of the most prominent defense attorneys and has worked on some of the most demanding cases, including representing the mother of S’emaj Crosby and defending one of the individuals charged with the Hickory Street murders. I've defended dozens of murder cases and countless other serious charges and my work and results have been reported on many times over in the local media and Chicago-area press. Over the last 10 years, I have been all over the State of Illinois defending and trying all types of cases, including drug charges, sex and weapons offenses, traffic and DUI cases, and murder. I have refined all this experience into a successful approach – treat the case like someone’s life is on the line, because for the client, in their mind, their life is at stake, no matter what the charge is.
Prior to becoming a defense attorney, I spent spent 5 years working as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office in Joliet. During my time in that office, I was assigned to the Felony Narcotics Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Aggravated Traffic and Misdemeanor Unit, where Iprosecuted hundreds of drug cases, domestic battery offenses, and DUIs. I am also the only former ASA form the Civil Asset Forfeiture Unit that now defends those cases.
I went to Law School at the DePaul University College of Law where I graduated in 2006. During my time there, I was an extern for a Federal Judge working on one of the largest software patent infringement cases that was pending in the Federal Courts at that time. I was also a leading member of DePaul’s Moot Court Trial Team, competing in competitions across the country. Prior to that, I attended the University of Illinois in Champaign / Urbana where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. During my time in college, I was an intern for Microsoft and IBM. I developed a passion for law, thinking I could blend my engineering experience with an understanding of the law. While in law school, I quickly became focused on becoming a litigator and trial attorney.
I have lived in Will County for over 10 years with my two daughters. I enjoys live music, watching football, and plays the occasional round of poker.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
14 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
30%
18 years | 1,000 cases
Family
15%
9 years | 75 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
18 years | 600 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 19 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Neil Patel, LLC
58 N. Chicago Street, 7th Floor, Joliet, IL, 60432
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Neil G. Patel's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 31 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI case dismissed
Best decision I made choosing Neil to handle my DUI case. For such a stressful moment in my life Neil was very thorough in explaining the process and answering any and all questions I had. It made the experience less stressful knowing Neil is well known, respected and his reviews speak for themselv...
Posted by Daniel | July 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent outcome
My offense had my worried since I'm the kind of person that wants to keep his life out of trouble and legal consequences, Patel resolved the case in a professional way and we got the best possible outcome, couldn't ask for more, great lawyer, 100% recommended.
Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Phenomenal attorney, WON MY CASE
Neil is nothing short of PHENOMENAL. The case started out with 3 tickets and ended up DISMISSED. I watched in amazement as this man OBLITERATED the other side’s testimony with case law he wielded like a sword. They couldn’t even get a single point across without the judge responding ‘sustained, sus...
Posted by Leyvi Hernandez | June 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Compassionate Listener
Neil Patel was exactly the right choice for our court case. He was patient and listened without judgement and offered solutions not just legal rhetoric. He made himself readily available to us and was quick to return calls and text. My teenaged son made a poor life choice that could have been devas...
Posted by Linda | March 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Attorney
Neil Patel was great in helping me get my car back in a forfeiture case. He is very compassionate at the same time very focused and organized with my case. I would highly recommend Neil to assist with whatever case they may have.
Neil G. Patel's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Neil for a while. He is very intelligent and knows the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Neil in the prosecutor's office and tried cases against him when he became a defense attorney. He is a highly-skilled attorney."
"I used to work with Neil at the Will County State's Attorney's Office. Neil is smart, professional and articulate. I recommend Neil."
"I endorse this lawyer. Neil and I worked together at the Prosecutor's Office before he became a criminal defense attorney. He's a very sharp, brilliant and hard working lawyer. You will not regret hiring him. He will fight for you from start to finish. I endorse him big time!"
"Neil is a smart, aggressive attorney, and I would recommend him to anyone who is in trouble."
"Whenever I want to bounce ideas off of someone, Neil is always able to listen and provide good feedback to me. Its very helpful to have someone who can provide a fresh, critical, opinion - which allows me to service my clients better."
"Many of my family law clients find themselves facing criminal issues as well. I know that when they work with Neil, he is not only mindful of the consequences to their background, but how the case affects issues of custody and support. This balance is important when dealing with complex family law issues."
"When I hired Neil from the Will County State's Attorney's Office, I already knew how bright he was. When he started working for me, he moved quickly and was working on complex cases right away. He is very smart and an excellent writer. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I send all my DUI cases to Neil. I know he has the experience and knowledge to obtain the results my clients expect."
"Neil is an excellent trial attorney who knows how to prepare a defense. His experience and attention to detail is exceptional. Most important, he is courteous & friendly. Trust you have an outstanding lawyer looking out for your best interest. I recommend Neil without hesitation & will continue to refer clients to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Neil is an outstanding lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients. I see him everyday at the courthouse and he has the respect of opposing counsel and the judges. I consider Neil to be one of the best lawyers around."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2015
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Owner, The Law Offices of Neil Patel
2012 - 2021
Attorney, Chuck Bretz & Associates, PC
2007 - 2012
Assistant States Attorney, Will County State's Attorney's Office
2006 - 2007
Associate, Saper Law Offices, LLC
2003 - 2004
Extern for the Honorable Mark Filip, Northern District Of Illinois U.S. Court
Associations
2021 - Present
DuPage County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Will County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Indian American Bar Association of ChicagoMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Saved a CDL Driver
Case DIsmissed
DUI Charge with a Gun in the car
Not Guilty of DUI and Unlawful Possession of a FIrearm
Domestic Battery Against Ex-Wife
Not Guilty of Domestic Battery After a Jury Trial
IL vs. DG
Driving privileges reinstated in full
People of IL vs. D.R.
Not Guilty after trial
Education
2006
DePaul University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BS - Bachelor of Science
1998
James B. Conant High School
Speaking Engagements
2018
Semaj Crosby Investigation: One Year Later, No Answers
Semaj Crosby 1 year interview
2017
Attorneys for Semaj Crosby’s mother respond to DCFS report
Semaj Crosby
Publications
2021
2015
The Herald News
Gun charges dropped against former murder suspect
2014
The Herald News
Judges hear arguments in Hosey contempt of court case
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
In Chicago, when legally transporting an encased/unloaded gun, is it legal to use in SELF DEFENSE w/o a Concealed Carry permit?
17 Dec 2015
Q&A
Is it possible for me to have my scram removed earlier than the 9 months? If so what is the best way to ask the judge?
17 Dec 2015