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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
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
40%
19 years | 5,000 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
15 years | 1,000 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
19 years | 600 cases
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
20%
19 years | 1,000 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
The Law Offices of Neil Patel
124 S County Farm Rd unit B1 B, Wheaton, IL, 60187
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Neil G. Patel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
30 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Leyvi Hernandez | June 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
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 Seth | March 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Aggravated Speeding to Supervision
Neil was methodical in his approach to remove an Aggravated speeding charge to supervision. I drive a lot for my career and this charge would significantly impact mine and my families livelihood without Neils help. Neil was responsive and attentive to my case and I would highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Not Guilty
Neil Patel represented me in a DUI case and I'm extremely happy with his performance. At our first meeting he explained the process, so I always knew what to expect. Alway responsive to my phone calls and emails, answered all my questions. He took my case in front of judge, was very prepared, did ev...
Posted by Julie | January 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer I Have Ever Had The Pleasure Of Meeting
Me and my husband hired Neil for an extremely complicated case that was looking like prison time. Neil worked his butt off, returned every single phone call, went above and beyond everything that he had to do, and got the job done! No prison time AT ALL! I have personally recommended Neil to every...
Posted by Mike | November 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Neil G Patel got our vehicle back for us
I was very pleased with lawyer services from Neil G. Patel to help retrieve our vehicle back from the W.C.P.A.T. Neil was very easy and nice to work with and kept us up to date as the process went on for 16 months. You definatly will be pleased with him as your lawyer when you choose to work with him...
Neil G. Patel's Lawyer Endorsements
"I’ve had the opportunity to work with Neil Patel on several matters, and he is an exceptional litigator and criminal defense attorney. Neil combines an extensive knowledge of criminal law with a thoughtful, strategic approach, and an unwavering dedication to protect his clients’ rights. Neil genuinely cares about his clients, and it shows in his zealous advocacy. He’s one of the best around."
"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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Joel Murphy
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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
DUI Not Guilty — Passed Out in McDonald's Drive-Thru
Not Guitly on DUI and any other tickets
DUI Suspension — 117 MPH CDL Driver
Summary Suspenion Dismissed - Driver's License protected
DUI Not Guilty — "I Need to Sober Up" Admission
Not Guity of DUI and most other tickets
DUI Not Guilty — .086 Breath Test Excluded
Not Guitly on DUI
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
2026
www.neilpatellaw.com
Should I Refuse a Breath Test in Illinois After a DUI Arrest.
2026
www.neilpatellaw.com
TOP 15 ILLINOIS DUI QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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
Gujarati
Hindi
Urdu
Spanish
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