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Heather Ryan

Criminal defense Attorney at Naperville, IL

4.9   29 reviews

also known as Heather Mc Ardle Ryan

Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 29 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Heather

Learn Heather’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    25%
    Attorney Ryan has been a premier criminal defense lawyer practicing in the great state of Illinois since 1994. If you have been accused of a crime, stop worrying, and call Attorney Ryan today for a free consultation.

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    25%
    Illinois takes DUIs extremely seriously. If you have been charged with a DUI, whether it's your first offense or you are a repeat offender, you will need to retain a knowledgeable DUI lawyer. For a free consultation, call Attorney Ryan now.

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  3. Administrative law
    20%
    Drivers License Reinstatement Hearings.

    23 years, 4,000 cases

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket
    15%
    If you have received a speeding or traffic ticket, especially depending on the severity of the ticket, it may be wise to hire a lawyer to help you fight the ticket. Call Attorney Ryan today to see what your options are regarding your ticket.

    23 years, 5,000 cases

  5. Juvenile law
    10%
    If your child has been accused of a crime, you will need an experienced attorney that knows the rules of the juvenile court system in Illinois. Call Attorney Ryan today.

    23 years, 1,000 cases

  6. Expungement
    5%
    Attorney Ryan can help you expunge your record.

    23 years, 1,000 cases

EXPERIENCED. AGGRESSIVE. DEPENDABLE. PASSIONATE. CALL ATTORNEY RYAN TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

I have been practicing criminal law for over 20 years in DuPage, Cook, Will, Kane and Kendall Counties.  I am a former Assistant State's Attorney who has prosecuted cases in the traffic, misdemeanor and felony divisions.  I know both sides of a criminal prosecution very well and know how to effectively negotiate with prosecutors to gain positive results.  I also represent clients at Secretary of State License Reinstatement Hearings and have success in counseling clients in their efforts to be approved for full reinstatment and restricted driving permits.   

Awards

Client's Choice 2018,2017,2014
Client's Choice
2018 2017 2014

Photos and videos

Winner 2 years in a row for Naperville Best Attorney
View more

Contact Heather

Heather Ryan Law, LTD

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  29 customer reviews
5 Star
 
97%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
3%
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Shaun | June 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Start to Finish Amazing Experience
After having my license revoked in December of 2013, I finally took it upon myself to get it fixed this past spring. After speaking to three lawyers in the Naperville area Heather was the ONLY one that seemed to care about my situation before she got a dime from me. She was willing to work with me on a plan to try and get my license back in roughly 6 months. She CLEARLY laid out what exactly needed to be done, the order it needed to be done in, and how to ensure we only had to go through this process once. Since I am out of state now, the process had to have EXTREME attention to detail and Heather made sure everything was done correctly before we set up our Informal Hearing. After going through our hearing, we were able to hear back in 5 weeks that I would be given full reinstatement on the first try, I truly believe had I attempted to do this by myself, or with another attorney it would have been a much LONGER and more difficult road. Heather throughout the process was extremely professional, took ALL my phone calls and emails (Sorry Heather and Cassandra), and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. I would recommend Heather to anyone in need of a straight forward, down to the point attorney who will make sure she gets the job done. Thank you Heather and your entire team for helping me complete this task, and accomplishing it in a time frame generally unheard of for a revocation.
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Posted by Carlos | May 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Heather is great
I am a few months late on my review for Heather. But I want everyone to know she is great. She listened to my situation I had. Communicated to me the ramifications I could face. She layed down a plan for me. My case was handled with her delivering the better outcome than expected. I want to thank her and her staff. Thanks you!
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Posted by Christian Rodriguez | April 19, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best!
Incredible lawyer, Heather Ryan. Friendly, reasonable, incredibly timely, and reliable. I can't speak highly enough and constantly recommend anyone I can here.
Posted by Dahria | April 11, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer that cares for her clients
It was recommended by my doctor in Illinois that I try the medical marijuana pilot program due to a lot of serious health issues I had unnecessarily acquired due to medical negligence a few years back. I moved out of illinois, dropped out of the program, and made sure my card was cancelled. I moved to Tennessee, and attempted to get a gun, and my gun check came back denied. I also got a letter from the government saying that my TSA Pre check had been cancelled without a reason why. For two years, I tried numerous efforts such as getting fingerprinted, and sending it in to the FBI to find out why I was getting denied, I tried my local sheriffs, I tried reaching out to Illinois, but everywhere I tried, it was a dead end. No one was able to let me know why I was denied the ability to purchase a gun. I tried at least five times over the two years. I got Heather's name from another lawyer that has been wonderful, Neil Levine. I explained my situation to, Heather, and she said she was on the case. Shortly after she took on my case, she resolved it. Due to the negligence of someone in Illinois not updating the records, I was never listed as having cancelled my card. With proof of cancellation, Heather was able to close the case Instantaneously. I went to purchase a gun about two hours after Heather let me know that the hold had been lifted, and the gentleman at the gun shop said he had never seen an approval come back so quickly! Heather was professional, efficient, and went above and beyond getting the job done. She is worth all the money invested in this situation. Thank you, Heather.
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Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knows the system
I needed to get fast action on a ticket violation causing a suspended drivers license. Heather Ryan Law, Ltd. was able to go to court the day after contact and get a hearing. The judge allowed court supervision which saved me from a suspended license. It would have taken me weeks without this help and I would have had to surrender the license.
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Posted by anonymous | March 2, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Lawyer
Heather was amazing! I called a few lawyers for consultation and she got me in on a Sunday (next day) and walked me through next steps. She was a flat rate, which she expressed, and even worked with me on a payment plan. Heather always got back to me in a timely manner (had a lot of questions) and held my hand through the court process. She truly is what got me through it all. I couldn’t have been more grateful for someone who was real with me and actually wanted to help me and not just take my money. I would 100% recommend hiring Heather Ryan to help you get through your tough time!!
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Posted by Jose | March 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Will Respond to Concerns
Ms. Ryan was calm and helpful throughout the entire process from when I was first consulted. I would highly recommend her due to the importance with which she treats her clients and those she consults with.
Posted by Byron | February 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dedicated and Gets the Job Done
Heather Ryan assisted me during my driver's license reinstatement. She was very knowledgeable and made sure I understood even the minor details of my case. She made sure I was completely prepared for my hearings. I recently got my drivers license reinstated and I can't thank Heather enough!
Posted by Chrissy | February 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely the best!
Heather was amazing. I had two DUI's within 5 years and was sure that I would not be getting my license back anytime soon. Heather not only got me a RDP but a year later I was fully reinstated. I can not express my gratitude! Heather was very helpful, detailed, compassionate, punctual and professional. Her staff is also very informed and eager to assist.
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Posted by Chris | February 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Full reinstated!
Her fee was a flat rate as she stated up front. She handle my case in a timely manner. She was very professional and detailed.
Posted by Joe | February 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer!
Hired her in October. Told her my situation, put a request in for formal hearing. Had my hearing in November and got my license back by January. She answered all my questions in a timely manner.
Posted by Fernando | December 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best!!!!
Heather Ryan was extremely professional and effective. She was always accessible and answered all my questions and concerns without ever making any false promises. Her pricing was accurate without any hidden or surprise fees. And she was always very prepared and made sure that I️ was prepared as well. Overall she made a difficult experience much more pleasant, I️ highly recommend her services.
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Posted by Shaun | November 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Second to none
Heather has been in my corner for quite some time now, and I couldnt imagine any other defense I would care for. Her diligence, diverse knowledge and charming presence truly makes the journey an easier one than I thought possible. Cannot thank Heather enough
Posted by Kevin | November 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the most responsive attorneys I have ever worked with
We were very pleased with the work Heather did resulting in we believe a conclusion that was better than we anticipated. Her working relationship with court personnel appeared excellent and the judge himself commented on the fact that we had an excellent attorney. The thing that impressed me so much about Heather was how responsive she was before, during and after the trail. We would sometimes get a response to a text, e-mail or call within an hour and that is not consistent with my experience with many other attorneys I have dealt with. We continue to work with Heather on other outstanding issues and expect similar performance.
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Posted by Mike | November 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Speeding
I am new to the Naperville area and not familiar with the area. I was issued a speeding citation in a school zone, which requires a court appearance. I immediately called Heather. She was very professional and up front with the process. Not only did she help get my citation amended from speeding in a school zone, to a regular speeding citation, she gave me PEACE OF MIND knowing my situation was in the right hands. Thank you to Heather and her staff!
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Posted by Tommy | October 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer ever !!!!!!!!
I have not drove legally in 7 years and now I can :) .... I tried to get liciense twice by myself and failed . I worked with Heather for 2 years and finally got it . I can't believe she didn't charge me more . She even told me ur not ready yet when I just wanted to speed process but needed more paperwork . I still owe this lady so much and would take a bullet for her any day
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Posted by Carmen | September 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great
The whole process was quick and easy. I gave her all the information she required to handle the case with ease. She saved me from paying a minimum of $1000 in fines.
Posted by Ken | June 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome
Heather and her team are responsive and competent. They did a great job!
Posted by Dan | February 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
OUTSTANDING SERVICE!!!
Wonderful attorney, I have told her what I am trying to accomplish, and she did just that!!! Got me an amendment for my traffic violation...thank you.
Posted by William | February 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer ever!
Heather was amazing quick and easy! Her Fee was not bad at all and they take installments! Cassandra her receptionist is highly qualified to answer most questions you have regarding SOS issues and court issues when Heather is with a Client or busy. Heather was always on call, when ever I needed to call her she answered and was very patient with me! Going through this process is hard and complicated and Heather and her staff make it easier and they are very understanding.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Heather Ryan Law
  • 2014 - Present
  • Partner
  • Ryan & Ryan
  • 2000 - 2014
  • Assistant States Attorney
  • DuPage County State's Attorneys Office
  • 1995 - 2000
  • Assistant Attorney
  • French Kezelis & Kominiarek
  • 1994 - 1995
View all work experience

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1994
  • Loyola University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1990

Legal Cases

  • City of Naperville vs. J.P.
  • Driving while License was suspended charge amended to petty offense. Conviction avoided.
  • Driver's License Reinstatement Hearing
  • Secretary of State granted full reinstatement of drivers license after 1 hearing.
  • Village of Shiller Park vs. M.F.
  • Charge amended to petty offense. Mandatory coviction avoided.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • DuPage Association of Women Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • DuPage American Inn of Court
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2000 - Present
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
  • Mentor
  • 2014 - 2015
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Board Member
  • Saint Peter & Paul Advancement Board
  • 2014
  • Client Choice Award
  • AVVO
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
View all awards

Publications

  • ryancrimlaw.com
  • Know how to get your license reinstated
  • 2015

Speaking Engagements

  • Campaign Dinner
  • Citizens to Elect Jim Ryan
  • 2002
  • Kane County Womens Luncheon
  • Campaign
  • 2001

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (2)
Endorse Heather
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Heather is a very well respected and knowledgeable attorney in the area. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Heather. She is a top notch criminal defense attorney. I have known Heather for more than 20 years."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Heather is an excellent attorney. She is very knowledgeable about her work and great at what she does. She works hard to obtain the best results for her clients and is very well regarded in the court house among her colleagues. I highly endorse this attorney."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgable and personable. An advocate for her clients. Her capabilities and ability to explain the DUI/DWI process afford me the pleasure of referring Heather without hesitation."
Administrative law Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Heather professionally for 20 years and know her to be very knowledgeable and zealous as an advocate. I refer all of my Secretary of State driver's license reinstatement cases to her and she's been successful with every one of them. The Secretary of State's Office can be tricky to navigate, if you aren't familiar with the requirements necessary for license reinstatement. I highly recommend Heather to anyone who needs help getting reinstated."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is an extremely intelligent and dedicated Defense Attorney. She was a prosecutor for many years before entering private practice and is now a seasoned and well-respected Defense Attorney. She understands both sides and has an excellent rapport with the State's Attorneys Office. Heather is an experienced trial attorney as well, should a case require motion or trial work. Furthermore, she has built a strong reputation conducting Administrative Hearings before the Illinois Secretary of State and has an extremely high success rate in restoring the driving privileges of clients that have been revoked as a result of DUI conviction(s). It is without hesitation that I recommend Heather to any client in need of superior legal representation."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Criminal defense