Darryl A. Goldberg

PRO

Darryl A. Goldberg

also known as Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg

4.9
59 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 22 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crime

33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1830, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Darryl

Biography

Experienced Trial Attorney You Can Trust When the Stakes Are High. Representation for all Major Felonies Including Federal Drug and Conspiracy Charges, White Collar Crime and More. Call (773) 570-2788

Whether it’s a drug crime, corruption charge, or criminal appeal, we are always prepared for battle.

Whether it’s a drug crime, corruption charge, or criminal appeal, we are always prepared for battle.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Federal Crime 50%

50%
Criminal Defense 40%

40%
White Collar Crime 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2023 2021 2020
...
+ 3

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 21 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2004

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 22 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2003

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Indiana

State: Indiana

Temporary Admission

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg

33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1830, Chicago, IL, 60602

goldbergdefense.com

Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg

260 95th Street, Suite 206, Surfside, FL, 33154

goldbergdefense.com

Darryl A. Goldberg's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (58) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by Paul | March 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Darryl Goldberg is exceptional, definitely amongst the best Defense Attorneys in America today. Darryl Goldberg saved my life!

Words will never capture the exceptional abilities of Attorney Darry Goldberg - but I will try…. If there is an Attorney Superhero, Darryl Goldberg is one. Darryl Goldberg is one of the best Defense Attorneys in America today. I am one of his successful cases. The DOJ Fraud Section in Washing...ton DC prosecuted me in California. My prospects were grim. Other defendants in my case had previously received sentences of up to 8 years in federal prison from the Judge that sentenced Elizabeth Holmes. If only they had Darryl Goldberg, their outcomes would have been vastly different. I was facing 20 years in a Federal Prison. I was fortunate to have Darry Goldberg as my Attorney. Darryl Goldberg prevailed for me. He won. I received NO jail time. I am ecstatic, euphoric, I pinch myself daily to make sure I am not just dreaming. It was a high-profile case, one of the largest cases in American history prosecuted by one of the heads of a DOJ criminal “Strike Force” with a massive budget. My case was complicated. Darryl Goldberg worked tirelessly for me. He focused his intellect, knowledge of the law and experience on my defense. His work far exceeded any amount of money I could ever spend. I was up against a prosecution with unlimited funds. Only sheer talent prevails in a situation like this - Darryl Goldberg has that talent. In my first meeting with Darryl Goldberg, I felt hopeful. We were on a conference call with a former Assistant United States Attorney who recommended Darryl Goldberg take on my case. He previously prosecuted one of Darryl’s former clients and was very familiar with his work. I learned that Darryl Goldberg’s expertise in defense (even in the most complicated cases) has prevailed on behalf of his clients. He interviewed me thoroughly; he understood me in ways that I did not understand myself. He brought in experts as necessary and debated with the prosecution in a way that I received the best outcome possible. The outcome was beyond my hope and imagination. His submission to the court was exceptional, fifty pages of case law, citations, examples, legal arguments and ethical reasons why the Court should sentence me no prison time, even though the sentencing guidelines called for years and years in prison. The tone and quality of Darryl Goldberg’s voice, his physical demeanor and style in court demand respect. Darryl Goldberg’s final arguments to the Court presented points of law and case examples. He uniquely explained congressional leanings, popular beliefs and trends in legal thinking to help the Judge understand the Defense’s position. The Judge found Darryl Goldberg’s arguments compelling. Darryl Goldberg’s unquestionable integrity, credibility, and respect - earned through his work and established as a reputation – gives him a unique advantage in legal negotiations, as well as in court. The DOJ prosecutor, head of the strike force prosecuting me, told me that I had "an excellent attorney." I highly recommend Attorney Darryl Goldberg to everyone. He saved my life.

Posted by Jose Loera | October 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Jose Loera vs The United States of America

My name is Jose Loera, I was charged with Racketeering, Interstate drug trafficking, Possession and Conspiracy to distribute 21 kilos of Cocaine, I was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison along with 120 months of supervised release. (JOSE LOERA VS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA). I was Release...d in April of 2020 after serving 18years out of a 20-year sentence. I did not begin my supervised release until I was fully released from the care of the BOP halfway house, (a year after my release for prison.) After reaching the 18th month of supervised release, I requested my case be put back in court for a review and my supervised release be terminated. This was an unusual request only because I have not reached the halfway point of my supervised release. I have done everything I could to stay clear of trouble, so I figured it was worth the chance. Mr. Goldberg must have heard about my case echoing through the court hallways and reached out to me offering his services, to which I respectfully declined, because of my past experience in dealing with attorneys. Mr. Goldberg assured me that he would look after my best interest, and I decided to meet with him at his Downtown Chicago location. After collaborating with Mr. Goldberg, Mr. Goldberg came up with a winning strategy to which I was still a little skeptical, but his extensive knowledge in criminal law had me convinced he was the right attorney for the job and could get it done. Once we were able to agree on the retainer fee, he immediately went to work on my case, knowing and understanding my case better than I did. I can honestly say he truly did his homework and was determined to win, crossing all the T's and dotting all the I's. After litigations Mr. Goldberg was able to tilt the scales of justice in my favor and got my ten years of supervised release terminated after 18 months. What I can truly and honestly say about Mr. Goldberg is that he is a man of his word who takes his position serious. Mr. Goldbergs reputation is everything and he will do what it takes to preserve his integrity. He is what I would consider a 1% and will get the job done. Good job Mr. Goldberg, I trusted in you and your word, and you did not disappoint. I will forever be grateful. Sincerely Jose Loera

Posted by Jason | February 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Straight class, legal ROCKSTAR, and a VERY rare breed among criminal defense lawyers!

99% of criminal lawyers are "paper lawyers". They learn enough to get their lawyer status on paper, and that's it. They don't continue to learn more about law to defend their clients properly. They sell you into making "a deal" and find the quickest way out to collect your money. I spent a year in Co...ok County Jail watching people get robbed hand over fist by lawyers. They work on the quickest way to get your money, straight and to the point. They push you into copping out and have no desire to research the LAW to actually give you a proper DEFENSE. These types of lawyers get that paper to practice law and spend their careers ROBBING people. Good news for you, Mr. Goldberg is NOT one of those. I was setup by the DEA and was taken into custody on a warrant from another county. I had a briefcase with a kilo of cocaine in it. I was charged with a Super X felony, which carries 15-60 years at 85%. Every lawyer I spoke to had absolutely no confidence that I could beat this case. I mean, caught red-handed with a kilo of cocaine in broad daylight on a street corner in Chicago with a warrant to arrest me. That doesn't sound too promising, does it? I went through and fired 3 lawyers, until I found Darryl. One of the lawyers was a friend of my girlfriend's mom's lawyer friend. While i was in country jail, he said he got me an offer. He said he met with the guy in charge of Cook Country Narcotics and was able to get my 15 minimum down to a 12 year offer at 85%. He will meet the the states attorney the morning of my next court date and MIGHT be able to get it down to 10. BUT it will be for that day and that day only. And if he can get it down to 10 years at 85% that he would recommend I run with it. Otherwise they could take the deal off the table and I would be looking at more time. This lawyer didn't know that he told his lawyer friend the REAL OFFER and that the lawyer friend had called girlfriend's mom with the news THAT THEY OFFERED 10 years! He already knew the offer was 10 years at 85% but pitched me that the offer was 12 years at 85% and that MAYBE he could get it down the day of. I fired him, but he would have showed up at court and told me he got them down to 10 years and the offer was for that day only, so I would take the deal, and he could wipe his hands clean from it. What a nightmare. I met with countless lawyers and they were all a joke. I could see right through them on their sales pitches to get my money. Finally, I met with and hired Darryl. He took my case very personal and worked on my case like I was a relative of his family. He constantly found NEW angles to beat my case. I met him several times in his office and EVERY TIME he had something NEW to help beat my case! He pulled out ALL THE STOPS! He told me every visit "WE GOT THIS!" At the end of the day, he did get me a deal. We might have won in trial, but the state caved in and gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. TIME SERVED! 2 years parole! Wooooo! I went down to Joliet prison processing center for a dress in and dress out. I did less than a day in custody! Simply AMAZING! In summary, Darryl truly cared about me as a client, and took my case very personal. He has more knowledge regarding the law than ANY other lawyer I have used or spoken to. He hits the books and does diligent research. He consults other experts in the field. His compassion is limitless. He doesn't stop fighting. He is a high profile lawyer and gets some serious respect in the court room. He is straight class, a legal ROCKSTAR, and is a very rare breed among criminal defense lawyers. Don't waste your money on any of those "paper lawyers" that only want your money.. quick and fast and without effort.I would give him 100 stars on a review if it was possible. AMAZING!!!!!!! Thank you Darryl for saving my life and making it possible to be with my family! I am infinitely thankful to you. If you want the best, skip the rest, and hire Darryl Goldberg.

Posted by Donnii | October 02, 2014 | Drug Crime

Angels still exist in times such as this...

My son was indicted in a drug case which could have resulted in many years in prison. At the time he was only 21 years old. When he realized that this was a very serious case, he contacted Mr. Goldberg the night before he was scheduled to be arrested for legal advice, sight unseen. The day of the arr...est, we were assigned Mr. Goldberg by the court. A family that could not afford an attorney, had no knowledge of the law, especially federal law and was scared to death of what was happening. Mr. Goldberg assured us up front that all of our worries, were now his. Since that time I have found him to be well-known, well-connected, fierce and effective. He explained everything to us so even I could understand. He did an excellent job in advising and helping us through an extremely difficult time for our family. Even after sentencing, he is still in contact with me, returns my calls promptly, and I feel he's not just going to drop the relationship we've developed. In conclusion, he found a way to get my son's sentence greatly reduced. I find him to be sympathetic, empathetic, and thorough. He loves his job and his charitable attitude towards my family will never be forgotten. He worked for us as if we were paying him top dollar. Didn't think we would make it and I trust him with my son's life. Would I recommend this lawyer? In a heartbeat!

Posted by Fredrick | July 17, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Finding the 'PERFECT' Lawyer:

Finding the 'PERFECT' Lawyer: FOR DUMMIES Regardless of the reason you may find yourself in need of a lawyer, BE SMART and RETAIN THE SERVICES OF DARRYL GOLDBERG ASAP! I can only give you my perspective as someone that had a serious offense and DID ALL THE WRONG THINGS! 1. I confessed with...out representation 2. I let too much time go by before seeking an attorney 3. I listened to other people who didn't understand... YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! DARRYL IS AMAZING! The type of lawyer you want on your case is A CHAMPION, right!? You don't want someone who ‘hopes to win’, or ‘thinks they can win’! You want someone that: 1. Has a proven track record 2. Has a profound understanding of the law and an intuitive nature to navigate it 3. ‘KNOWS’ THEY CAN WIN!!! If you are reading this you or someone you care about has screwed up and NEED HELP! So, lets not BS ourselves, and think that 'WINNING' means getting off scott-free! 'WINNING' means getting THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME for what you know you probably did! As I said I did all the wrong things, and everyone from the federal investigator to the prosecutor wanted me in jail! If I had gone to jail, MY LIFE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN WHAT IT COULD! I have too many people depending on me, but I couldn't get acquitted, because I screwed up and told on myself before I even spoke with an attorney! (PLEASE DON'T CONSIDER DOING THAT!) Thinking because I was a 'GOOD GUY or GAL' and that you have a reason for doing what you did that would impress the prosecutor so they would say what? “Oh, he did what's right, just LET HIM/HER GO!” ARE YOU Freakin’ serious? With the system designed the way it is, and the perfection in which it was put together, if you want to make money off of locking people up... YOU DON'T HAVE A SHOT and neither did I! My wife and I called other attorneys, and forgive my vernacular... THEY WERE FULL OF ‘IT’! They didn't care about me, what they did, and they were lifetimes away from being ‘A MASTER’ at what they do in the strict procedural justice system! Darryl Goldberg is a freakin' MASTER! 'WINNING' for me was keeping someone so stupid to think that that criminal justice system gave a crap about who I am and why I did what I did OUT OF PRISON! Guess what? WE WON! I cannot tell you the surreal feeling I have every day knowing that I had someone that HAD MY BACK! Darryl does 3 things EXCEPTIONALLY WELL: 1. RESPOND to you, so you are not left hanging 2. GIVE it to you straight, so you are not left wondering 3. 'WIN' for you, so you are not left regretting I have to get real with you for a second, because this is not 'play time', THIS IS YOUR F'ing LIFE! You can roll the dice with someone who is just going to suck up all your cash and not CARE about what happens to you, (I call that 'PAYING FOR A PUBLIC DEFENDER'), or you can do what you have to do to SECURE DARRYL GOLDBERG AS YOUR CHAMPION, so YOU TOO CAN 'WIN'!

See All Client Reviews

Darryl A. Goldberg's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Darryl
Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Goldberg. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."

Blake Horwitz headshot
Blake Horwitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Darryl is extremely intelligent and willing to go the extra distance to figure out every possible avenue to win on behalf of his clients. He has acquired special skills."

Dan M. Tsataros headshot
Dan Tsataros

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Darryl is an excellent litigator."

Randy Eric Weinstein headshot
Randy Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Zaid Mahmoud Abdallah headshot
Zaid Abdallah

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked as a cook county prosecutor for 12 years and can honestly state that Darryl always represented his clients in a vigorous and professional matter. Darryl is well versed in narcotics law at both the state and federal level and works very hard for his clients."

James John Knibbs headshot
James Knibbs

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Darryl Goldberg is always well prepared, detail oriented, and is an excellent advocate for his clients. He is a very good attorney who gets good results for his clients in state and federal court."

David Reuland Brown headshot
David Brown

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Darryl has a well-deserved, first-rate reputation in the Chicago legal community for criminal defense. He has handled many high-profile and unique cases. I highly recommend him for his skill, tenacity and attention to detail."

Thomas T. Field headshot
Thomas Field

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Darryl has carved out a reputation in the area of criminal defense that is well beyond his years in practice. He has mastered the art of trial preparation and always knows the law and facts better than anyone else in the courtroom. Darryl is results oriented and doesn't stop turning over rocks until he exhausts all options to protect his clients and mitigate any repercussions that may be in store for his clients. I would comfortably and confidently recommend Darryl's services to any client's or acquaintances and have. I have only heard good things in return."

View All Endorsements
Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas T. Field headshot
Thomas Field

Family lawyer

James John Knibbs headshot
James Knibbs

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2017

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2017

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2015

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2015

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2014

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

2013

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

2011

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

2009

Rising Star, Illinois Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Partner, Law Offices of Darryl A. Goldberg

2004 - 2011

Partner, Meczyk Goldberg

2003 - 2004

Assistant Corporation Counsel, City of Chicago Corporation Counsel's Office

Associations

Chicago Bar Association

Member

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Florida Bar

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

2016 - 2017

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2015 - 2016

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2014 - 2015

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2013 - 2014

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2012 - 2013

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2011 - 2012

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Chair

2008 - 2009

Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee

Vice-Chair

2006 - 2017

American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Trial Evidence Committee, Criminal Evidence Subcommittee

Chair

2006 - 2017

American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Trial Evidence Committee, Criminal Evidence Subcommittee

Chair

2005 - 2011

Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Co-chair, Criminal Law Commitee

Sample of Legal Cases

People of the State of Illinois v. Alex Huitron

NOT GUILTY

People of the State of Illinois v. Christopher Figueroa

NOT GUILTY

United States v. Leo Earl Sharp

United States v. Calabrese et. al (Anthony Doyle)

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Case Law Update, Illinois and United States Supreme Court

United States and Illinois Supreme Court Case Law Update

2011

Going Solo as a Criminal Attorney

Starting Your Own Law Practice

2008

Arm Yourself: Defending and Prosecuting a "Gang" Case

Moderator of Seminar dealing with Defense of a "Gang" Case

Publications

2009

American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Responding to the Middle-of-the-Night Call

N/A

American Bar Association 101 Article Series What Do You Do When You Get A Call In The Middle Of The Night From A Family Member Or Friend of Potential Client Who Has Been Arrested?

Languages

Spanish

English

Polish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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