Harold Mark Garfinkel

Harold Mark Garfinkel

also known as Hal Mark Garfinkel

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime

134 N LaSalle St, Suite 860, Chicago, IL

About Harold

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 60%

Attorney Garfinkel is a fighter with a track record of success protecting his clients' rights and interests in high-profile cases. He is known for being aggressive, accessible and affordable – all qualities that can work in your favor today and in the long-term. You can go a long way toward reuniting with your family and restoring your reputation by contacting his office today.

37 years

60%
Federal Crime 40%

37 years

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 36 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1989

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Indiana for 16 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 2009

Temporary Admission Excluded

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

134 N LaSalle St, Suite 860, Chicago, IL, 60602

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Harold Mark Garfinkel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

100 Client Reviews

Showing 86 - 90 of 100 reviews

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2014 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Aggravated Speeding Ticket lowered to petty crime.

I got a ticket for speeding on the Skyway, which I didn't realize had a speed limit of 45 MPH. I was on my way out of the state for vacation and wasn't until I returned that I learned that this was considered a Class A Misdemeanor for Aggravated Speeding and I was required to hire an attorney to hand...le my case. I called a few different attorneys but Hal Garfinkel's knowledge, confidence and responsiveness won me over. I ended up going to court three times, the first to ask for a continuance until Mr. Garfinkel returned from vacation and two times to wait for the States Attorney to read the mitigation package that Mr. Garfinkel wrote on my behalf. On the third trial date, Mr. Garfinkel promised me we would stay there until my case was settled. All along the way, he had told me not to worry and that I would not end up with a misdemeanor on my record. It was clear he understood how the court system worked and how to approach my case. In the end, he negotiated my case down to a petty offense and all I had to do was pay a $200 fine plus court costs. I walked away paying $359 without the Class A misdemeanor on my record and I am a very satisfied customer! I like that Mr. Garfinkel was very supportive, understanding but also tough representing my interests. I would definitely recommend him to anyone else in my position. You get what you pay for!

Posted by Crystal | September 08, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Awesome Attorney

I hired Hal to beat a DUI charge and he was amazing in court. I would definitely recommend him to a family member or friend.

Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2014 | Criminal Defense

THE BEAST OF ATTORNEYS!!

Hal was recommended to me by a friend of mine. I have never been in trouble with the law and I was facing a criminal charge for an accident. I interviewed many attorneys before hiring Hal. But his confidence and assurance made me feel very comfortable. He was always available via text or phone No mat...ter what day or time it was. He also promised me that there was Nothing to worry about and to not lose sleep over this case. I felt like Hal was a friend of mine and he was looking out for my best interest. My case was dismissed and I am extremely happy with the results and I will turn to Hal for anything I may need in the future..along with my family and friends. HE'S TRULY THE BEST AND SUCH A NICE GUY!!!

Posted by Ryan | August 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Better call Hal!

No matter WHAT kind of situation you have gotten into,(personally-felony poss charge) that has caused the natural stress and certainly frustrating emotions that come with being in need of a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Garfinkel is THE one to contact. I found Hal always responded timely via call, tex...t or e-mail, and at ANY time. As well as answering any and all questions/concerns you may have thought up-no need to worry with Hal. Mr. Garfinkel provided me with an assertive confidence that put my racing brain at ease, even with my overwhelming questioning he was very kind, caring and showed he was actually interested in my case unlike a lot of others I spoke with. By letting me know ALL of the options he would attempt or potential outcomes of my particular case, I knew I was in good hands. The case was dismissed at the pre-lim hearing, saving a lot of fines, fees and avoiding any incarceration. If you want someone who is very affordable and someone who will really look at your case and do everything he can to get you the best results you would hope for- better call Hal!! With years of experience and being a former prosecutor, he knows the law and knows how to handle it all. I'd like to thank you very much Mr.Garfinkel for all you've done for me and getting me home to my family and if, ever again I am in need of an attorney, I already know who I am calling! Thank you again and all the best Hal. -Forever grateful,Ryan

Posted by Bev | August 15, 2014 | Drug Crime

Mr. Garfinkel Is A Great Lawyer And Helped My Husband!

My husband got in trouble for the first time in his life with a charge of a controlled substance and of course we were out of state in Chicago, and ended up in the wrong part of town , got pulled over, searched, and so on. Once we realized we had to get an Attorney, we had no clue where to start or ...which one to pick. We are also from Indiana, so we did not know any Attorneys in Chicago. However, once we found Mr. Garfinkel. we knew we made the right choice and felt confident with him. Mr. Garfinkel helped my husband and got the whole thing dismissed. Now my husband is home with me by my side as I was so scared he would go to prison. Mr. Garfinkel had it all under controlled and told us not to worry, that he had it taken care of. I am happy to say, Mr. Garfinkel really kept his word and you can trust him that he will take care of you. His fees are very reasonable and affordable, he is trustworthy, and caring and plenty of experience. We are both very relieved everything worked out and we would certainly hire Mr. Garfinkel again! I was so happy, I burst into tears when the case got dismissed! I couldn't thank him enough for what he did for us!

See All Client Reviews

Harold Mark Garfinkel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Harold
Vincent Anthony Luisi headshot
Vincent Luisi

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James T. Hyun headshot
James Hyun

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Hal for over 20 years. I had the privelege of working with Hal while we were both young prosecutors. Hal was an exceptional prosecutor with great courtroom skills. As a defense attorney, Hal is fearless, puts his client's rights first. Hal is also a first class individual with high ethics and moral standards. It is privelege to have Hal not only as my colleague but my ever lasting friend."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Scott Fredrick Anderson headshot
Scott Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Margaret Mary O'Connell headshot
Margaret O'Connell

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Elizabeth A Edwards headshot
Elizabeth Edwards

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Pat James Crispi headshot
Pat Crispi

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dana B. Carron headshot
Dana Carron

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Attorney Garfinkel. He has a reputation for being able to obtain unbelievable results even when he has very little positive material to work with."

Jonathan Gerald Anderson headshot
Jonathan Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen R. Brodsky headshot
Stephen Brodsky

Federal crime lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Yvette Pietruska Fallon headshot
Yvette Fallon

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas Bryan Warlick headshot
Douglas Warlick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Zisl Taub Edelson headshot
Zisl Edelson

Civil rights lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"Hal Garfinkel is an amazing trial lawyer. He has over 40 jury trials under his belt and commands the courtroom. Hal has in-depth knowledge and understanding of legal issues and constantly keeps up to date with all relevant case law. As a former prosecutor, Hal has first-hand experience with the criminal justice system and he knows how police departments really work. I would highly recommend Hal Garfinkel for all civil rights and criminal defense matters."

Christopher M. Cosley headshot
Christopher Cosley

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven H. Mevorah headshot
Steven Mevorah

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Salvatore C. Miglore headshot
Salvatore Miglore

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Monica Padmakar Patankar headshot
Monica Patankar

Family lawyer

Vincent Anthony Luisi headshot
Vincent Luisi

Criminal defense lawyer

Amanda Marhia Oliver headshot
Amanda Oliver

Litigation lawyer

Scott Fredrick Anderson headshot
Scott Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Aaron Katz headshot
Matthew Katz

Immigration lawyer

Margaret Mary O'Connell headshot
Margaret O'Connell

Criminal defense lawyer

Pat James Crispi headshot
Pat Crispi

Personal injury lawyer

Stephen R. Brodsky headshot
Stephen Brodsky

Criminal defense lawyer

Marshall W. Conick headshot
Marshall Conick

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Yvette Pietruska Fallon headshot
Yvette Fallon

Divorce and separation lawyer

Scott William Sheen headshot
Scott Sheen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Francis J. Discipio headshot
Francis Discipio

Car accident lawyer

Christopher M. Cosley headshot
Christopher Cosley

Criminal defense lawyer

Zisl Taub Edelson headshot
Zisl Edelson

Civil rights lawyer

Steven H. Mevorah headshot
Steven Mevorah

Family lawyer

Salvatore C. Miglore headshot
Salvatore Miglore

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2021

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2020

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2019

Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer

2018

Founding Member, Elite Lawyer

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Harold Garfinkel, Avvo Client's Choice Award 2014

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Office of Hal M. Garfinkel

1990 - 1995

Prosecuting Attorney, Cook County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

2001 - Present

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Board Member

1998 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1997 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People of the State of Illinois vs. Cesar Castrejon

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Kansas

BS - Bachelor of Science

Publications

Languages

English

Hebrew

Avvo Rating

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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