Harold Mark Garfinkel

Was wary from all the great reviews at first...too good to be true was my initial stance. But immediately from first contact, I knew Hal was the real deal. Immediate empathy and knew what to do in order to ensure a successful resolution. He was responsive and courteous the entire time and provided... me with confidence given his experience and how to position the arguments for success. He overcame strong opposition from the prosecutor and policeman in the courtroom and it resulted in the judge overcoming the misdemeanor charge for 26 mph over the limit and downrating it to a petty offence...with court supervision and a reasonable fine. Can't thank Hal enough. Would recommend him to anyone... Don't look any further, this is your guy!

About a month ago I was clocked doing a 101 in a 55 by a state trooper. Needless to say my driving record has many speeding tickets. I immediately knew I needed the best lawyer in Chicago. I Googled exactly that and the first name that popped up was Hal Garfinkel. I called Hal on a Sunday thinking I ...would get an answering machine and instead I got him on the phone. He asked me a few questions told me what I needed to do and even went as far as to tell me about AVVO and look up his reviews. After reading the first few reviews I was sold. I would recommend this lawyer to anyone no matter what the offense. He is very knowledgeable and knows a lot of people in the court system. At the first court date when Hal wasn't getting the deal he knew I could get, he asked for a continuance in front of a different judge. He wasn't going to take no for an answer and he told me getting my license suspended or revoked was not an option. At the second court date he kept true to his word and my Class A Misdemeanor speeding got dropped to a petty offense with a minimal fine and no suspension or revocation of my license whatsoever. I could see the states attorney shaking their head as Hal was talking to him about my case and Hal would not stop negotiating until he got the answer he wanted. Hal will fight tooth and nail for you and make sure that in the end you get what you deserve. He knows things happen and tries to understand your situation. I will never look for another attorney and Hal Garfinkel will stay a contact in my phone until he retires.

MAGNIFICENT ATTORNEY Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel has one magnificent obsession: to relentlessly advocate for his client’s legal rights, and to achieve the best possible outcome on their behalf. I most highly recommend Attorney Garfinkel for legal representation. Mr. Garfinkel possesses an impressive ...knowledge of the law, while exemplifying the maximum standards of professionalism and ethics in his field. Mr. Garfinkel’s professional skills are nothing short of superb! He combines cognitive brilliance with a keenly sensitive nature and a remarkable ability to empathically engage clients at a deeper level of communication, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of their presenting issues and concerns. He is compassionate, humanistic, honest and unremittingly committed to his clients’ best interests. He is authentically caring, respectful and supportive, and implacable in fighting for his clients’ rights and welfare. Yet Mr. Garfinkel is warm, personable, and very approachable. He is readily available by telephone and promptly returns messages. His initial consultation is offered free of charge to prospective clients and his fees are reasonable. My husband recently received a speeding ticket, which we thought could be resolved without legal counsel. Subsequently, we learned that given significant changes in Illinois Traffic Law which took effect on 1/2014, certain speeding tickets are no longer classified as traffic violations, but rather as Class A or B misdemeanors, which could remain on a person’s record permanently as a criminal offense. Class A misdemeanors could result in a fine of up to $2,500.00, possible suspension of driver’s license privileges, and a jail sentence of up to 364 days. My husband had a clean driving record and absolutely no criminal antecedents of any type. The prospect of being charged with a misdemeanor was highly disconcerting, as this could have had a marked negative impact on his professional work and license, as well as on our personal lives. Before hiring an attorney, we conducted extensive research on Illinois Traffic Law and interviewed several attorneys. Notwithstanding the fact that they were all excellent, Attorney Garfinkel was the only one who spoke with absolute conviction and certainty that a positive resolution could, and would be achieved. He communicated a sense of confidence and calm that is invaluable. Mr. Garfinkel assessed the situation and proposed that through a mitigation package, the speeding violation could be reduced to a petty offense, with no further ramifications. Mr. Garfinkel successfully achieved this goal and my husband’s driver’s license was returned on the day of court. He received four months supervision, which is insignificant compared to the possible alternate consequences. Through a striking combination of outstanding legal skills, and knowledge of and connections within the court system, Attorney Garfinkel achieves the best possible results for his clients! Bravo, Mr. Garfinkel! You have exceeded our expectations! You are a gifted attorney and a veritable credit to your profession!

Hal Garfinkel was extremely professional and knowledgeable in regards to a successful defense. He made me feel very comfortable and was vary compassionate about our situation from the initial consultation. Hal is very reasonable with his legal fees and made himself available around the clock. I appre...ciate the service he provided and would most definitely be looking for him if any other situations come up.

I recently was issued a speeding ticket but I wasn't aware of the severity of the offense. It wasn't just a speeding ticket; it was considered aggravated which may lead to a criminal conviction. I was in jeopardy of having my driver license suspended as well. I shopped around for advice and poss...ible outcomes. When I first spoke to Hal he assured me that I would not lose my driver license if he handled my case. He also assured me that this charge will not result in a conviction. His knowledge of the law and connections within the system is definitely original and unlike others. Hal fought hard within the court room to have my charge reduced to a petty offense. I was able to leave the building with my license returned and placed on supervision. I am truly grateful for Hal's services. He is the lawyer you need for ANY charges you may face. Do not hesitate to call; he will not quit fighting for you!