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Melissa I. Smejkal

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Avvo Rating8.3
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation
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About Melissa

Practice areas

OtherSpeeding and traffic ticketDomestic violenceDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 75%

    21 years, 1,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 10%

    21 years, 500 cases

  3. Domestic violence: 5%

    21 years, 400 cases

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket: 5%

    21 years, 1,000 cases

  1. Violent crime: 5%

    21 years, 500 cases

Languages spoken

English

Contact

1328 W 18th Street
address map

Law Office of Melissa Smejkal

1328 W 18th Street
Chicago, IL, 60608-3148

Law Office of MELISSA SMEJKAL | 312.968.2479

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law199810/27/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers3515
Legal guides0
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Public DefenderCook County Public Defender's Office1998 - 2005
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Cook County Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Member2011 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Member2005 - Present
Northwest Suburban Bar AssociationIn Court Bar Member2005 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Cook County Not GuiltyWeedsN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of TechnologyJD - Juris Doctor1998
Loyola University ChicagoBA - Bachelor of Arts1995
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Not guilty all chargesNot guilty

Reviews

(12)
5 Star
92%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Review Melissa Smejkal

Great for aggressive driving defense

Posted by

Got a speeding ticket 26-32 over which is a class A misdemeanor in Chicago. Possible 6 months in jail or 1500 fine- she got it down to regular speeding ticket and a 214 fine. 10/10 recommend.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Responsive, concise and comfortable

Posted by

Melissa helped my family to take care one of the traffic accident case that involved with kid driving without license, as parents, it was hard to figure out what to do to get ourselves ready for the court. We got a friend who highly recommended Melissa to us, we exchanged a lot of questions and concerns over email. She normally replied her clear and easy to understand answer within 30 minutes, most importantly, she explained to us what we need to do and provide to her to make our case strong. On the court day, she took care the case by working closely with the prosecutor and present all of our evidences. Melissa is the person you can trust.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you!

Posted by

Melissa was very professional, knew what she was doing, and defended me to a good end result. It was the best experience I could have asked for working with her. Thank you again!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Traffic violation, speeding over 25mph

Posted by

I emailed Melissa Smejkal on Saturday, right next morning after a violation vas committed. She promptly responded. I decided to hire her and later I understood that I made a right decision. I submitted all needed information per her request, so we actually met in a front of a court room. I suppose, she arrived long I did. Then, Melissa informed me that the decision seems to be a very appropriate. In a few minutes she introduced me to the judge. Approximately, I spend about 5 minutes in front of a judge and was very happy with a decision the judge made, because I was charged for a regular speeding. I appreciate Melissa's effort a lot and would sincerely recommend this lawyer to others.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

Thank you!

Posted by

With Melissa’s expertise my traffic case was resolved with a better outcome than I could have imagined. She was fast to respond to my questions and concerns and it was of great comfort to walk before the judge knowing I had the help of an experienced advocate. I recommend her counsel without hesitation.
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

100% Satisfied with Melissa, I'm so glad i found her!

Posted by

I was so worried about my case because I had a prior record and wanted to avoid jail time, Melissa was very caring, on time, assured me that everything would be ok, and she was absolutely right. she showed up to court before I did and handled everything. she walked me through every step and what was going to happen. I couldn't be more happy with the result. I had stumbled across her profile on Avvo by mistake and read all the positive reviews, I'm so glad I did! I would definitely use her services again if needed and would highly recommend her to anyone. In my opinion she is an excellent Lawyer, thank you Melissa for everything!
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

Awesome representation

Posted by

I tend to dis-agree with the previous reviewer. She showed up at the court room 30 minutes before the judge showed up and explained to me what she was going to do. I was present in the court for less than 5 minutes after the judge showed up. She helped me avoid a conviction being entered into my driving record
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

Quick Response Time, Great Communication, Highly Recommend

Posted by

Would definitely recommend Attorney Melissa Smejkal. Responded to initial e-mail that same day. I was pretty sure I would be fined, she was able to have the case dismissed altogether. She appeared on my behalf, and I don't even have any court fines. Overall, I am very satisfied.
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

Excellent, Kind, Friendly, Courtous Professional Lawyer

Posted by

I was seeking legal advice and Melissa was the best, most professional response I recieved. That professionalism and responsiveness carried over into her handling of my case. She made everything simple--communicated through email (which I preferred) and was kind, courteuous and professional in person! I highly reccommend her!
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.

She is like a Friend, who's there when you really need someone with you....

Posted by

Ms. Melissa handled my retail theft case and I was very happy that I choose her for my case. We always have so many questions in our mind when there's a case against you. But she was always there to listen to you and gives you proper and positive reply. She works more as a friend come lawyer. Definitely recommend her. Thanks a lot Ma'm.
Melissa Smejkal's response: Thank you.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(28)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Mark Clay, Immigration Attorney on Sep 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mrs. Smejkal. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact her first.

Robert Deters, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Melissa is an outstanding attorney and one who you will get along with smashingly. I find her to be very responsive to her clients' needs and someone who will go out of her way to deliver quality service. I very much endorse Melissa!

Howard Lewis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney smejkal is a wonderful attorney whom I highly recommend.

David Dastrup, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.Melissa is an excellent attorney who exhibits all the attributes of a fine advocate and is truly dedicated to his clients and the profession.

John Richardson, Litigation Attorney on Nov 19, 2014
Relationship: Other

Melissa's legal advice is professional and well-reasoned.

Michael LeMond, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 27, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She answers questions on avvo with a clear understanding of the law. He is an asset to the legal community.

John O'Brien, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Janaan Hashim, Expungement Attorney on Sep 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Atty. Smejkal is an intelligent and highly respected attorney in her field and dedicated to her clients. I endorse her.

Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Jul 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Gina Famularo, Child custody Attorney on Jun 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Phillips, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ms. Smejkal is one of the most giving lawyers in Avvo history. Her record of providing help to people is beyond elite. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free. Kudos. I endorse this lawyer.

Daryl Thompson

I endorse Melissa Smejkal for her skills and experience in defending DUI/DWI cases.

Aaron Harper, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Her responses to questions are spot on.

Taylor House, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Harold Wallin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I am a fellow criminal defense attorney and I have known and seen Ms. Smejkal in various courthouses since the late 1990s. She is a very aggressive defense attorney, and fights hard for her clients to get the best possible outcome. She is very knowledgeable about the law and has top-notch trial skills. I strongly endorse this attorney.

Louis Meyer, Civil rights Attorney on Aug 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney who truly cares about her clients. She has handled every type of criminal matter there is. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a Criminal Defense Attorney

Mitchell Sexner, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 29, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. We have had the pleasure of working together on several criminal defense matters and I am always impressed by the high degree of professionalism, knowledge care with which handles clients' matters are handled.

Richard Dvorak, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Melissa fights for the best possible outcome for her clients. She treats them with dignity and respect, and is very knowledgeable about criminal defense.

Michael Palumbo, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Jun 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs20 minutes