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Melissa I. Smejkal

Criminal defense Attorney at Chicago, IL

4.9   27 reviews

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About Melissa

Learn Melissa’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    75%

    24 years, 1,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    10%

    24 years, 500 cases

  3. Domestic violence
    5%

    24 years, 400 cases

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket
    5%

    24 years, 1,000 cases

  5. Violent crime
    5%

    24 years, 500 cases

Attorney Mellisa Smejkal is a leading criminal defense lawyer based in Chicago. She has been practicing law since 1998 and opened her current law firm in 2005. The firm largely serves clients in Cook County and the surrounding areas. Its specialty areas include DUI cases, traffic offenses and a nig range of criminal offenses (assault and battery, homicides, prostitution, sexual assault, murder, gun charges and theft among others). Attorney Melissa Smejkal is also good in getting her clients’ criminal history expunged.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 24 years
State IL
Status Active and Authorized to Practice Law
Acquired 1998
Updated 01/06/2023

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

Contact Melissa

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Law Office of Melissa Smejkal
1328 W 18th Street
Chicago, IL, 60608-3148

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Peter Z | March 13, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Peter Z
Melissa is a very professional defense lawyer. She answered all my questions and was very respectful. I would highly recommend her if you need assistance defending your case. I was charged with a DUI and all the charges against me were dropped and my case was dismissed. I could not be happier with the services she provided me.
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Posted by Jose | March 2, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Above & Beyond
Melissa went above & beyond for me on multiple fronts. She's super knowledgeable, and a fantastic communicator, on top of clearly laying out your options. Once a decision is made, she executes the objective. She doesn't know this, but she would make a hell of a shrink too. Would highly recommend her for representation if need be.
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Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Communicative, timely and resourceful
I hired Melissa for an out-of-state petitioner application for an informal hearing for reinstatement of a revoked license due to two previous DUIs in Cook County, Illinois. Melissa responded to all my messages in a timely manner via email and adjusted to my schedule by responding on the weekends including Sunday nights. She never went longer than an hour or two without a response and answered any and all questions I had regarding this matter. She also sent in all my paperwork at the earliest time possible as time was of the essence with my case. She checked in on me with follow-ups regarding the status of my application. With her assistance, I was granted full reinstatement of my driving privileges after our first attempt. I highly recommend her services for DUIs, driver’s license reinstatement and anything else she specializes in as she was professional, communicative, timely, empathetic and resourceful.
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Posted by Jason O. | May 20, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EXCELLENT LAWYER FOR PROBATION VIOLATION
Attorney Melissa smejkal did a great job. I contact her for probation violation, and she responded fast and listen what I had to say, and took my case when I need a lawyer after my probation officer sent a petition to the judge for 3 violation, as in 2 month she was able to get me good result and no jail time. She was honest and foward, answer your question anytime when you don’t understand of the situation, I had a great experience with Melissa, I would highly recommend her no doubt for a case like mine.
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Posted by Robert W. | May 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gets the job done!
Within 24 hours of hiring Melissa, she had my case records pulled and a court date set within a week. She knows the criminal court system and gets to know her client, as well, in order to fight for you and the best possible outcome. She's a good advisor and negotiator. My case, which haunted me for 5 years was closed by the end of the week. Awesome Lawyer!!
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Posted by Jamar | February 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional
Very professional and accommodating handled my case and got it dismissed would recommend for anyone
Posted by Kalista | October 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful & Efficient
She helped me drop a felony dropped to a misdemeanor. Melissa always got back to me very quickly. You can tell she really cares about each case personally.
Posted by Juan | May 17, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awsome!
Attorney Melissa Smejkal did a great job. I had several felony charges. She got my case down to a misdemeanor and got me off EM counting as time served. Very satisfied. My case could've took longer. Thank You.
Posted by Mary | January 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent expungement lawyer
Melissa was very professional and always responded to my emails promptly. She got my record expunged and kept me up to date at each step of the process. I would 100% recommend her services.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great service
Melissa Smejkal was professional, responsive and provided good quality and value on a traffic violation case.
Posted by Drew | December 4, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent representation!
Attorney Smejkal is an attentive and caring person who will listen to your concerns, she helped me with two cases in Cook County. Highly recommended!
Posted by Robert | October 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Just Awesome Representation
My name is Robert Henry and I had the pleasure of having Melissa Smejkal representing me as my Lawyer for my 2nd DUI case. She is very knowledgeable about all the steps and procedures that the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois has in place for you to earn your driving privileges again. She is very professional and well organized. She is very sympathetic to the needs of her clients. She works hard and is always on time with all appointments and all court hearings. She worked very diligently and was very passionate about making sure we followed all the steps for me to regain my driving privileges. In my Court Hearings, she knew exactly how to answer the Courts potential questions and what type of questions they would ask. She helped me, step by meticulous step, to give great, accurate and confident answers to any and all questions. She makes sure you are well equipped to handle any questions that may suddenly arise. I went into my hearing full of confidence and a real understanding of why I lost my driving privileges and what I needed to do to regain them back. Without her knowledge and true expertise in not only the law and the many procedures, she also understands the "human" element in we all make mistakes. I fully support Melissa and would recommend her to any one who needs representation or any one who is tired of "spinning their wheels" with other representation.
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Posted by Cheryl | July 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney to fight for your rights!!!
Melissa is very understanding and Will work with you to get you the fastest results you need for any criminal cases. She takes the time to listen to you and will do what is best for you and your long-term situation.I highly recommend her and she has also worked on helping me expunge my record. Definitely appreciate her one on one approach. I did feel like she cared and understood my frustration. She’s a GEM!
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Posted by Andrea | June 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She was great!
I had a great experience with Melissa. She explained things very thoroughly and straight to the point. Melissa also made my expungement process very smooth! I would highly recommend her.
Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Criminal Defense Lawyer
Melissa was extremely professional with me, as I knew nothing about the court system. I would highly recommend Melissa, she is THAT lawyer you would want in your corner during a difficult situation.
Posted by Megan | January 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great for aggressive driving defense
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.
Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Responsive, concise and comfortable
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.
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Posted by Steve | December 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
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!
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Traffic violation, speeding over 25mph
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.
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Response from Melissa Smejkal October 22, 2015
Thank you.
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2015
Thank you!
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.
Response from Melissa Smejkal October 22, 2015
Thank you.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 20 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.3 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Public Defender
  • Cook County Public Defender's Office
  • 1998 - 2005

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1998
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • Not guilty all charges
  • Not guilty

Associations

  • Cook County Bar Association
  • In Court Bar Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • In Court Bar Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Northwest Suburban Bar Association
  • In Court Bar Member
  • 2005 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Chicago
  • Expertise
  • 2018

Publications

  • Cook County Not Guilty
  • Weeds
  • N/A

Speaking Engagements

  • Career Day
  • Attorney
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (28)
Given (6)
Endorse Melissa
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 20
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!"
Domestic violence Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney smejkal is a wonderful attorney whom I highly recommend."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 09
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Other
"Melissa's legal advice is professional and well-reasoned."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 26
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 21
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Domestic violence Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 09
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Melissa Smejkal for her skills and experience in defending DUI/DWI cases."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Her responses to questions are spot on."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 30
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."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 30
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"
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 29
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 25
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Workers compensation
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense