Michael D. Cheronis

PRO

Michael D. Cheronis

5.0
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 22 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Education, Civil Rights

2502 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL

About Michael

Biography

Mr. Cheronis has nearly twenty years of experience representing citizens of Illinois charged with criminal offenses. He has the litigation experience and temerity to successfully defends good people facing tough situations.

Mr. Cheronis has represented more than one hundred undergraduate and post-graduate students and professors in Title IX and other misconduct proceedings at a major universities across the midwest. He is one of the most experienced and successful Title IX attorneys in Illinois.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

22 years

70%
Education 20%

Title IX Defense

12 years

20%
Civil Rights 10%

14 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 22 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2003

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Michael D. Cheronis

2502 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60614

mdcchicagocriminaldefense.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael D. Cheronis's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

127 Client Reviews

5 star (124) 4 star (3)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommended Tough Defense Attorney

My son found himself in Chicago facing some very serious gun charges. I immediately called and hired Michael on the spot after one conversation to represent my son in this high profile case. Michael is a no nonsense, tough attorney. He is extremely well versed in Illinois law and has a vast knowled...ge of the inner workings of the Cook County court system. He is exactly the kind of attorney anyone would want representing them. He found that my son had been unlawfully searched, arrested and charged. He was presumed guilty, not innocent. Michael was able to get all of the charges against my son dismissed. I would recommend Michael to anyone in need of a strong defense attorney.

Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Defense Attorney

I worked with Michael Cheronis through an extremely complex and stressful school disciplinary process, and he was outstanding every step of the way. He combined strategic precision, calm confidence, and genuine care, making me feel protected and well guided throughout. Michael is sharp, honest, an...d deeply experienced. I couldn’t recommend him more highly to anyone facing a serious or sensitive case.

Posted by Gregory | July 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Cheronis is a very competent attorney.

I am writing to highly recommend Mr. Michael Cheronis as an exceptional attorney. His extensive knowledge, expertise, unwavering court demeanor, and persistent attitude make him stand out in his field. Mr. Cheronis represented us in three felony cases, including Aggravated Arson. Before retaining Mr.... Cheronis, we had a court-appointed Public Defender, which resulted in prolonged delays/continuances, and the prospect of severe jail time. From the moment Mr. Cheronis filed his appearance, his impact was immediately apparent. He swiftly assessed the charges and thoroughly explained all possible outcomes, demonstrating a clear mastery of his profession. His experience as a former Assistant State’s Attorney proved invaluable during negotiations with the prosecution and in presenting the case before the judge. Mr. Cheronis exhibited a high level of professionalism in court and remarkable patience in working with me and my son, who faces mental health challenges and can be difficult to counsel. His patience was instrumental in achieving a much-improved plea agreement and favorable sentencing, as well as securing my son’s cooperation throughout our process. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Michael Cheronis as your attorney of choice. Thank you, Mr.Cheronis.

Posted by Nedal | June 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Review

I hired Mr. Cheronis to represent me on sexual assault charges. I was facing a minimum of 18 years if convicted. I was innocent and told Mr. Cheronis that I would not take an offer because I was innocent. For almost five years, Mr. Cheronis fought for me. When we went to trial, I was completely c...onfident in his abilities. He did not let me down. Mike’s got that dog in him. His cross-examination of the person accusing me was amazing. Not guilty was the outcome. I cried, my Mom cried and Mike just smiled and told me to get on with my life. I will because of him. If you’re in trouble and you need a great lawyer in your corner, call Mike.

Posted by Pani | June 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Respecting the Judiciary & Defending the Truth

Mr. Michael Cheronis exemplifies ‘professionalism’ and ‘empathy’ in every aspect of his work. His unwavering respect for the judicial system is evident in the way he seeks justice by highlighting deeply rooted facts and presenting them with integrity within the legal framework. His ability to uncover... and articulate the ground realities of a case reflects a deep commitment to truth and fairness. Such advocacy is only possible when an attorney is genuinely invested in understanding the full context and all relevant details. Mr. Michael Cheronis’s approach truly upholds the spirit of justice and reinforces confidence in the legal process. - “Thanks Mike” -

See All Client Reviews

Michael D. Cheronis's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
James Kassir headshot
James Kassir

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is an aggressive and intelligent attorney. His knowledge of the law is second to none. His clients and fellow attorneys respect him."

Michael Patrick Schmiege headshot
Michael Schmiege

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Cheronis has the knowledge, the experience, and the wisdom to provide for his clients the best representation possible. He is a supremely skilled advocate - an extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Matthew Paul Prengaman headshot
Matthew Prengaman

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is an excellent attorney who will work tirelessly for each and every one of his clients. He is extremely knowledgeable and willing to do whatever it takes for his clients and will achieve the best result possible for them."

Andrew Mark Weisberg headshot
Andrew Weisberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have know attorney Michael Cheronis for several years. He gained great experience as a Cook County prosecutor. These days he provides top level criminal defense for people in Cook County and elsewhere. Mike is one of the smarter and more talented lawyers I know. He fights hard, prepares well and gets great results. I would recommend Mike without hesitation."

Michael Gruszeczki headshot
Michael Gruszeczki

Unknown lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Mr. Cheronis is a tireless advocate for his clients. His work ethic and legal knowledge achieves excellent results for his clients."

Timothy Joseph Fiscella headshot
Timothy Fiscella

Civil rights lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is an exceptional lawyer. He’s diligent, aggressive, and persistent and gets great results for his clients. He’s a great trial lawyer and someone I would highly recommend to anyone with a criminal defense or civil rights case."

Matthew W. Miller headshot
Matthew Miller

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Friend

"My firm often calls on Mike when our clients are in need of a criminal defense attorney. He handles these matters with the utmost professionalism and the results have always been outstanding. His prior work experience at the States Attorneys Office serves our clients well. I would highly recommend retaining Mike for any criminal defense matter."

Thomas W. O'Brien headshot
Thomas O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is, bar none, one of the best litigators that I have worked with in the past. He is professional, extremely organized and very adept in front of a judge or jury. His trial skills are well honed and I have seen the direct product as we pooled the jury post-trial. The jurors were showering Mike with praise. He is one of the best and I've learned plenty from him in a short time."

David L. Freidberg headshot
David Freidberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Cheronis is an excellent and experienced criminal defense attorney. He is respected not only by his colleagues but by the judiciary as well."

Dan M. Tsataros headshot
Dan Tsataros

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an excellent lawyer?"

Kent Alan Delgado headshot
Kent Delgado

Family lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
James Kassir headshot
James Kassir

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Patrick Schmiege headshot
Michael Schmiege

Criminal defense lawyer

Timothy Joseph Fiscella headshot
Timothy Fiscella

Civil rights lawyer

Matthew Paul Prengaman headshot
Matthew Prengaman

Criminal defense lawyer

James Edward Fabbrini headshot
James Fabbrini

DUI and DWI lawyer

Andrew Mark Weisberg headshot
Andrew Weisberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Joseph Schroeder headshot
Richard Schroeder

Personal injury lawyer

Matthew W. Miller headshot
Matthew Miller

Personal injury lawyer

David L. Freidberg headshot
David Freidberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Principal Attorney, Law Office of Micael D. Cheronis

2003 - 2010

Assistant State's Attorney, Cook County State's Attorneys Office

2002 - 2003

Law Clerk, Schueler, Dallavo & Casieri, LLC

2001 - 2003

Law Clerk, Cook County State's Attorneys Office

Associations

2010 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Fenwick Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. D.B

Charges dismissed.

G.G v. City of Blue Island

Financial settlement

People v. S.H.

Not Guilty

People of Ilinois v. D.D.

Not guilty after trial

People of Illinois v. N.M.

Charges dismissed. License returned.

People of Illinois v. D.F

Not Guilty. Client awarded settlement for excessive force by police

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

Loyola University School of Law

J.D.

1998

University of Illinois

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1994

Fenwick High School

Speaking Engagements

2013

Trial Team

Trial Advocacy

2012

Trial Team

The Grand Jury

2010

DUI Primer Conference

DUI and the Fourth Amendment

2009

DUI Primer Conference

DUI

Publications

2004

State's Attorney Memo DUI and the Fourth Amendment Overview

2002

Loyola Law Student's Magazine The Personal Injury Attorney

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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