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

128 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 34 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 Gregory | July 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 anonymous | February 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

literally the best; hire him

i was really scared and hit up dozens of lawyers and when i got in contact with Mike i immediately knew he was the guy i needed he works fast and effectively; knows everyone; and knows all the mechanics needed to orchestrate a win someone i love was wrapped up in a dispute and stuck in jail - i... had no idea what to do but Mike called up a few places and found him immediately - Mike nailed the trial proceeding and later that day they were out of jail and ok - i couldn't believe how lucky i got finding Mike this was probably the scariest day of my life and Mike saved us all while being an absolute pleasure to work with go with Mike and you'll have no regrets - i'd hire him again in a heartbeat

Posted by anonymous | October 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Fantastic Job!

Michael has a very calm, collected demeanor and possess an unparalleled knowledge of the law. I made an excellent decision hiring Michael, as his strategy led to a dismissal on my second court appearance. I would highly recommend Michael’s services.

Posted by Joy | May 06, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Defense Attorney!!

If you or someone you love ever find yourselves in a serious situation, falsely accused, needing the best lawyer ASAP, you need to make Michael D. Cheronis your first call. Not only is he a former ASA for Cook County with the utmost integrity, respect from his peers and colleagues, and the reputation... as an expert in defense; but he also has both public and private experience and is well known/respected for “getting results.” My son was arrested and put in jail for an alleged offense that wasn’t prosecutable and was facing 8mos or more in Cook Co. jail if a public defender would have been used. Meanwhile, he was being set up for a felony and extension of Violation of Order of Protection for an alleged incident that occurred 6 mos prior… initiated by his former girlfriend. My son was crushed, very scared, hopeless…we as parents were distraught. We called M. Cheronis on a Sat and within minutes he called us back. We retained him “on the spot.” Then my husband and I briefed him on the emotional, unbelievable tumultuous timeline of events, leading up to this. He asked if I could write and send him a timeline which I did (labor of love). He took it from there. What really impressed me is that when I asked him point blank, if he could really help my son, i.e. “fix this” he stated, “Yes I can” with conviction. Also impressive was his commitment to his client and us (his parents), his drive to get this done and save our son, his patience and listening skills, plus empathy. He gets it. Within 2 days he asked for a hearing and defended my son with multiple States Attorneys stating that “he wasn’t a felon, didn’t have a felony.” He was released on “conditional release” as he wasn’t a threat, pending an evidentiary hearing to show the facts of the case and was prepared to take it to trial. The day just prior to the hearing date, a letter was received by his former girlfriend’s attorney for a Motion requesting an extended VOOP due to a felony...another calculated move. Again, my son was distraught, very scared. On the hearing date Cheronis found out that the case, had indeed, been moved to felony court. He was aggressive and determined to end this, talk to ASA etc. He went to ASA who agreed that this was “not right,” but that ASA couldn’t rule on this or stop it; and he’d have to talk to the Director for SA office. He called us and told us the entire situation, i.e. what he’d said and that he had an lengthy email with evidence sent to the Director and was awaiting a return call to discuss and have this addressed. He told us this call could come a wk prior to new court date. The very next day though, he received a call from the Director. After M. Cheronis talked to the Director, presented evidence, the Director told him he was “going to have the case dismissed” and Cheronis called my son. This was nothing short of a miracle! Incredible effort and outcome. He is THE best at what he does. He’s given my son hope for a future, a “win”, and a second chance to right this calculated wrongdoing towards him; and…finally see his sons. He’s got counsel from a colleague of Cheronis to take it from here for custody. We will be forever indebted to Cheronis for what he did, how he saved my son, and the passion for the integrity of due process..the judicial process. The old adage, “you get what you pay for” applies here. He’s indeed, the best! I more than highly recommend him. Make the Call.

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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

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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