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Charles Gregory Schierer
About Charles
Biography
As the managing member of Schierer & Ritchie, I represent and defend many good people every single day who are facing extremely tough criminal charges. I began my career as a criminal defense attorney with the public defender's office and then started a criminal defense practice of my own. After years of this, I made the decision to fulfill a life-long dream and spend a term serving my country in the United States Navy Jag Corps. There, I was assigned the job of criminal prosecutor. While I never thought I'd find myself in this role, I learned many invaluable lessons during my time on the other side. I carried these lessons with me back into private practice when I returned to where I belong...zealously defending the little guy. Now, I once again fight to obtain fair results for my clients.
After years of working with hundreds of clients, I have defined my core values as these: forming personal and caring relationships with my clients, advocating aggressively and zealously for my clients, and honing my legal skills through continued and regular professional training and education to better serve my clients.
I place an absolute premium on client communication and client trust. Each and every case we handle is unique. Each and every client is an individual deserving of individual attention. I personally meet with every single client, and personally investigate each and every situation. With me as your attorney, you will never feel like you are just one of the herd. I will treat you as a good person in a difficult situation, not a dollar sign and otherwise a nuisance. I will care about your case, I will respect you as a human being, I will have compassion for your situation, and I will return all communications promptly.
I advocate aggressively. I know the law. I know when cases should be settled. I know when jury trials are warranted. I know when we are getting a good deal and a bad deal from the prosecutor on a case. I form strong relationships with judges and courtroom staff, and you will be taken care of accordingly.
Finally, I believe that, as long as I live, I am a work in progress. I believe that I owe my clients the duty of continually enriching my legal knowledge and experience. Because of this, I attend trainings regularly to enrich both my legal knowledge and my courtroom skill. I will use my updated knowledge and skill to help you through your case.
Before all this began, I earned a B.S. in Accountancy from the top accountancy school in the nation at the time, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Thereafter I earned a J.D. from one of the top 25 best law schools in the nation, Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. I have been honored to join the bars of the States of Illinois, Missouri and New York. As a result, I am uniquely qualified to practice in all state courts in these states and in several federal courts throughout the states.
I work in both the trial and the appellate venues of practice. I have tried numerous misdemeanor and felony cases before a jury and have even had the pleasure of participating in the defense of a criminal case that went all the way to the Supreme Court of Illinois.
When not working or exploring my community, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, watching my beloved Fighting Illini, soaking in the sights at Wrigley Field, traveling, and exploring local cuisine.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
34%
27 years | 500 cases
Criminal Defense
33%
27 years | 750 cases
Family
25%
27 years | 250 cases
Business
4%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 17 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 25 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 26 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
1009 Illini Drive, East Peoria, IL, 61611
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Charles Gregory Schierer's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (13)
Lawsuits & Disputes (7)
Car Accidents (4)
Personal Injury (4)
Child Custody (3)
Litigation (3)
Military Law (3)
Insurance (2)
Violent Crime (2)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
Debt Collection (1)
Drug Crime (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Family (1)
Immigration (1)
Juvenile (1)
Real Estate (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
Uncontested Divorce (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | July 17, 2013
Hire Schierer!
I highly recommend Mr. Charles. He handled my case like a true professional. He kept my informed. I've had other lawyers that keep u in the dark. Charles Schierer called me back when I had a question. He made me feel as if he cared about me. Not just the $$. If you need a lawyer call him.
Posted by Ingrid | May 31, 2013 | Car Accidents
Excellent and caring Attorney
My Husband contacted Charles regarding a recent car accident that was not my fault. Upon meeting with Charles for the first time I felt very comfortable and that Charles is a caring and very knowledgeable attorney. Since then we have been in constant contact via phone, in person and email. The fir...
Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2013 | Immigration
Wouldnt go there for immigration again
I contacted Schierer & Ritchie LLC with regards to be naturalization case. I have talked to them over the phone and explained it, the person who took the call was clueless of what I was asking but was quick to give me an appointment. During the appointment I started talking about the forms and detail...
Posted by Mother | May 08, 2013 | Criminal Defense
During difficult times, you and your love ones could not find anybody better than Attorney Schiere to represent you!
Love one got himself in trouble with the law and attorney Schierer has been there to offer not only his professional experience and services but in addition he personally has giving us the peace of mind we needed during this difficult time. He promptly communicated the legal process even before we hi...
Posted by Leigh | November 19, 2012 | Military Law
An amazing, intelligent & extremely caring lawyer who makes you feel like you are his only client!
We hired 'Chuck' as he had us call him, for our son's case of 'fraudulent enlistment'. Although our son was the client, Chuck wanted to speak with his parent/parents since he recently enlisted , was young & didn't understand the 'military way', he wisely felt it necessary to include us in the proces...
Charles Gregory Schierer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I practice law in upper East Tennessee, was recently retained to represent a client in a pending federal criminal prosecution. With no real notice or warning, it turned out my client was actually going to be prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. I had a very short window of time to locate Illinois counsel for him prior to my client being transported to that district. I began searching, on a Saturday, desperate to find my client and his family representation. Luckily, Mr. Schierer called me back, and we had a very productive discussion. He immediately spoke to my client's family, and we were able to get him involved. I was blown away with how accessible Mr. Schierer was on a weekend and how willing he was to help. He is a shining example for how every member of our profession should operate. If you need to refer somebody to an attorney in the Chicago/Peoria, Illinois area, or anywhere even remotely close, this is your man!"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have actually referred quite of few cases to Chuck and he has done excellent work on their behalf."
"I got to know Chuck when he was a JAG in San Diego. Whenever we discussed the law, I was always impressed with the breadth of his knowledge and experience."
"I have known Chuck for a number of years and had many cases with him when I was a prosecutor. Chuck is a zealous advocate for his clients and an excellent courtroom attorney. Chuck is an outstanding attorney and I endorse him completely."
"I endorse Charles. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chuck for many years and I have worked with him on several matters. Chuck is constantly seeking the best for his clients and is very mindful of their needs. He does a great job and strikes a balance between zealous advocacy and providing reasonable, realistic advice."
"You can't go wrong with Chuck Schierer. He's smart, aggressive, and works hard to win his cases. Highly recommended."
"I whole-heartedly endorse Mr. Shierer. Chuck is an exceptional attorney who garners extraordinary results for his clients. His professionalism and integrity are well-known, as are his superior litigation skills and ability to vigorously and successfully advocate for his clients' rights. You will not be disappointed with Chuck on your side. Highly recommended!"
"Chuck is a true professional and skilled attorney. I've had the pleasure of watching him litigate courts-martial, where his advocacy for his client and civility towards the judges and co-counsel served as a model for junior attorneys on both sides of the aisle. He was also a fine mentor and co-worker; always ready to lend an ear or helping hand. The Navy lost a good one when Chuck entered private practice, but I know that the Illinois bar is more skilled and civil because of his practice."
"I endorse this attorney. Chuck Schierer is a hard working, well respected attorney who has proven to obtain great results for his clients."
"Mr. Schierer has earned the respect of his fellow attorneys through his strong work ethic and legal knowledge. He offers strong advocacy for his clients in all assets of the the law from family law to criminal defense. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chuck is a smart, hard-working attorney that advocates with energy. He has a wide range of legal experience and I recommend him."
"Chuck and I worked together years ago and I have made sure to stay in touch because he is a great guy. Chuck not only knows all aspects of the law so he can successfully protect his clients, but he cares about his clients too. I would not hesitate to recommend Chuck to a friend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Charles is a hard-working, well-respected attorney. No doubt Charles will continue to work hard for his clients and continue to get the results that his client that his clients desire."
"Chuck is as professional as he is tenacious in representing his clients. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"I had the pleasure of working with Charles for 4 years. He is one of the best attorneys I have every worked with. He is hard working, diligent, tenacious and absolutely committed to his clients."
"I had the pleasure of working with Chuck for two years on just about every type of criminal case. He was always prepared, poised and professional - the best litigator I've had the pleasure of working with and one of the best I've ever seen. His courtroom demeanor and ability to relate to juries is what makes him so successful. He understands people and the dynamics of a case, but what makes his practice extraordinary is his ability to tell his client's story at every phase of litigation. A trial is a human drama and Chuck is a masterful storyteller. He has the personality, technical expertise and passion of a top llitigator. I would not hesitate to recommend Chuck to any of my family or friends."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schierer has always shown himself to be a lawyer of the highest integrity, with a commitment to doing the very best for his clients. Mr. Schierer's attention to detail on every case provides the edge required to be successful. I would highly recommend his legal services."
"I have watched Charles handle hundreds of criminal cases, first as a public defender, then as a private criminal defense attorney, then as a prosecutor with the United States Navy. I am most impressed by the compassion and empathy Charles has for his clients and their families. He does his best to put himself in their shoes. Next, I am impressed by Charles's courtroom advocacy. He is extremely persuasive in front of a jury, and really knows how to focus the jury's attention on holes in the prosecution's case. Also, he is a trained negotiator and mediator. He puts these skills to play in working great deals with the prosecution. Finally, Charles knows the importance of keeping his clients and their families regularly updated about the status of a case. He understands that lives and emotions are in balance, and he cares enough to ensure that everyone involved always knows what is going on. I hold Charles in the highest regard and would recommend his defense services to anyone."
"Chuck Schierer is an outstanding attorney. Having handled many cases where Mr. Schierer represented the other side I can say that I have rarely known an attorney as competent, respectful, and as self-composed as Mr. Scheirer. I fully endorse this attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Most Caring Advocate, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
2012
Navy Comendation Medal, Secretary of the Navy
2010
Navy Achievement Medal, Secretary of the Navy
2008
Certified Illinois Mediator, State of Illinois
N/A
Trial Pyramid -- Successful Defense Verdict, Sandberg Phoenix
N/A
Trial Pyramid -- Successful Defense Verdict, Sandberg Phoenix
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Managing Partner, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
2008 - 2012
JAG, United States Navy
2005 - 2007
Assistant Public Defender, Peoria County Office of the Public Defender
2005 - 2008
Partner, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
2004 - 2005
Associate, Brown & Crouppen, PC
1999 - 2004
Associate, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard
1998 - 1998
Summer Associate, Brown & James, PC
1997 - 1997
Summer Associate, United States District Court Eastern District Of Missouri
Associations
2017 - Present
Tazewell County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
2012 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
United States Navy JAG Corps Reserve
2012 - Present
Chicago Bar Association, Bench & Bar CommitteeMember
2012 - Present
Chicago Bar Association, Criminal Law Committee
2012 - Present
Chicago Bar Association, Tort Litigation Committee
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2005 - Present
Illinois State Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Villoreal
Dismissal
Nolan v. fast food
Settlement
People v. Graham
Successful Sentencing
Halverson v. Smith
Settled with much improved plea offer right before trial was to commence
People v. Shanine
Successful negotiation
People v. Jones
Not Guilty
Hurst v. Hurst
Settled
People vs. Diggins
Successful at the Supreme Court Level
People v. Walker
Not Guilty
People v. Atkinson
Defense Verdict
People v. Little
Not Guilty
Education
1999
Washington University in St. Louis
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Office Seminar
What to do if the police stop you.
2013
JAG conference
Uniform Code of Military Justice Update
2008
Fraternity and Sorority Summit
Driving Under Intoxication -- What to Know Before you Decide to Drink and Drive
Publications
2013
Avvo
What to Do When You are Arrested
N/A
Illinois Supreme Court
People v. Diggins
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can I expect from municipal court for a shoplifting offense?
22 Aug 2012
Q&A
I have a U.U.W. conviction (15yrs ago) can i apply for a pardon ?
22 Aug 2012
Q&A
How will a Field Grade Article 15 and seperation under Ch 9 effect my veterans benifits?
17 Aug 2012