Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
As a partner at Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, I am a caring and zealous advocate. I share the value system of my partner and am committed to 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.
Because the consequences can be so long lasting and drastic, when you have been accused of a crime, you don't need a good attorney. You need a great attorney.
More than anything else, I believe a great attorney views and gets to know her client as a person. She learns her client's life story and gains an understanding of the background that led to her client's current circumstance. As a person accused of a crime, you deserve to know that your representative understands you as an individual. I make sure this happens. I speak with you frequently, I make sure you understand each step of the process, and I respond to all of your inquiries in a timely fashion. And, I work hard to make sure that the prosecutor and the judge know you not just as a person accused of a crime, but as a person with a history, a family, and a life that really matters.
While our American theme is "innocent until proven guilty," it often seems this phrase should be the other way around. Make no mistake, when you have been accused of a crime, the cards are stacked against you. Because of this, you need an attorney who really knows how to aggressively represent you. I have spent more time litigating in a courtroom than most attorneys. I enjoy the advocacy of courtroom litigation. Most importantly, I listen intently to what you have to say. With me as your attorney, you will never feel there is a great argument that should have been made but wasn't. I am also an excellent collaborator. Sometimes what you need as a person who has been accused of a crime is simply the assurance that you are getting the best deal possible given your situation. I work well with all parties to make sure you are not getting a raw deal. If there is room for negotiation out there, I will find it and fit you in.
Finally, like Attorney Schierer, I work hard to fine tune my legal knowledge and my legal skills. With me as your attorney you can be assured I will be updated on the law and trained in the most recent courtroom techniques. As your attorney, I owe you the duty of competency. I strive to provide you with excellency.
Before all this began, I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Thereafter I went on full scholarship and earned a J.D. summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University. Since then, I have been honored to join the bars of the States of Illinois, Missouri and California. 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 worked on numerous misdemeanor and felony cases and have even had the pleasure of successfully arguing a criminal defense case before the Illinois Supreme Court at the age of 28.
When not working or volunteering in the community, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring local cuisine, hiking the wilderness, and reading a great book.
2
Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
$ 200-350 per hour
25%-40%
10 %
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Chat withState: Illinois
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
State: Missouri
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
1009 Illini Drive, Second Floor, East Peoria, IL, 61611
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mr. Anthony | March 11, 2014
Attorney Tiffany Ritchie conducted a thorough examination of my son's case. Her skill and professionalism along with Attorney Charles Schierer made a very difficult legal situation a lot easier on me and my family. Attorney Ritchie, even after the case was successfully concluded, took the time to fol...
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2014
Tiffany is an excellent attorney and I would recommend her to anyone searching for legal representation. Since my first consultation with Tiffany I believed I had found an experienced attorney who was going to give me the greatest circumstances for a positive outcome. Her knowledge and preparation...
Posted by Blair | October 13, 2013
Tiffany is AMAZING. She was my attorney for an order of protection and custody case. After I told her what had happened, she dropped everything and filed an emergency hearing the same day. We had the O.P. dropped and temporary custody agreement in days. She cared about my child's and my well bein...
Posted by Paul | August 3, 2013
Tiffany helped me when I was indicted on a federal drug case. She was caring and concerned about my well being. Even though i do not live in her local area she travelled to come see me and work on my defense. The end result of my case was very positive and I know I would not be where I am today witho...
Posted by anonymous | June 3, 2013
I have recommended Tiffany Ritchie over the past 10 years and al the referrals have come back positive. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the law make her an excellent counselor for any of your legal needs.
"Ms. Ritchie was opposing counsel on several of my cases that went to trial. Her preparation for trial was extraordinary and it was clear to me that she truly cared about the results she was seeking for her clients. She is smart and strategic in the handling of her cases, and is extremely articulate in her presentation. I highly endorse Ms. Ritchie, she is an excellent attorney and is well respected by the bench."
"Tiffany is a skilled advocate, a consummate professional, and a class act. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a rigorous week long trial workshop, where I was able to witness first hand the purpose, poise, and polish in Tiffany's handling of the most difficult courtroom scenarios that an attorney might encounter. I wholeheartedly endorse Tiffany for family law, criminal law, and personal injury matters in the Central Illinois area where she practices."
"Tiffany Ritchie is smart, aggressive, and works hard to get the best results for her clients. You can’t go wrong with her on your side. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Ms. Ritchie on several cases. She is always well prepared, articulate and very professional. She zealously advocates for her clients both in and out of the courtroom. Any client would benefit from having her representation."
"I highly endorse Ms. Ritchie She is an exceptional attorney, and her ability to achieve her client's goals is exceptional. She is also extremely strong in the courtroom, and her litigation skills are superb. I strongly believe that any client would be happy and thankful to have Ms. Ritchie on his or her side."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tiffany Ritchie since law school. She was a top student and she carried that leadership over into her law practice. She is a strong advocate that works hard for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Ms. Ritchie on several matters as opposing counsel. She is a tough and articulate trial attorney ready to take on any issue, but is not afraid to negotiate reasonable settlements. In every encounter, she is a strong advocate for her client, and one to be feared in court."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tiffany has excellent legal research and writing skills and is skilled advocate. I would recommend Tiffany for personal injury, criminal or family law representation. She is very friendly and easy to talk to. She also has the ability to explain complex legal situations in language that is understandable to lawyers and non-lawyers alike."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tiffany Ritchie is one of the rare attorneys who truly views her clients as people in need of help, not dollar signs in need of capturing. She has more compassion and empathy than most people I know, let alone most attorneys. She is extremely down to earth and easy to get along with. She puts complex legal terminology in language easy for anyone to understand. But, don't make the mistake of thinking Tiffany is all nice and no fire. Tiffany has everything a great litigator needs...fierce oral advocacy skills, fantastic legal writing skills, the ability to form strong relationships with other attorneys and with judges, and the tenacity to stick with her client's position on a case long enough to get the results her clients desire. At the end of the day, I would recommend any client to Tiffany. With almost a decade of legal experience, even if she can't help each individual out directly, she will give them advice and send them in the right direction."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Ritchie is a very driven and dedicated advocate for her clients. Her compassion and work ethic make her a great litigator and champion of her clients' rights. I would recommend Ms. Ritchie for anyone who is seeking superior representation with a personal touch."
Family lawyer
Child abuse lawyer
Juvenile law lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2013
Not Guilty on Murder Trial, Peoria County Jury
2013
Graduate of the Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute, American Bar Association
2011
Downtown Litigation Team, The Dependency Legal Group
2010
attorney for pilot high exposure trial team, Dependency Legal Group
N/A
Dean's Club Scholarship, Southern Illinois University
N/A
Dean's Club Scholarship, Southern Illinois University
N/A
Dean's Club Scholarship, Southern Illinois University
N/A
Summa Cum Laude, Southern Illinois University
N/A
Top Oralist at ABA National Moot Court Competition, American Bar Association
N/A
Best Casenote, SIU Law Journal
N/A
Published Article, SIU Law Journal
N/A
Legal Research and Writing, CALI Excellence Award
N/A
CALI Excellence Award, Legal Research and Writing II, CALI
N/A
CALI Excellence Award, Advanced Appellate Advocacy, CALI
2012 - Present
Partner, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
2010 - 2012
Minor's attorney, The Dependency Legal Group of San Diego
2006 - 2008
Adjunct Professor, Midstate College
2005 - 2010
Managing Partner, Schierer & Ritchie, LLC
2005 - 2009
Assistant Public Defender, Tazewell County Public Defender
2003 - 2005
Associate Attorney, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard
2002 - 2003
Summer Associate, Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard
2001 - 2003
Legal Intern, Southern Illinois University Office of the General Counsel
2000 - 2003
Constitutional Law Fellow, Southern Illinois University
2012 - Present
Women's Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Cook County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Children's CounselMember
2005 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Member
Member
Order of Protection against my client dismissed
Successfully
Defense Verdict
Settled with much improved plea offer right before trial was to commence
All three adoptions successfully completed
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
BS - Bachelor of Science
2013
Family Law
N/A
Educational Rights of Minors
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
English
Legal Answers
Do you have to pay court fees right away?
25 Oct 2012
I have been charged with theft control intent from my fiance
25 Oct 2012
I was rear-ended by a hit and run. I do have uninsured motorist. Am I still entitled a settlement for pain and suffering?
23 Oct 2012