Brendan Damien Bukalski

Brendan Damien Bukalski

also known as Brendan Bukalski, Brendan D. Bukalski

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Bloomington, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Administrative Law, DUI & DWI, Expungement

115 W. Front Street, Bloomington, IL

About Brendan

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 55%

I handle all criminal defense matters, including violent crimes, DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, firearm offenses, and trafficking. Whether beating a case at trial or avoiding prison/jail, my record speaks for itself.

20 years

55%
Administrative Law 20%

I help people restore their driver's License as well as get their gun rights. The law is complex, and the system is difficult to navigate. I've helped hundreds obtain reinstatement, and am on-call to help even more.

20 years

20%
DUI and DWI 15%

DUI laws are complex, and the consequences can really affect someone's life. I pride myself on the fact that I care about more than just the DUI itself, but also its effects on your entire life for years to come.

20 years

15%
Expungement 10%

Whether expungement, sealing, or pardons, I've done them all, and have a track record of success! Clearing up people's record isn't easy, but helping people get on with their lives and put their past behind them is priceless to me.

20 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 19 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2006

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Missouri for 18 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 2007

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Johnson Law Group

115 W. Front Street, Bloomington, IL, 61701

Johnson Law Group

236 North Water Street, Suite 330, Decatur, IL, 62523

Johnson Law Group

456 Fulton Street #140, Peoria, IL, 61602

Johnson Law Group

1100 S. 5th Street, Springfield, IL, 62703

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Brendan Damien Bukalski's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (18) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Dwight | December 09, 2018

Very thorough and professional!

I came to Mr. Bukalski with a very stressful and sensitive legal problem. He quickly put my mind at ease and explained all the appropriate options. I was impressed by his expansive legal knowledge and compassion for the sensitive nature of my situation. He was very thorough answering my questions, ...and did not rush our appointment time. I was pleasantly surprised by his recommendations and felt very relieved. Based on my experience I would endorse Mr. Bukalski without reservation for resolution of any legal issues.

Posted by anonymous | November 09, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Faced possibly 5yrs, received conditional discharge without probation!!

Was charged with a violent crime and the state was pushing hard for incarceration. The end result wasn't perfect but I don't think I could have asked for more. It was really almost a miracle the way things turned out. I was very blessed, as not having had a prior record and following all the recommen...ded steps along the way, I still wasn't guaranteed a great outcome. Brendan and all the attorneys at his law firm worked to help me. If you're not sure about where to look or you're in a difficult situation and need help, I'd recommend at least consulting with him before looking elsewhere. I was really scared how one mistake would affect the rest of my life, but Brendan saw the good in me and worked to put my mind at ease and give me a chance for a better future. And for that, I'm very grateful. Thank you, Brendan. Best wishes to you and the firm!

Posted by Brian | May 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Simply Outstanding

Brendan is everything you could hope for in a lawyer. He is willing to answer any questions, never judgmental, and truly does work for his clients. I could not be happier with the service and attention I received from Brendon and his firm. He really did make the process easy to understand and followe...d through on everything he said he was going to do for me. I can honestly say I would have still given him a glowing review even if the case hadn't worked out in my favor. Lawyers get a bad rap but Brendan couldn't be further from the stereotype.

Posted by Travis | May 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Want a fighter Brendan is your guy!!

Went to several attorneys for consultation about my class 3 felony charge. All sounded the same, that they would take money and plea out. Luckily found Brendan and he was obviously different. From the start showed his passion for the law and for wrongfully accused defendants. Was very clear about hi...s strategy and explained it so that I understood and even took time to make sure I was comfortable every step of the process. After all said and done my class 3 felony was knocked down to a class a misdemeanor. I can not thank this man enough and would strongly encourage anyone in need of a defense to stop shoping attorneys and call him. Thank you again Brendan.

See All Client Reviews

Brendan Damien Bukalski's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brendan
Jeffrey Ryan Brown headshot
Jeffrey Brown

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brendan is a fantastic individual and conscientious and aggressive criminal defense attorney. I endorse him."

Maureen Williams headshot
Maureen Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I was up against him when he was a prosecutor. He was always fair, knowledgeable, honest. A great lawyer."

Kevin C Sanborn headshot
Kevin Sanborn

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brendan always fights for his clients, provides excellent service for his clients, and takes the time to explain to clients what is going on with their case and answer any questions they have."

James Todd Ringel headshot
James Ringel

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brendan is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who is willing to go the extra mile for his clients."

Douglas B Johnson headshot
Douglas Johnson

Unknown lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Douglas B Johnson headshot
Douglas Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

James Todd Ringel headshot
James Ringel

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin C Sanborn headshot
Kevin Sanborn

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top Lawyer, Directory of Who's Who

2017

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Managing Partner, Johnson Law Group

2013 - 2016

General Partner, Johnson Law Group

2007 - 2013

Assistant State's Attorney, Livingston County State's Attorney's Office

2006 - 2007

Attorney, Bukalski Law Office

Associations

2021 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Board of Governors Member

2021 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Co-Chairperson, Membership Committee

2021 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Member, CLE Committee

2021 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Co-Chair, Membership Committee

2020 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Chairperson, History Committee

2020 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Second Assistant Editor, Committee on Criminal Justice

2017 - Present

Champaign County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Present

McLean County Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Livingston County Bar Association

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Illinois Bar Foundation

Member

2020 - 2021

American Bar Association, Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

Contributor

2016 - 2020

McLean County Bar Association

Co-Chairperson of the History Committee

Sample of Legal Cases

Ivancicts v. Griffith

We won on appeal: the judge had to dismiss the case

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Southern Illinois University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

New York University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2022

Attorney CLE MCBA

Felony Murder in Illinois Introduction

2021

Pontiac Treatment Provider

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2021

Pontiac Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2021

Attorney/Paralegal CLE CIPA

Demystifying Cannabis in Illinois

2021

Attorney CLE ISBA

Demystifying Cannabis in Illinois: What You Need to Know to Advise Your Clients and Potential Clients

2021

Attorney CLE ECIWAA

Demystifying Cannabis in Illinois

2020

Pontiac Treatment Provider

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2020

Pontiac Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2020

Bloomington Treatment Provider (3 times)

Pontiac Treatment Provider (4 times)

2020

Attorney CLE MCBA

Demystifying Cannabis in Illinois: What You Need to Know to Advise Your Clients and Potential Clients

2020

Attorney CLE

Emergency Rules & COVID-19: What Every Attorney Needs to Know to Manage Their Firm & Advise Their Clients

2019

Pontiac Treatment Provider (4 times)

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2019

Peoria Treatment Provider (4 times)

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2019

Pekin Treatment Provider

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2019

Bloomington Treatment Provider (3 times)

Get Back on the Road: Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2018

Pontiac Treatment Provider (4 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2018

Peoria Treatment Provider (8 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2018

Pekin Treatment Provider (2 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2018

Bloomington Treatment Provider (4 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2017

Pontiac Treatment Provider (3 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2017

Peoria Treatment Provider (10 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2017

Pekin Treatment Provider (7 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2017

Bloomington Treatment Provider (11 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2016

Pontiac Treatment Provider (4 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2016

Peoria Treatment Provider (9 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2016

Pekin Treatment Provider (6 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2016

McLean County Bar Association CLE

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2016

Bloomington Treatment Providers (15 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2015

Pontiac Treatment Provider (3 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2015

Pontiac Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2015

Peoria Treatment Provider (2 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2015

Peoria Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2015

Pekin Treatment Provider (3 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2015

Charleston Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2015

Champaign Guns Save Life Meeting

FOID Cards & Conceal Carry License Issues

2015

Bloomington Treatment Provider (7 times)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

2013

Bloomington Treatment Provider (1 time)

Driver's License Reinstatement in Illinois

Publications

2022

2021

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2020

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2019

The Intelligencer Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2019

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2019

The Intelligencer Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2018

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2018

The Intelligencer Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2017

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2017

The Intelligencer Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2016

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2016

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2015

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2015

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2014

Johnson Law Group Blog Various Topics

2014

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2013

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2012

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2011

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2010

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2009

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2008

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

2007

Illinois periodical Ask the Lawyer (weekly column)

Languages

English

Activity

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