Vijay Ratan Sharma

Vijay Ratan Sharma

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Landlord & Tenant

About Vijay

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 85%

If you are suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence). A DUI conviction has serious consequences (for example, losing your driving privileges); but an experienced DUI attorney can possibly get the charges dropped or reduced, or may be able to negotiate lesser penalties depending on your circumstances and your past history.

22 years | 3,000 cases

85%
Criminal Defense 5%

If you are suspected of a crime or charged with a violation of law, a criminal defense attorney will present your defense or negotiate a disposition. A criminal defense attorney who has worked for the state may be invaluable to have on your side. An experienced criminal defense attorney knows what information the government will need to prove your guilt and how to fight back.

24 years | 5,000 cases

5%
Landlord or Tenant 5%

Landlord/Tenant law concerns landlord and tenants' rights. Because the apartment you rent is your own personal space, the law places many limits on landlords' activities. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city. If you have a tenant you want to evict, you may benefit from the services of a landlord/tenant lawyer

19 years

5%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

If the police give you a ticket for violating traffic laws, you may need a traffic lawyer to help you through traffic court. Traffic lawyers know which people to talk to at court and the kind of deals they are willing to make. The traffic lawyer will also know the specific types of proof the officer must submit to the court and when there is not enough information to support the ticket.

22 years | 7,000 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 20 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2005

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Vijay Ratan Sharma's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

5 star (18)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Josh | May 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You don't only WANT Vijay in your corner you NEED him in your corner. He will fight tooth and nail for you!!

I received a speeding violation back in March for going 31 over the limit (I know I'm a dummy). After doing research on this violation I found out that speeding 26 to 34 miles per hour over the limit is a Class B Misdemeanor. It's punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or up to a $1500 fine. After ...I found this out I didn't know what to do. I was in fear of losing my job as I drive for a living and a clean driving record is of the utmost importance. I spoke with a few friends and they recommended that hire an attorney. I looked up 4 attorneys and contacted them for a consult. The first 3 were good attorneys and gave me some good advice on how I should plead and what to expect. But the 4th attorney (Vijay Sharma) was/is a GREAT attorney and gave me GREAT advice. He took over an hour out of his day to speak with me over the phone. What attorney would conduct a consultation for over an hour?! It showed that he really cares for his clients and that he makes sure that they understand the entire legal process. I HIRED HIM ON THE SPOT! The day finally came when we had to go to court. I was very nervous that day, but after speaking with Vijay in person he really helped me to calm down. He spoke with the prosecutor about the violation and he was able to get them to reduce my Class B Moving Violation down to a Non-Moving Violation! This guy is a incredible! I was completely ecstatic about how well Vijay was able to perform! He did everything he said that he was going to do and then some! We spoke for well over an hour after court had ended about different topics. If you hire Vijay Sharma you WILL NOT be disappointed! Thank you so much Vijay for all of your help! I greatly appreciate it!

Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2017 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Knowledgeable & Steadfastness

Won't do you wrong. Will be by your side assuring you both education and success for wins.

Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2015

The Right Lawyer for the Job

Mr Sharma is an excellent attorney and knows his stuff. He isn't afraid to fight for his clients. He has always made himself available and answered all questions intelligently and accurately. In helping me with a difficult case, his information to me was always spot on and he was very fast on his f...eet during the trial. He was able to obtain a favorable result for me. I highly recommend him and I don't do that very often. I need to mention that in this cold hard world, he also has a heart!

Posted by anonymous | May 4, 2014

Review of Vijay Sharma

A friend recommended Vijay to me, and I had no prior experience hiring a lawyer before so I gave him a call. He was on his way out of town, but talked to me on the phone and gave his full on legal advice for an hour. I was thinking to myself, "not only is Vijay giving me legal advice, but he's provid...ing full on support for the stress that I am feeling." Upon reaching my court date, Vijay explained the expectations and how everything would happen in full detail. All of my questions were answered with the utmost knowledge. There was a high level of respect and regard for myself, the client's, needs. After my court date was completed, I still found myself asking questions about my case. A text or a call away, Vijay made himself available, and was there once again to speak about the concerns I had. Although the experience of having a court case was not at all ideal, I am very pleased with the attorney that I chose. Because of his positive perspectives, knowledge, respect, and support, I would recommend him to all.

Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2014

DUI Lawyer - A+++++++

Vijay was very helpful in helping me through this tough time and with his skills was able to get me off the hook with the least severity possible. He is passionate about what he does and will help you through all the hurdles you face through your case. He explained to me all my rights and all the opt...ions I had. He made sure I understood everything that was occurring and that I knew the consequences of what would happen if I choose to do one thing over the other. Overall, he did a great job and I would highly recommend him.

See All Client Reviews

Vijay Ratan Sharma's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vijay
Matthew David Keenan headshot
Matthew Keenan

Litigation lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vijay is one of the most talented young attorneys I have ever worked with. He is a fast, fiercely intelligent advocate. Many attorneys do all that they can to avoid a trial. On the contrary, Vijay enjoystaking cases to trial whenever doing so is in the client's best interests. A problem with many people entering the profession is that they have a limited grasp of non-legal topics. That is to say, they know their own tiny area of law and very little else. Vijay is unique in that he is both a heavy reader and a people person. He gets the big picture and the small picture, and he knows how to find the weakenesses in a case. As a state's attorney, he was always courteous. He has stayed the just as pleasant on a personal level, but experience has made him even sharper as a trial lawyer. He is a rising star in the criminal defense field."

Nicholas Paul Baker headshot
Nicholas Baker

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Earlier in my career I practiced criminal defense--Mr. Sharma was always the person I would turn to when help was needed on a difficult to case. Each time I consulted and worked with him, I obtained favorable results for my clients--far exceeding mine (and my clients) expectations. I now refer all my criminal defense cases to Mr. Sharma. I highly recommend him to clients and other attorneys alike."

Elizabeth Jordane Andonova headshot
Elizabeth Andonova

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He's sharp, responsive, and really knows his stuff when it comes to the law!"

James T. Hyun headshot
James Hyun

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vijay was always professional and treated all lawyers with respect and dignity. He is terrific in court and has great command of all legal issues. Clients are well served hiring Vijay for their needs."

Todd Brian Projansky headshot
Todd Projansky

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Vijay is great. He puts on a terrific trial and has strong relationships in the courthouse."

Nils P. Wyosnick headshot
Nils Wyosnick

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Vijay is very skilled at trial and negotiation. He has an expert understanding of the criminal justice system. Any client would receive the best representation."

Jason Blake Stevens headshot
Jason Stevens

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Vijay ever since he was a prosecutor. He has always been a sharp intelligent advocate. As a former prosecutor he uses his experience to achieve impressive results."

Paul F. Serkland headshot
Paul Serkland

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I got to know Vijay when he was a prosecutor at the Skokie Courthouse. Vijay is highly respected for his knowledge of the law and his honest, straight forward approach. He has a solid understanding of all areas of criminal and DUI law. I am happy to endorse Vijay."

Denise M. Nalley headshot
Denise Nalley

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Vijay Sharma is a very intelligent attorney who takes great pride in zealously representing his clients. As a Prosecutor he was a formidable opponent and he brings that same dedication to his criminal defense practice. Any client will be well served by Mr. Sharma's skills and representation. I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Anthony Javier headshot
Mark Javier

Criminal defense lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danelle Marie Wozniak headshot
Danelle Wozniak

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Vijay since law school. He is an incredible person and stellar attorney who works tirelessly for his clients. His passion and dedication to the law is evident in his practice and conduct. He's a true professional!"

Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kenneth Mitchell Alpert headshot
Kenneth Alpert

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Vijay for many years and am very happy to endorse him. Vijay is both a terrific lawyer and a great student of the law. Vijay not only handles cases with an abundance of skill, he makes sure that his clients understand each step, so that they are a legitimate part of their own defense. Vijay is extremely plugged in with current events and with the latest developments in the legal community. I personally follow his blogs and have often learned new things, which have helped me in my legal practice. Further, Vijay is very easy to get along with and very receptive to questions from clients and other attorneys. If you are looking for a lawyer who really knows his stuff and will make a tough time in your life alot easier, Vijay is the lawyer to call!"

James S. Flores headshot
James Flores

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Sharma is a great lawyer. He is an experienced attorney who fights for his clients rights."

Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Litigation lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Sharma for over a decade and he is a honest, hard-working, skilled trial attorney who is well respected by his clients, judges and other lawyers in Illinois. It is also worth noting that Vijay is not afraid to fight for his clients in and out of the courtroom and he has a reputation for good results."

Warren J. Breslin headshot
Warren Breslin

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer - frequent trial opponents when he was a prosecutor. He is truly a professional with a thorough knowledge of the law and excellent trial skills."

David L. Freidberg headshot
David Freidberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I more than endorse this attorney. I have to say that Vijay is one of the more charming and affable state's attorneys I have had the pleasure of dealing with. And since he's gone into private practice, even more so. As a prosecutor I found him to be more than willing to really look at a case and make an offer that fit the crime. And if the case really wasn't worth prosecuting, he could admit it and dispose of the matter in the proper manner. Anyone looking for an experienced attorney who cares for his clients with gusto should look no further than Vijay."

Wayne B. Addis headshot
Wayne Addis

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Vijay for a number of years, both as an assistant state's attorney and a criminal defense lawyer. As a former state's attorny, Vijay was very competent and alway fair. As a defense attorney, he is extremely diligent, hardworking, and has the utmost respect of his colleagues."

Michael Joseph Pyrchalla headshot
Michael Pyrchalla

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Samuel Worley Jr. headshot
James Worley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vijay brings a high level of skill and creativity to the legal profession and on behalf of his clients."

View All Endorsements
Elizabeth Jordane Andonova headshot
Elizabeth Andonova

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Mitchell Alpert headshot
Kenneth Alpert

DUI and DWI lawyer

Warren J. Breslin headshot
Warren Breslin

Criminal defense lawyer

David L. Freidberg headshot
David Freidberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Wayne B. Addis headshot
Wayne Addis

DUI and DWI lawyer

Nicholas Paul Baker headshot
Nicholas Baker

Business lawyer

James Samuel Worley Jr. headshot
James Worley

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Joseph Albanese headshot
Richard Albanese

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Joseph Pyrchalla headshot
Michael Pyrchalla

Real estate lawyer

Matthew R. Gebhardt headshot
Matthew Gebhardt

Criminal defense lawyer

Harold L. Wallin headshot
Harold Wallin

Criminal defense lawyer

Russell Kaufman headshot
Russell Kaufman

Family lawyer

Matthew David Keenan headshot
Matthew Keenan

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Denise M. Nalley headshot
Denise Nalley

Criminal defense lawyer

Frank R. Difranco headshot
Frank Difranco

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2014

2014 Traffic Law & Courts Section Council, Illinois State Bar Association

2014

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

Avvo.com Clients' Choice: Speeding Ticket, Avvo.com

2013

2013 Traffic Law & Courts Section Council, Illinois State Bar Association

2013

Avvo.com Clients' Choice: Criminal Law, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo.com Clients' Choice: Landlord & Tenant, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo.com Clients' Choice: DUI, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo.com Top Criminal Law Contributor, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo.com Top DUI Contributor, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo.com Top Speeding Ticket Contributor, Avvo.com

2013

Avvo Top Landlord & Tenant Contributor, Avvo.com

2012

Avvo.com Top Speeding Ticket Contributor, Avvo.com

2012

Avvo Top Landlord & Tenant Contributor, Avvo.com

2012

Avvo Top Criminal Law Contributor, Avvo.com

2012

Avvo Top DUI Contributor, Avvo.com

2011

Movember: Country Gentleman of the Year, Peru State College Rotoract

Work Experience

2010 - Present

President, The Law Office of Vijay R. Sharma

2011 - 2012

Assistant Professor, Peru State College

2010 - 2012

Adjunct Professor, City Colleges of Chicago--Wright College

2009 - 2010

Associate, Keefe, Campbell and Associates

2007 - 2009

President, The Law Office Of Vijay R. Sharma, PC

2005 - 2007

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

Associations

2014 - Present

American Society of Legal Advocates

Attorney

2012 - Present

National Lawyers Guild

Attorney Member

2012 - Present

Cook County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Attorney Member

2005 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Attorney Member

2011 - 2012

Nebraska State Education Association

Member

2007 - 2009

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Attorney Member

2005 - 2008

American Bar Association

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

2011 LLC v. H & W

Judgment for tenants, halfway through 1st witnesses testimony

People v M

Case Dismissed

People v. M.

Evidence thrown out. Case Dismissed.

D.D. v. L.H.

Judgment for Tenant

People v. H.

License Suspension Dismissed. Case Dismissed based on no probable cause for the arrest.

People v P

After trial -- Finding of Not Guilty

People v S

After trial -- Finding of Not Guilty

State v Y

Granting of Petition to Rescind Summary Suspension

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Loyola University Chicago

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

STARTING POINTS: DUI DEFENSE If All Else Fails: DUI Sentencing in Illinois

2014

Practical Professionalism: Criminal Law Recognizing a "Bad" Client

2014

DUI and Traffic Law Updates – Fall 2014 Quick Hits: Supervision, GDL, and CDL

2013

1L Mock Trial Competition Moot Court Competition Volunteer Judge

2012

31st Annual Moot Court Competition Moot Court Volunteer Judge

2011

Academic Training Program Workshop

Overview of the Criminal Justice System: From Arrest to Trial

2011

Academic Training Program

The College Student’s Civil and Criminal Rights: The Law and its Consequences.

2010

1L Mock Trial Competition

Mock Trial Coach

2007

1L Mock Trial Competition

Judge At Mock Trial Competition

2006

Client Counseling Competition

Judge At Mock Trial Competition

2006

1L Mock Trial Competition

Mock Trial Coach

Languages

Hindi

Urdu

English

Activity

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