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

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 16 - 18 of 18 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Long distance legal help

Vijay was an tremendous help to me when I was in Chicago for a visit, driving a friend's car and inadvertently turned right on red where prohibited. As a result, I was stopped by a Glenview police officer and unfortunately did not have proof of insurance with me. I received two tickets and a court da...te at which there was no way I could appear. Because I now live 1500 miles from Chicago, Vijay represented me at that court date with my proof of insurance and was able to have a costly ticket dismissed. He was professional and discussed my case in detail with me before appearing in court on my behalf. After the hearing, Vijay contacted me immediately with a full report and instructions on how I should proceed. I believe that his quality reputation, professionalism and diligence was an asset to the success of my case. I would highly recommend Vijay to anyone needing legal services.

Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2008 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Vijay got my suspension removed from my driver's license

Vijay was my attorney for a speeding ticket and suspended license. We went to court at the Skokie Courthouse, and I did not have to say a word to the judge or prosecutor. Vijay talked to them for a bit, and my offenses were thrown out! Vijay did a great job of keeping me informed of the process, b...efore, during and after the court appearance. He knows alot of people there, and was very helpful in letting me know what to do after the tickets were removed. I would definitely recommend Vijay to my family and friends, as I was very satisfied with his professionalism and knowledge of the law.

Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2008 | DUI & DWI

Great Young Lawyer

Vijay took care of my DUI. He is very knowledgeable and cares about his clients. He made me feel like I was the only client he had. his charges were reasonable under the circumstances, But he told me a great thing before I walked in, he said "I'm your shield and I'll try to protect you from everythin...g." and he did. Vijay is a Great Lawyer!

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