Criminal & Traffic Law
Our criminal defense lawyer and traffic ticket attorney team defends felony and misdemeanor charges, DUI cases, and suspended license matters throughout Cook County's criminal courts.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Legal Representation From a Local, Experienced Attorney
Legal representation for Chicago's Southside since 1996. Villalobos & Associates handles criminal, eviction, civil, real estate, and estate matters from our Pilsen office.
Serving the Chicagoland Community
Legal Representation for Chicago Residents and Businesses
Chicago residents face legal matters that move fast and carry real consequences, whether it's a traffic stop on the Dan Ryan, an eviction filing at the Daley Center, or a felony case headed to the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California. Villalobos & Associates has represented clients throughout these courtrooms for almost 50 years, starting with founding attorney Raul Villalobos's years as head felony prosecutor at 26th and California.
Our office at 1620 W 18th St puts us in the heart of Pilsen, a short trip from the Cook County Criminal Courthouse, the Daley Center's civil and eviction courtrooms, and the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office where real estate transactions get filed. As a law firm built by Chicagoans, for Chicagoans, we know the judges, the clerks, and the local procedures that can make or break a case.
Whether you need a criminal defense attorney after an arrest, a probate attorney to settle a family estate, or a real estate attorney to close on a two-flat in Bridgeport, our team brings big-firm experience with the personal attention a hometown client deserves.
How We Help
Legal Services Available to Chicago Clients
Villalobos & Associates handles a full range of legal matters for individuals, families, and business owners across the city. Below are the five core practice areas we offer to residents of Chicago and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Learn About Criminal & Traffic Defense
Evictions
Landlords and tenants across Chicago turn to our eviction lawyer team for residential eviction attorney and commercial eviction attorney representation, from notice through the courtroom at the Daley Center.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation attorney and business litigation lawyer represent individuals and companies in breach of contract, contract dispute, and property dispute matters that require an experienced trial lawyer.
Real Estate Law
From residential closings in Pilsen to commercial deals downtown, our real estate transaction lawyer and commercial real estate attorney guide clients through purchases, sales, and disputes.
Estate & Probate
Our estate planning attorney and estate administration lawyer help Chicago families draft wills and trusts and guide loved ones through the probate process at the Cook County courthouse.
Chicago Courts and Local Landmarks
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Most Chicago cases we handle move through a handful of familiar buildings. Knowing which courthouse applies, and how that courthouse operates, matters as much as knowing the law itself.
- Leighton Criminal Court Building (26th and California): Felony and many misdemeanor criminal matters for Cook County are heard here, the same courthouse where Raul Villalobos once served as head prosecutor.
- Richard J. Daley Center: Civil litigation, eviction filings, and many probate matters for the county move through this Loop courthouse.
- Cook County Recorder of Deeds: Real estate closings and property disputes often require filings here to protect a buyer's or lender's interest.
- Cook County Traffic Court: Traffic tickets and license suspension hearings are typically scheduled at this dedicated facility.
- Chicago Department of Buildings: Landlord tenant attorney matters sometimes intersect with city code enforcement, particularly in older Southside and West Side buildings.
Our office location in Pilsen, just off 18th Street, keeps us close to each of these venues, which means faster filings, easier client meetings, and attorneys who show up prepared because they know the building.
Why Chicago Clients Choose Villalobos & Associates
A Local Attorney With Decades of Trial Experience
Chicago clients want a local attorney who understands both the law and the neighborhood. Here's what sets our firm apart for clients throughout the city.
Nearly Five Decades in Chicago Courtrooms
Raul Villalobos began trying cases as a Cook County State's Attorney in the 1970s and has continued as a trial lawyer ever since, giving clients access to genuine courtroom experience rather than a settlement-only approach.
Easy to Reach From Anywhere in the City
Our Pilsen office sits close to the Pink Line, the Stevenson Expressway, and downtown, making it simple for clients from Bridgeport, Little Village, the Loop, or the South Side to meet with their attorney in person.
Bilingual, Family-Focused Representation
As a Spanish speaking lawyer team serving a diverse city, we make sure language is never a barrier to strong legal representation for families and business owners alike.
Common Questions From Chicago Clients
Chicago Legal Representation FAQs
Here are answers to questions we hear often from clients navigating Chicago's court system.
How long does probate take in Cook County?
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Answers
Which courthouse handles my criminal case if I was arrested in Chicago?
Most felony cases originate at the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California, while many misdemeanor and traffic matters are handled at branch courts or the Cook County Traffic Court downtown. A criminal defense attorney at our firm can confirm your specific courtroom and appearance date.
Where are eviction cases filed for Chicago rental properties?
Eviction filings for property within Chicago typically go through the Daley Center's eviction courtrooms. Our eviction attorney team represents both landlords and tenants and can walk you through notice requirements under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance before a case is filed.
How long does probate take in Cook County?
Probate timelines in Cook County vary based on the size and complexity of the estate, but many straightforward cases resolve within nine months to a year. A probate lawyer can help determine whether a formal probate filing is even required for your situation.
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket in Chicago?
Many traffic tickets carry consequences beyond a fine, including points on your license or a possible suspension. A traffic lawyer can often negotiate reduced charges or represent you at a hearing so you avoid taking time off work to appear yourself.
What Chicago Clients Say
Trusted by Families and Businesses Across the City
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Talk to a Chicago Attorney Today
Legal problems rarely wait for a convenient time, and neither do we. Call Villalobos & Associates to schedule a consultation with an attorney who has spent decades in Chicago's courtrooms and knows how to fight for a result you can live with.
