The best drug crime lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include David L. Freidberg, Mitch Furman and Steven Fine for state charges, former prosecutors Purav Bhatt and Hal M. Garfinkel, including federal cases, and Steven R. Hunter and Ktenas Law for broader defense practices.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Law Offices of David L. Freidberg | The Loop | State and federal drug crimes | Cases in Cook and DuPage |
| 2. Law Offices of Mitch Furman | The Loop | Possession, trafficking and cultivation | People wanting detail on their charge |
| 3. Law Office of Purav Bhatt | Near West Side & Pilsen | Drug charges | City cases |
| 4. Law Office of Steven Fine | The Loop | Drug crimes and intent to deliver | Intent-to-deliver charges |
| 5. Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel | The Loop | State and federal drug crimes | Federal drug charges |
| 6. Law Office of Steven R. Hunter | The Loop | Drug charges | Clients seeking a criminal-only firm |
| 7. Ktenas Law | Near West Side & Pilsen | Drug charges | South suburban cases |
Cannabis is legal for adults in Illinois within set limits, but other drug charges remain serious, and penalties depend heavily on the drug and the amount. Many defenses turn on whether a stop or search was legal, so it's important to write down exactly what happened. First-time offenders may have probation options that avoid a conviction, so ask about them early.
A broad defense practice with a drug crime section.
David L. Freidberg lists drug crimes among his practice areas, and he also handles federal crimes. His offices are in the Loop, Skokie and Oakbrook Terrace.
Good to know: Don't discuss the case on a jail phone. Calls can be recorded.
70 W Madison St, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602
Pages by drug offense type.
Mitch Furman's site has pages on drug possession, trafficking, sales, marijuana cultivation and prescription fraud, which help you understand a specific charge.
Good to know: Bring your charging document.
77 W Wacker Dr, Suite 4500, Chicago, IL 60601
A former Cook County prosecutor.
Purav Bhatt lists drug charges, and says he's a former Cook County prosecutor, from an office in Pilsen.
Good to know: Ask whether the search can be challenged.
1655 S Blue Island Ave, Suite 312, Chicago, IL 60608
A specific page on intent to deliver.
The Law Office of Steven Fine lists drug crimes and has a page on possession with intent to deliver. It advertises free consultations.
Good to know: Ask about the probation options for your charge.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604
Names federal drug charges.
Hal M. Garfinkel lists drug crimes, including cocaine, marijuana and federal drug charges. He says he previously served as a prosecutor.
Good to know: Federal drug cases can carry mandatory minimums. Ask early.
134 N LaSalle St, Suite 860, Chicago, IL 60602
A criminal defense-only firm.
The Law Office of Steven R. Hunter handles drug charges within a practice that says it's exclusively criminal defense.
Good to know: Don't consent to a search. Say so politely.
140 S Dearborn St, Suite 1610, Chicago, IL 60603
Former prosecutors with south-suburban offices.
Ktenas Law lists drug charges and describes its lawyers as former Illinois prosecutors, with offices in Orland Park, Tinley Park and Homewood.
Good to know: If you hold a professional license, tell them early.
739 S Western Ave, Suite E, Chicago, IL 60612
Intent to deliver is a much more serious charge. Prosecutors may infer it from the amount, packaging, scales or cash. A lawyer can challenge whether the evidence supports it.
For adults 21 and over, within legal limits. It's still illegal to drive impaired, to sell without a license, or to carry more than the allowed amount. It remains illegal under federal law, which can matter on federal property and for immigration.
Illinois has probation programs for some first offenders that can end without a conviction if you complete them. Eligibility depends on the charge and your history. Non-citizens must ask about immigration consequences first.