James Cosmano — Leading Illinois DUI And Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer

Charged With DUI Or A Criminal Offense? The Lawyer You Choose Can Make The Difference Between A Conviction And A Not Guilty Verdict.

Ready for Trial. Ready to Fight. Ready to Win.

Why Hire James Cosmano

Why Clients Choose James Cosmano

James Cosmano is a leading Illinois DUI and criminal defense trial lawyer. His dedication to courtroom excellence, aggressive advocacy, and commitment to protecting his clients’ rights have earned him recognition among his peers and legal organizations.

Hundreds Of Trial Victories

Years of trial experience and hundreds of trial victories built on preparation and results.

Every Case Prepared For Trial

From the moment he is hired, every case is prepared with one goal in mind — a not guilty verdict.

Defendant is presumed Innocent

Identifies weaknesses in the State's case and holds the prosecution to its burden of proof.

Respected by Judges, Prosecutors, and Fellow Defense Attorneys

Dedication to courtroom excellence has earned recognition among peers and legal organizations.

With years of trial experience and hundreds of trial victories, James Cosmano has built a reputation as a lawyer who is prepared to challenge the State’s evidence and fight for his clients when the outcome matters most. He understands that choosing the right lawyer may be the most important decision you make after being charged with a DUI or criminal offense.

Hundreds Of Trial Victories

Years of trial experience and hundreds of trial victories built on preparation and results.

Every Case Prepared For Trial

From the moment he is hired, every case is prepared with one goal in mind — a not guilty verdict.

Aggressive Challenge Of Evidence

Identifies weaknesses in the State's case and holds the prosecution to its burden of proof.

Recognized By Peers

Dedication to courtroom excellence has earned recognition among peers and legal organizations.

Why Hire James Cosmano

Why Clients Choose James Cosmano

James Cosmano is a leading Illinois DUI and criminal defense trial lawyer. His dedication to courtroom excellence, aggressive advocacy, and commitment to protecting his clients’ rights have earned him recognition among his peers and legal organizations.

When your freedom, your driver’s license, and your future are on the line, you need a lawyer who is ready to take the fight to the prosecution. With years of trial experience and hundreds of trial victories, James Cosmano has earned a reputation for holding the State to its burden of proof, exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and aggressively defending his clients in court. He prepares every case for trial because prosecutors are far more likely to negotiate seriously when they know the defense is ready to fight. If you have been charged with DUI or a criminal offense, choosing the right lawyer may be the most important decision you make. It could be the difference between a conviction and a not guilty verdict.

Hundreds Of Trial Victories

Years of trial experience and hundreds of trial victories built on preparation and results.

Every Case Prepared For Trial

From the moment he is hired, every case is prepared with one goal in mind — a not guilty verdict.

Defendant is presumed Innocent

Identifies weaknesses in the State's case and holds the prosecution to its burden of proof.

Respected by Judges, Prosecutors, and Fellow Defense Attorneys

Dedication to courtroom excellence has earned recognition among peers and legal organizations.

Ready For Trial. Ready To Fight. Ready To Win. image

Ready. Prepared. Relentless.

Ready For Trial. Ready To Fight. Ready To Win.

A criminal conviction can remain on your record for life and affect your employment, professional licenses, reputation, and future opportunities. James Cosmano knows every client deserves a thorough investigation, an aggressive defense, and a lawyer who is fully prepared to take the case to trial. From the moment he is hired, every case is prepared with one goal in mind—to obtain a not guilty verdict by exposing weaknesses in the State’s evidence and holding the prosecution to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Every DUI and criminal case is unique, but one principle never changes: preparation wins cases. Thorough preparation enables James Cosmano to identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and position his clients for the strongest possible outcome—whether through a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or another favorable resolution supported by the facts and the law.

Practice Areas

Focused Practice. Trial-Ready Defense.

DUI Defense

Aggressive defense against DUI charges. Every case prepared for trial, every piece of the State's evidence challenged.

Statutory Summary Suspension

Immediate action to protect your driving privileges through petitions to rescind Statutory Summary Suspensions.

Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor and felony defense throughout Illinois — from drug and weapons charges to assault, battery, and theft.

Trial Representation

Courtroom experience and preparation to challenge the prosecution's case and pursue a not guilty verdict.

The Process

How DUI Cases Are Won

Winning a DUI case starts with preparation. A DUI conviction can affect much more than your criminal record — you may face substantial fines, court costs, evaluations, and mandatory classes that can cost thousands of dollars. Protecting your record, your driving privileges, your finances, and your future begins with hiring a lawyer who is prepared to fight.
Thorough Investigation image

Thorough Investigation

James Cosmano thoroughly investigates the State’s evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and challenges the evidence used against his clients.

Every Case Prepared For Trial

Every DUI case is prepared for trial by carefully examining the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, chemical testing, police reports, and every piece of evidence the State may rely upon to obtain a conviction.

Protecting your rights

By preparing every case for trial and aggressively challenging the State’s evidence, James Cosmano fights to protect his clients from the financial, personal, and legal consequences of a DUI conviction.

Pursuit Of A Favorable Outcome

Winning a DUI case may result in a not guilty verdict, dismissal, or another favorable outcome depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Winning A DUI Case Means

What A Not Guilty Verdict Looks Like.

Outcome 01

No criminal conviction

Outcome 02

No permanent criminal record

Outcome 03

No suspension of driver's license

Outcome 04

Avoid $3000 in fines and court costs

Outcome 05

Avoid $2000 in DUI evaluation, classes and treatment

Outcome 06

Protect your freedom, reputation and Future

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Days until suspension automatically takes effect

Driving Privileges At Risk

Statutory Summary Suspension Hearings

Fight to prevent the automatic 6-month or 1-year suspension of your driver’s license.

A Statutory Summary Suspension can suspend your driving privileges for 6 months to 3 years, depending on the circumstances of your case. The suspension automatically takes effect 46 days after the Notice of Summary Suspension is served, making it critical to take immediate action to protect your driving privileges. The process begins by filing a Petition to Rescind the Statutory Summary Suspension. Unlike a DUI criminal case, a Statutory Summary Suspension hearing is a separate civil proceeding where the court determines whether the suspension should be rescinded.

James Cosmano regularly handles Statutory Summary Suspension hearings and has successfully challenged suspensions by identifying weaknesses in the State’s evidence and holding the State to its burden of proof. Protecting your driving privileges requires immediate action and an experienced lawyer who understands how to fight for a rescission of the suspension.

“When your driver’s license and your ability to drive are at risk, James Cosmano will fight to protect your rights.”

Illinois Criminal Defense

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal charge can have serious consequences for your freedom, your reputation, and your future. James Cosmano is an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer who represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Illinois.
From drug crimes and weapons charges to assault, battery, domestic violence, theft, and other serious and other serious felony and misdemeanor offenses, James Cosmano prepares every case for trial, challenges the State’s evidence, and fights to protect his clients’ rights. When the outcome matters most, you need a lawyer who is prepared to stand up and fight for you.

Counties Served

Serving Clients In Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, And Lake Counties

James Cosmano regularly represents clients throughout Illinois, including Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Kane County, McHenry County, and Lake County.

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Chicagoland Courthouses

Appearing in courthouses throughout the Chicagoland area.

His experience handling cases throughout these courts provides his clients with the courtroom experience and knowledge needed to effectively defend against DUI and criminal charges.

Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a criminal and DUI attorney do?

A criminal and DUI attorney represents individuals charged with criminal offenses and driving under the influence violations. The attorney works under state and local laws. The goal is to protect legal rights and ensure proper court procedures.

Common DUI cases include first-time DUI, repeat offenses, and aggravated DUI. Cases may involve alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. Evidence often includes breath, blood, or urine tests.
Yes. Criminal and DUI attorneys handle both misdemeanor and felony charges. Felony cases may involve serious penalties, including prison time and large fines.
Penalties may include license suspension, fines, probation, or jail time. The severity depends on factors such as blood alcohol concentration, prior offenses, and state laws. Court-ordered education programs may also apply.
An attorney should be contacted as soon as charges are filed or an arrest occurs. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and meet court deadlines. Timely action can impact case outcomes.
The consultation reviews arrest details, test results, and police reports. Legal options are discussed based on the facts. The attorney explains possible defenses and court procedures.
Selection is based on experience, practice focus, and knowledge of local courts. Credentials, case history, and professional licensing are reviewed. Clear communication and availability are also important.

The Right Lawyer Matters

When Your Freedom Is On The Line, Choose A Lawyer Prepared To Fight.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with James Cosmano to discuss your DUI or criminal case.