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.
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 with extensive experience representing clients in serious criminal matters. His practice is focused on courtroom advocacy, protecting his client’s rights, and holding the State to its burden of proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. His dedication to his clients and commitment to their defense have earned their trust and respect.
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, James Cosmano holds the State to its burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt, challenges weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and aggressively defends 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 Successful Criminal Case Outcomes
Extensive criminal defense experience, with hundreds of cases resulting in favorable outcomes, including acquittals, dismissals, successful motions, and reduced charges.
Every Case Prepared For Trial
From the moment he is hired, James Cosmano prepares every case to challenge the State's evidence, exposing weaknesses in its case, and vigorously defending his client in court.
Every Defendant Is Presumed Innocent
James Cosmano identifies weaknesses in the State's case and holds the prosecution to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
A Former Law Clerk To Cook County Judges
Before entering private practice, James Cosmano served as a law clerk to judges in Cook County, gaining valuable insight into courtroom procedures, judicial-decision making, and the criminal justice system
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.
In DUI and criminal defense, preparation can make the difference. James Cosmano approaches every case with meticulous attention to detail, carefully examining the evidence, scrutinizing the State’s allegations, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecutions case. He analyses the facts and applicable law to develop a focused defense strategy designed to protect his clients’ rights and interests.
From pretrial motions through trial and resolution, every aspect of the case is approached with purpose and precision. Whether seeking a dismissal, pursuing a not-guilty verdict, negotiating reduced charges, he works diligently to position his clients for the best possible result 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 a Petition To Rescind The Statutory Summary Suspension.
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 or another favorable outcome.
The Process
How DUI Cases Are Won
Thorough Investigation
Every Case Prepared For Trial
Protecting your rights
Pursuit Of A Favorable Outcome
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 approximately $3000 in fines and court costs
Outcome 05
Avoid approximately $2000 in DUI evaluation, classes and treatment
Outcome 06
Protect your freedom, reputation and future
46
Days until driver's license 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.
James Cosmano regularly represents drivers challenging statutory summary suspensions. He thoroughly examines the evidence and circumstances surrounding the arrest and chemical testing to determine whether the suspension should be rescinded. In a statutory summary suspension, the driver bears the burden of proof. Because the issues are limited and specific legal requirements must be met, it is important to have an experienced attorney like James Cosmano who understands the process. Protecting your driving privileges requires immediate action.
“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
From drug crimes and weapons charges to assault, battery, domestic violence, theft, and other serious misdemeanor and felony 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
Cook
County
DuPage
County
Will
County
Kane
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McHenry
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Lake
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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 other serious criminal charges.
- Daley Center
- Wheaton
- Rolling Meadows
- Skokie
- Bridgeview
- Maywood
- Markham
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
After a DUI arrest, contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately. Important evidence may be lost or become more difficult to obtain with the passage of time. Prompt investigation can help identify and preserve evidence relevant to your case.
What is the difference between a DUI arrest and a DUI conviction?
A DUI arrest does not mean that you have been convicted of DUI. An arrest means that law enforcement has taken you into custody based on an allegation that you committed a DUI offense. The criminal case must still proceed through the court system.
A DUI conviction occurs when you are found guilty of the offense through a guilty plea, a finding of guilt after a trial or another legally recognized disposition resulting a conviction. A conviction can carry significant criminal and driving-related consequences.
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
After a DUI arrest, contact an experienced DUI attorney immediately. Important evidence may be lost or become more difficult to obtain with the passage of time. Prompt investigation can help identify and preserve evidence relevant to your case.
What happens on the 46th day of an Illinois DUI Suspension?
In Illinois, a Statutory Summary Suspension generally takes effect on the 46th day following the date the suspension notice is issued. Once the suspension begins, the driver may not lawfully drive unless otherwise authorized by law.
What penalties can result from a DUI conviction?
A DUI conviction in Illinois can result in significant criminal and driving related consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the offense and the driver’s prior record, penalties may include fines, court supervision or probation where legally available, community service, alcohol or drug treatment, and imprisonment. A DUI conviction also results in the revocation of driving privileges, with the period of revocation depending on the driver’s prior DUI history.
Can I challenge A Statutory Summary Suspension?
Yes. Illinois law allows a driver to challenge a statutory summary suspension by requesting a judicial hearing in the circuit court. The request generally must be made within 90 days after the suspension notice is served.
At the hearing, the court considers specific issues established by law, including whether the driver was properly arrested for DUI, whether the officer had reasonable grounds, to believe the driver was driving while under the influence, and whether the requirements concerning chemical testing were satisfied.
The request for a hearing does not automatically or delay the suspension. because important deadlines apply, it is important to contact an experienced DUI promptly after receiving a statutory summary suspension notice.
How long does a DUI stay on my driving record?
In Illinois, a DUI court supervision disposition or conviction can remain part of your driving record. A statutory summary suspension is also recorded on the driving record.
Can criminal charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes. Criminal charges can sometimes be dismissed before trial. Depending on the circumstances, a dismissal may result from a legal defect in the charge, a violation of the Defendant’s rights, a lack of sufficient legal grounds to proceed or other issues identified during the defense of the case.