Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers
With A Reputation For Results In Tough Cases

Cheronis & Parente LLC is known for fearless and sophisticated defense in high-profile and high-stakes criminal cases. Our team of respected trial lawyers, one a former federal prosecutor, have achieved notable results in some of the most challenging cases.

attorneys Aubrea Drake, Damon Cheronis and Chris Parente

A Preeminent Criminal Defense Firm In Chicago With Clients Nationwide

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Federal Criminal Defense

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White Collar Crimes

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Drug Crimes

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Violent Crimes

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Sex Crimes

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Criminal Appeals

We Realize The Stakes.
We Prepare For Court.

If you have been accused, arrested or charged with a serious felony offense, you need an attorney who has a winning record in state and federal criminal cases.

At Cheronis & Parente LLC, our goal is to limit your exposure to criminal penalties and the collateral consequences that come with having a criminal record. We will strive to achieve the optimum outcome in your case, whether that is the dismissal of charges, a “not guilty” verdict or a plea agreement that avoids a felony conviction.

Our attorneys have a long track record of success in some of the most complex federal and white collar criminal cases. Our mindset is to prepare for trial from the outset, and our effective motions practice is key to putting our clients in position to win. Based in Chicago, we handle cases across Illinois and throughout the United States.

Nationally Recognized
Trial Lawyers

Damon Cheronis has been selected to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 every year since 2012 for his courtroom advocacy. He has also been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers every year since 2017. Damon has defended a number of notable public figures and his cases have been reported on by most major news organizations. He has earned an impressive record of positive outcomes in high stakes cases.

Christopher Parente formerly served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago and Miami. That background as a federal prosecutor gives him a crucial edge in probing the government’s case and strategizing a formidable defense.

Aubrea Drake formerly worked in the Felony Trial Division of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and provides critical support in legal research, discovery and trial prep. Our lawyers work as a team to pursue positive outcomes for clients in dire straits.

Client Testimonials

Real Cases — Real People — Real Results

“Easy to work with – and hard to work against. A veteran of many high profile federal and state cases, clients are often surprised by how approachable they find Damon. But having seen him at trial dozens of times over the years, I can attest to his powerful motions practice, ability to conduct relentless cross-examinations, and give moving openings / closings. With personal and professional qualities that make him easy to work with – and hard to work against – anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney would be in great hands with Damon Cheronis.”

—Andy B. Chicago, IL

“A lawyer who truly cares and listens to his clients. Damon, is a lawyer who truly cares and listens to his clients. He was totally prepared for the case so he was never surprised by the prosecutions evidence or arguments. He and was able to put the prosecutors in a defensive mode. He was by far the best attorney in the court room. I would highly recommend him to everyone.”

—John D. Chicago, IL

“More than just and attorney! Very professional, always pays attention to detail and hungry to fight for his clients. The price I paid does come close to how hard he works. More than just and attorney! I definitely would recommend Damon to anyone I knew who needed a good attorney.”

—Ashley C. Chicago, IL

Our Attorneys
Meet Our Team

Christopher V. Parente
Christopher V. Parente
Damon M. Cheronis

Damon M. Cheronis

Aubrea R. Drake
Aubrea R. Drake

Our Attorneys
Meet Our Team

Damon M. Cheronis

Damon M. Cheronis

Christopher V. Parente
Christopher V. Parente
Aubrea R. Drake
Aubrea R. Drake

Notable Results

Medicare Fraud:
Acquittal At Trial
Mr. Cheronis and Mr. Parente represented a Chicago doctor accused of stealing $1.4 million from Medicare as part of an alleged multi-year fraud scheme. After a week-long jury trial, our client was acquitted of most charges and only held responsible for a $16,000 loss amount.
rated by Super Lawyers | Damon M. Cheronis | SuperLawyers.com
rated by Super Lawyers | Christopher V. Parente | SuperLawyers.com

First-Degree Murder: Reversed On Appeal
Mr. Cheronis represented an individual at trial who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 56 years in prison. Mr. Cheronis’ firm handled the appeal and won a reversal in the Illinois Appellate Court based numerous errors in jury instructions. On remand, Mr. Cheronis was able to resolve the case with his client having to serve one additional year in prison.

Title IX Sexual Assault: All Charges Dismissed
Mr. Parente and Mr. Cheronis successfully represented a student accused of sexual assault at a premier Chicago university. They conducted a thorough investigation and zealously advocated for their client throughout the University’s Title IX process and obtained a full dismissal of all charges against our client.

Drug Conspiracy: Not Guilty On All Counts
Client was charged in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine as well as three separate counts of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. The charges carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Mr. Cheronis represented the client at trial. The jury returned NOT GUILTY verdicts on all counts.

A Robust Defense
Inside And Outside The Courtroom

Cheronis & Parente LLC is known for remarkable outcomes in the toughest cases. A jury acquittal or dismissal of charges is the product of our thorough investigation, innovative strategies, timely motions and savvy courtroom tactics. We encourage early intervention whenever possible, but our trial lawyers can step in at any point to uphold your rights and mount a vigorous defense.

We have gone to trial and pursued appeals involving major felonies such as drug trafficking, racketeering, multimillion-dollar fraud, embezzlement, bribery, first-degree murder, armed robbery, sex offenses and other crimes that carry hard prison time. The federal government is selective in prosecuting white collar crimes Their prosecuting attorneys do not bring charges until they believe they have assembled a strong case. If you are in the government’s crosshairs, you need every advantage in the fight for your freedom.

Our high-profile clients face a parallel challenge in the court of public opinion. Our attorneys are adept at shielding our clients’ privacy and dealing with media scrutiny while we are working behind the scenes to defend them in criminal proceedings.