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.

A Preeminent Criminal Defense Firm In Chicago With Clients Nationwide
Federal Criminal Defense
White Collar Crimes
Drug Crimes
Violent Crimes
Sex Crimes
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
Our Attorneys
Meet Our Team


Damon M. Cheronis

Our Attorneys
Meet Our Team

Damon M. Cheronis


Notable Results
Acquittal At Trial


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.
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.