Murder Defense
Homicide charges carry the highest stakes. The defense examines the evidence, intent, forensic findings, and any claim of self-defense from the first investigation through trial.
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney
Aggressive Criminal Defense When Everything Is On The Line
John Miraglia is a Chicago criminal defense attorney who fights for clients facing serious charges throughout Chicago and Illinois.
How it begins
Three steps. One clear path.
- 1
Call or request a consultation
Call (312) 829-2308 or send the consultation form below.
- 2
Confidential case review
Discuss the charge, the court, and the deadlines that apply to your case.
- 3
Defense plan
The evidence and options are reviewed, and a defense is prepared.
No attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Arrested or charged?
What to do first — before you say anything about your case
What you do in the first hours after an arrest can shape everything that follows. These three steps protect your rights while you get a lawyer involved.
- 1
Stay silent
Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss what happened with police, other people in custody, or anyone else until you have spoken with an attorney.
- 2
Do not consent — and do not post
Do not consent to searches and do not post anything about your case online. Messages and posts can be collected and used against you.
- 3
Call before your court date
Call as soon as you can, and do not miss any court date. Early advice matters, especially in felony and federal cases.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different. What matters is getting advice about your charges, your court, and your deadlines promptly.
Defense by charge
State and federal criminal defense, by the charge you face
John Miraglia defends misdemeanor and felony charges in Illinois state and federal courts. Select a charge to read the firm's page for that charge, or to discuss that case in a confidential consultation.
Armed Robbery Defense
Armed robbery cases turn on identification, the alleged weapon, and what the evidence actually proves. Each element is tested, not assumed.
Gun Charges Defense
Weapon cases often turn on the stop, the search, and whether possession is proven. Each of those issues needs to be tested carefully.
Sex Crimes Defense
Sex crime allegations are sensitive and carry serious, lasting consequences. They demand discreet investigation and a thorough review of every piece of evidence.
Domestic Battery Defense
Domestic battery cases move fast and may involve orders of protection. The defense examines the full context, the evidence, and what actually happened.
Drug Charges Defense
Possession, delivery, and trafficking cases depend on searches, seizures, lab testing, and chain of custody. The defense challenges how evidence was obtained and what it proves.
Also defended
DUI, federal cases, juvenile cases, and other felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as litigation, civil rights, and discrimination matters.
About John
A fighter in your corner
John Michael Miraglia is a seasoned criminal defense attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, with more than two decades of courtroom experience. Licensed since 2001, he represents clients facing serious misdemeanor, felony, and federal criminal charges.
John works directly with clients and prepares each matter around the evidence, the applicable law, and the demands of the courtroom. He is fluent in English and Spanish and serves Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, and surrounding communities.
How a case is defended
Preparation comes first: the evidence is examined, the procedures that produced it are challenged, and the case is prepared as if it will go to trial.
- 01
Evidence investigation & analysis
Police reports, witness statements, forensic data, and surveillance are scrutinized for weaknesses in the prosecution case.
- 02
Procedural & search challenges
Constitutional violations during arrest and investigation, including illegal searches and improper interrogations, are challenged.
- 03
Full trial preparation
Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, whether it resolves by negotiation or is presented to a jury.
24+YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
5.0AVVO CLIENT RATING
2STATE LICENSES — IL & WA
2LANGUAGES — ENGLISH & SPANISH
Why John Miraglia
Prepared from day one, and direct with you throughout
John Michael Miraglia is a Chicago criminal defense attorney with over two decades of courtroom experience. Clients describe him as someone who takes each case personally and fights for his clients' rights and freedoms.
01
Trial-Tested Experience
Over 24 years of active courtroom practice navigating the Illinois justice system in state and federal courts.
02
Relentless Advocacy
John prepares every matter with close attention to the evidence, the courtroom, and the client's priorities.
03
Bilingual Service
Fluent in English and Spanish, John ensures that language is never a barrier to quality legal representation.
04
Client-First Approach
Clients work directly with John from the first consultation through every stage of the case.
Background & credentials
Education & licensing
John Miraglia's qualifications reflect a commitment to legal practice built over more than two decades.
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
John Marshall Law School, Chicago — 2001
Illinois Bar License
Active and authorized to practice — licensed since 2001
Washington Bar License
Licensed since 2011
Avvo Rating 5.0 / 5.0
Client rating published on Avvo
Languages
English and Spanish — serving Chicago's diverse communities
Payment Options
Retainer basis — cash, check, and credit card accepted
Where John practices
Chicago, Cook County & DuPage County — state and federal courts
The firm is based in Chicago and represents clients across Chicagoland and throughout Illinois.
Chicago criminal defense
Based at 910 W. Van Buren St. in Chicago, the firm defends people charged in the city, from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies.
Cook County criminal defense
Cook County cases in Chicago and suburban courthouses are a core part of the practice in state court and federal court in Chicago.
DuPage County criminal defense
Clients charged in DuPage County and surrounding counties receive early investigation, careful evidence review, and preparation for trial.
Office
John M. Miraglia, Ltd.
910 W. Van Buren St. #2S
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 829-2308
Hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
If you have been arrested or have an upcoming court date, call promptly.
Client Testimonials
What clients say
Real words from real clients who trusted John Miraglia with their most important legal matters.
"I never had much trust in lawyers, but John Miraglia changed that. Though professional by all means, he seemed to take my case personally and went beyond what my money could afford to win my case. If you're fighting a case or know someone who is, I urge you to give him a call. Thanks again John!!!"
Angela
Hired Attorney — 2020 — Google Verified
"John is a great lawyer. He had been my lawyer for 8 years. He has helped win my son's case. He is unstoppable and fights to win."
Ann
Hired Attorney — February 2018 — Avvo Verified
"If you're in a legal situation and need an attorney who will truly, sincerely, and professionally represent you, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mr. MIRAGLIA. He's by far the best attorney you probably never heard of."
Emanuel Myers
Hired Attorney — Google Verified
Client statements describe individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions, answered first
Criminal defense in Chicago: answers before you call
Short, direct answers to the questions people ask first. Tap a question to read its answer, then call or request a confidential consultation to discuss your own case.
What should I do if I am arrested or charged in Chicago?
Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, do not consent to searches, and contact a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. Do not miss a scheduled court date.
Does John Miraglia handle federal criminal cases?
Yes. The firm represents clients in Illinois state and federal courts, including serious felony and federal criminal matters.
How much does it cost to hire John Miraglia?
Legal fees depend on the charge, complexity, stage of the case, and work required. The consultation is the right time to discuss the case and fee structure.
Does John Miraglia speak Spanish?
Yes. John Miraglia is fluent in English and Spanish and provides confidential consultations in both languages.
Which areas does John M. Miraglia, Ltd. serve?
The firm is based in Chicago and represents clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, surrounding communities, and Illinois state and federal courts.
Will my criminal case go to trial?
That depends on the facts, evidence, charges, and available options. Each case is evaluated individually, and no outcome can be promised in advance.
Get in touch
Your case demands this level of defense
Do not face criminal charges without an experienced trial attorney. Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and the defense options available.
Request a confidential consultation
Brief details only. Do not include a long statement about your case before you have spoken with the attorney.