Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer

Robert J. Callahan Attorney at Law

Criminal Defense for All People

Robert Callahan has defended people of all races, sexes, nationalities and economic classes and will use extensive resources, professional relationships and superior legal knowledge to protect your constitutional rights. Click here to see videos detailing our areas of expertise.

Specialties of Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Callahan:

• Murder
• Drug Offenses (Possession, Trafficking, and possession with intent to distribute)
• Federal and Felony Charges
• Illinois DUI Attorney and Chicago DUI Lawyer
• Weapons
• Sex Charges
• Embezzlement and Fraud
• Assault and Battery
• Juvenile Crime
• Violent Crimes
• Theft and Burglary
• Domestic Violence
• Probation Violations
• Hit and Run
• Traffic and Felony Traffic Offenses

August 2010 - Domestic Battery - Not Guilty

Jorge R. was arrested and charged with the offense of Domestic battery in January earlier this year.  His girlfriend at the time made statements to the Chicago Police that he had "backhanded me in the shoulder" and "punched me in the face"  Jorge strenuously denied ever having harmed her in any way.  He claimed that she had falsified the charges against him because the relationship was ending. We started out by subpoenaing all the relevant CPD police reports, dispatch recordings, and 911 tapes.  Our investigation disclosed that the Complaining Witness had not called the police until some 8 hours after she alleged she was struck by Jorge.  At trial, during an intense cross-examination by Robert Callahan, she testified that Jorge had "backhanded her in the face".  This was completely different from what she had told the police.  We had the relevant reports at hand, and were able to impeach her (show she was lying) by indicating the difference to the Judge. It was apparent to nearly everyone in the courtroom that she was a complete liar.  You can't always say that "justice prevailed" in the types of cases we win, but in this one, IT IS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH. Also, our thanks to Associate Gabrielle Sansonetti for her assistance in case prep and during the cross-examination of the complaining witness.

March 2010 - Unlawful Use of Weapons by a Felon/Possession of Heroin - Probation (8 prior Felony Convictions)

Ryan B. was arrested and charged by the Chicago Police with Unlawful Use of Weapons by a Felon and Possession of Heroin. At the time of his arrest Ryan had 8 prior Felony Convictions. Our investigation of the case disclosed that the stop and search of Ryan's vehicle was illegal.  We filed a Motion to Suppress evidence supported by the recent change in Constitutional Search and Seizure Law.  In the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling in Arizona v. Gant, the law was changed with regard to the the permissibility of the scope of a lawful search incident to arrest.  During the Hearing on the Motion to Suppress Evidence, we were able to bring out facts and evidence favorable to the defense.  After the Motion, we began to explore the possibility of a favorable plea negotiation. After a strenuous, difficult, and prolonged negotiation with the Assistant State's Attorneys assigned to the case we were able to have a conference with the Judge pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 402.  The result of the Conference was that Ryan received a sentence of 2 years TASC PROBATION!

February 2010 - Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver - Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing

Michael J. was arrested and Charged by the Chicago Police with Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver, a Class 3 Felony.  Investigation showed that the circumstances surrounding the offense alleged in the Police reports were highly suspect. At the Preliminary Hearing, the officer testified that Michael was observed engaging in what appeared to be a narcotics transaction.  The officer testified Michael was approached by an unknown individual, engaged in a brief conversation, and was tendered and unknown amount of U.S.C. Michael was stopped, detained and ultimately searched.  During the search, a felony amount of cannabis was discovered. The stop, detainment and arrest of Michael was illegal and the case was DISMISSED.

December 2009 - Driving under the Influence of Alcohol - Not Guilty

Howard D. was charged by the Illinois State Police with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.  He blew into a Portable Breath Test (PBT) at the scene of his arrest, and the result was well over the legal limit. The result of the PBT was inadmissible at trial. Although the Trooper's reports described Mr. D. as "having an extremely strong odor of alcohol on his person", and that he had failed 3 separate Field Sobriety Tests, Mr. D. was found - Not Guilty

September 2009 - Domestic Battery - Not Guilty

Oralia S. was charged with the offense of Domestic Battery. Her daughter alleged that Oralia had punched and kicked her during a family argument. Oralia's daughter (L.S.) was shown to be lying during Cross-examination.  L.S.'s testimony did not match the testimony of the other witnesses.   One witness testified that L.S. was on the ground when Oralia struck her, while the other witness maintained that L.S. was standing during the altercation. The Judge found that the State did not overcome Oralia's presumption of innocence, and found her Not Guilty of all charges.

July 2009 - Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin

James C. was charged with Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin, a Class X Felony with a mandatory 6 Year Sentence. We filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence, and set the case for a hearing on all relevant facts. Prior to the hearing, investigation revealed that the Chicago Police had improperly, illegally, and unconstitutionally stopped the car James C. was traveling in. During the Preliminary Hearing numerous inconsistencies were uncovered during cross examination of the arresting officer.  The Police had basically stopped Mr. C. for no reason.  They testified that James "was in a high narcotics area" and that he had made movements which looked like a "suspected narcotics transaction".  The Officer also testified that James made a "furtive movement" as the officers approached him.  At the hearing on the Motion To Suppress Evidence we were able to demonstrate to the Judge that the stop of the car was unconstitutional, and that the arrest of James was improper.  The Judge agreed with us and the Motion to Suppress Evidence was Granted.  The case was then dismissed. 

APRIL 2009

Felony Unlawful Use of Weapons, Impersonating a Police Officer-No Probable Cause, Case Dismissed

Cross-examination of the arresting officers resulted in a finding of No Probable Cause, all charges dismissed.