Thomas C. Brandstrader, Criminal Defense Attorney
THOMAS BRANDSTRADER, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, specializes in the defense of serious criminal matters in Illinois and Federal Courts and is one of a select group of highly qualified lawyers to be certified by the Illinois Supreme Court as lead counsel in death penalty cases. In addition to 30 years in the practice of criminal law and extensive trial work, Mr. Brandstrader has exceptional appellate court experience. He has had the distinct opportunity to orally present his arguments and issues to both the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. He has authored over five hundred briefs and appeared in every appellate district in Illinois as well as the Seventh and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. His expertise includes all areas of criminal defense and appellate and post conviction practice. Mr. Brandstrader has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, their highest attorney rating, every year since 2003. Mr. Brandstrader has been recognized as a preeminent attorney in the area of Criminal Appellate Law by Leading Lawyers, a division of Law Bulletin Publishing Company every year since 2005.
- Overview ~ The office of Thomas C. Brandstrader concentrates exclusively in the areas of Illinois State and Federal Criminal Defense and Appellate law:
- Assault and Battery
- Burglary
- Bond Hearings
- Capital Offenses
- Criminal Appeals
- Criminal Conspiracy
- Criminal Defense; Criminal Fraud
- Criminal Forfeiture
- Drugs and Narcotics, DWI
- Federal Criminal Law
- Felonies
- Juvenile Law
- Murder, Manslaughter, Homicide
- Parole and Probation
- Post-Conviction Remedies
- Search and Seizure
Thomas Brandstrader was Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as Lead Counsel for Capital Litigation Cases
Awarded Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer’s Rating of AV, their highest Attorney Rating.
Recognized as preeminent attorney in the area of Criminal Appellate Law by Leading Lawyers.
Admitted ~ 1979, California; 1981, Illinois; 1983, U.S. District Court, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh and Ninth Circuits
Biography ~ Recipient: American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Procedure. Assistant Public Defender, Cook County Public Defender’s Office; Negotiating Committee, 1987. Treasurer, Public Defender’s Union, 1987. Qualified Lead Counsel, Illinois Capital Litigation Bar, Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, 2002.
Memberships ~ Illinois State Bar Association; Chicago Bar Association; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice; Lawyers’ Assistance Program; Cook County Circuit Court Arbitration Program; Federal Defenders Association.
Bar/Professional Association Involvement ~ Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Illinois Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Lawyers’ Assistance Program Public Defender Negotiating Committee, 1987; Treasurer, Public Defender’s Union, 1987 Cook County Circuit Court Arbitration Program
