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Howard Wise

A Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Who Understands Both Sides

Few attorneys can claim the diverse experience and history of successful cases of Howard J. Wise.

The dedicated and talented Chicago defense attorney began his criminal law journey more than two decades ago, when he began studying at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After being admitted to the Chicago & Northwest Suburban Bar Associations in 1997, Mr. Wise joined the Cook County State's Attorney's Office as the assistant state attorney.

During his time at the State's Attorney office, Mr. Wise was able to gain extensive experience in many different areas of the law, including criminal appealstraffic casesDUImisdemeanors, and felonies. While working as a prosecutor, Mr. Wise developed a unique insight into how prosecutors in the Chicago criminal justice system reason, move, and attack. He honed his skills crafting arguments to put criminals behind bars, and he was quite good at his job, but something about it just was not satisfying.

After several years, he left his position to join the other side and protect people's rights as a criminal lawyer. Today, he uses his firsthand knowledge of prosecution tactics to strengthen his defense strategies. His exceptional understanding of both sides of criminal defense make him a formidable opponent in court with some of the most creative and resourceful strategies in the industry.

Education

School Major Degree Grad.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School Law JD – Juris Doctor 1996
University of Arizona Media Arts BFA – Bachelor of Fine Arts 1991

Work Experience

Title Company Name Duration
Owner Law Offices of Howard J. Wise & Associates 2006 – Present
Partner Law Offices of Wise & Wise 2003 – 2006
Associate Law Offices of William H. Wise & Associates 2001 – 2003
Assistant State's Attorney Cook County Felony Review 2001
Assistant State's Attorney Cook County Felony Preliminary Hearings 2001
Assistant State's Attorney Cook County Criminal Division 2000 – 2001
Assistant State's Attorney Cook County Traffic Division 1999 – 2000
Assistant State's Attorney Cook County Criminal Appeals Division 1999

Recent Blog Posts

Recommendations

  • Exceptional Job

    Dear XXXXXX, I thought you would want to know that Howard did an exceptional job yesterday, meeting early with the prosecutor, getting the case moved from adult court to juvenile and eventually having the case dismissed outright.  We know another co-defendant that was not so fortunate.  Howard's ...
  • Deeply Grateful

    Dear Howard, The purpose of this letter is first to assure you that I am deeply grateful that you were able to work out an agreement with the State's Attorney to secure a lesser charge of reckless driving which will allow me to continue driving with a baaid device installed in my vehicle. Second,...
  • Can’t Thank You Enough

    Dear Howard, I can't thank you enough for all your assistance.  Please let me know if you ever need anything in xxxxxx.  I will be running for councilman in about a year and stand a good chance of winning.  Now without this skeleton in my closet my odds are even better. Just remember, you always ...
  • Brilliant

    Mr. Wise, You were brilliant as you always have been.   xxxxxx is improving day by day. Love - XXXXXX
  • Joy of the Holidays

    Dear William & Howard, One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say THANK YOU, and to wish you and your family the very best for the New Year. Thank You - XXXXXX
  • Very Pleased

    Thank you for all the time you spent on my case.  I was very pleased with the service I received. Thank-you again, - XXXXXX
  • Sincere Note of Thanks

    Howard, Just a sincere note of thanks to you for doing such a great job and being relentless with my case.  I truly appreciate your tenacity and will gladly recommend you to my family and friends! Best Wishes - XXXXXX
  • Superb Efforts

    Thank you very much for your time and superb efforts!  I am very pleased with the outcome. - XXXXXX
  • Thanks for Your Hard Work

    Mr. Wise, Thank you so much for your hard work.  You did a beautiful job!  Hopefully, nothing like this will happen to me again!  I will definitely refer anyone who does have a problem of this nature to you. Good Luck in the Future  - XXXXXX
  • You Helped Me Through a Difficult Process

    Dear Howard, Thank you for all the hard work and driving! You helped me through a difficult and frustrating process, and I really appreciate it. Sincerely  - XXXXXX
  • Nothing Short of a Miracle

    Dear Mr. Wise, The outcome you got for my case was nothing short of a miracle. I don't know how to thank you enough for standing by my side through the process and giving your best for my best. Thank you for getting me the second chance in life…. With heartfelt gratitude - XXXXXX
  • Thank You for Everything

    Howard, Thank you so much for meeting with me last minute on Sunday. I appreciate you taking time away from your family to see me. I also wanted to thank you for everything you are doing for XXXXX. Sincerely - XXXXXX
  • Invaluable to Me

    Dear Howard, Thank you again for your assistance. You have been invaluable to both me and my son XXXXXX. Yours truly - XXXXXX
  • You Saved My ***

    Dude, You are so cool! You saved my ***. I will refer anyone that might need your services. Thank you & Happy Holidays, - XXXXXX
  • Thank You So Much

    Mr Wise, Thank you so much for your hard work & efforts for my Grandson Thanks  - XXXXXX
  • You’re a Good Man!

    Hello Howard, Just a note to thank you for your help with my stepson, XXXXXX. You're a good man! I appreciate your empathy with this matter. All - XXXXXX
  • How Thankful We Are

    My family and I want to express how thankful we are to you and your father for all the help, hard work, support and time you took out for us. Thank you both so very much!! May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! God Bless you. From, - XXXXXX & Family
  • Keeping Your Words

    Thanks for being a dedicated atty and for keeping your words, that means a lot to me. W/o a doubt I would recommend you, you're the best in the business, you're about the people. Thanks again P.S. You helped my son get a second chance in life. - XXXXXX
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    Dear Howard,The purpose of this letter is first to assure you that I am deeply grateful that you were able to work out an agreement with the State's Attorney to secure a lesser charge of reckless driving which will allow me to continue driving with a baaid device installed in my vehicle. Second,...
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    Dear Howard,I can't thank you enough for all your assistance. Please let me know if you ever need anything in xxxxxx. I will be running for councilman in about a year and stand a good chance of winning. Now without this skeleton in my closet my odds are even better. Just remember, you always hav...
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    Dear XXXXXX,I thought you would want to know that Howard did an exceptional job yesterday, meeting early with the prosecutor, getting the case moved from adult court to juvenile and eventually having the case dismissed outright. We know another co-defendant that was not so fortunate. Howard's exp...
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    I went to six attorneys and they all said the evidence against me was strong that I was going to lose my case I went to howard and he said he don't like to lose and if worst comes to worst he going to look for the best solution for me when we went to court he fought hard for me and won and the be...
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    I recently had a legal matter and was represented by Mr. Wise. Mr. Wise is an attorney of unparalleled distinction. There was a mistake on some of the paperwork brought before the court. I didn't notice the mistake, but Mr. Wise picked it out immediately. I spoke with two other attorney's and poi...
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    Howard is a wonderful attorney. He is very diligent, knowledgeable, and honest. My friends and I have used Howard for many years and have received outstanding results. I have referred him to many friends and will continue to do so. Grade A+++++
  • Anonymous Recommends Howard Wise

    I chose to have Howard represent me for three different cases and was extremely pleased with his services. He prepared me for every case, talked me through each step, told what I had to do to get the best possible outcome and never lied to me about my chances of winning or losing a case. Further,...
  • Simply The Best Criminal Defense Attorney Around

    Howard Wise is simply the best criminal defense/DUI defense attorney around. As a former prosecutor he knows the opposition and knows how to get the best results for all his clients. His dedication and tenacity are second to none and he gets results, period! - Client
  • "The One"

    If you are looking for a lawyer who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, understanding, passionate, honest, and much more. Howard j Wise is “The One”! He help me and my fiance. Thanks to him we still have a clean record! I can't see myself working with any other attorney. He is the best! Believe me he ...
  • Help me

    Mr.Howard is an excellect lawyer.He respect the law.He respect the court.He respect his clients.He always called me returned my calling and made time to answer my question.He a straight with you about what may happen. I thank Gid for Mr.Howard.He can be trusted. - Tammy
  • DUI Not Guilty

    I hired Mr. Wise on a friend's advice/recommendation. Before calling, I considered entering a guilty plea on my own behalf to DUI after having blown above a .08%. Thank God I re-considered – Mr. Wise won the case. Mr. Wise's knowledge of DUI law was obvious during our first consultation. He made...

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