Aggressive. Experienced.
Former Cook County Felony Prosecutor
Cook County Criminal Defense Attorney
Navigating criminal charges in Cook County requires more than knowledge of the law—it requires a defense attorney who understands how this massive court system actually operates. Cook County is the largest unified court system in the United States, covering six district courthouses and numerous branch courts throughout Chicago. Each courtroom has its own culture, judges, prosecutors, and procedures. Success depends on experience, insight, and the ability to adapt to the unique environment of each courtroom.
Andrew M. Weisberg brings nearly 30 years of criminal law experience from both sides of the courtroom. For eight years, he served as a Cook County prosecutor, trying cases, negotiating plea deals, and learning firsthand how prosecutors build and evaluate criminal cases. He now uses that insider experience to defend clients throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Over the decades, Andrew has gained extensive knowledge about how different judges and prosecutors operate. He understands that no two courtrooms are alike—and no two decision-makers respond to the same approach. Some judges prefer strict legal arguments; others focus on fairness, practicality, or mitigation. Some prosecutors push hard for maximum penalties; others are open to negotiation or alternative resolutions. The best criminal defense lawyers understand that success often depends on knowing when to fight, when to negotiate, and how to read the room. Andrew’s years inside Cook County courtrooms allow him to anticipate strategies, identify opportunities, and craft tailored defenses that fit the case, the facts, and the judge in front of him.
With thousands of cases handled across every Cook County district and every major branch court in Chicago, Andrew is equipped with the courtroom instincts, practical experience, and legal knowledge needed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS IN COOK COUNTY
Cook County’s criminal court system is vast, complex, and fast-moving. Every courthouse, every branch, and every courtroom operates differently. Understanding these differences can dramatically impact a case—especially when issues like bond, preliminary hearings, negotiations, and trial strategy are involved.
Andrew’s decades of experience in every major courtroom in Cook County give his clients a critical advantage. He knows the personalities, tendencies, and expectations of prosecutors and judges across the system. This insight allows him to prepare cases strategically, anticipate challenges, and avoid the pitfalls that less-experienced attorneys miss.
Whether your case is in a suburban district or one of Chicago’s busiest branch courts, Andrew understands the local procedures, the unwritten rules, and the nuances that can make or break a defense.
THE COOK COUNTY COURT SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Cook County is divided into six districts, each with its own courthouse. In addition, Chicago’s First Municipal District includes multiple branch courts handling misdemeanors, felonies, domestic violence cases, and specialized matters.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the districts and branch courts where Andrew regularly represents clients.
COOK COUNTY DISTRICT COURTS
1st District – Chicago
Primary courthouse:
Leighton Criminal Courthouse
2650 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
Also includes multiple branch courts listed below.
2nd District – Skokie
5600 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, IL 60077
Handles felony and misdemeanor cases arising in the northern suburbs. Includes preliminary hearing courtrooms for felony matters.
3rd District – Rolling Meadows
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Serves the northwest suburbs. Contains felony preliminary hearing courtrooms and assigned trial courtrooms.
4th District – Maywood
1500 Maybrook Drive
Maywood, IL 60153
Covers western suburbs with full misdemeanor and felony divisions, including preliminary hearing courts.
5th District – Bridgeview
10220 S. 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Handles cases from numerous southwest suburbs and includes multiple felony courtrooms for preliminary hearings and trials.
6th District – Markham
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway
Markham, IL 60428
Covers the southern suburbs. Includes extensive felony courtrooms, preliminary hearing divisions, and misdemeanor dockets.
CHICAGO BRANCH COURTS (FIRST MUNICIPAL DISTRICT)
Branch 23 – Misdemeanors (West Side)
5555 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60639
A major misdemeanor courtroom handling arrests primarily from Chicago’s West and Northwest Sides.
Branch 29 – Misdemeanors (Now consolidated with Branch 23)
5555 W. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60639
Formerly located at Belmont & Western, now operating out of the same location as Branch 23.
Branch 34/35 – Misdemeanors (Near North & Downtown)
151 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
Handles misdemeanor offenses arising from the Near North Side, River North, Gold Coast, Magnificent Mile, and downtown Chicago.
Branch 43 – Misdemeanors (West Side)
3150 W. Flournoy Street
Chicago, IL 60624
A dedicated misdemeanor courtroom serving the West Side of Chicago.
Branch 44 – Misdemeanors (South Side)
3150 W. Flournoy Street
Chicago, IL 60624
Handles misdemeanor offenses from portions of the South Side.
Branch 46 – Misdemeanor Jury Trial Courtroom
3150 W. Flournoy Street
Chicago, IL 60624
This unique branch court conducts jury trials for misdemeanor cases—one of the few misdemeanor jury trial venues in Chicago.
Branch 66 – Felony Preliminary Hearings (Murder and Sexual Offenses)
2650 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
This courtroom exclusively handles preliminary hearings and early-stage proceedings for the most serious felony cases, including murder and sexual assault. These cases may also be presented to a grand jury for indictment.
Branch 98 – Fugitive Court (Out-of-State Warrants)
2650 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
This courtroom handles cases involving arrests on out-of-state warrants, extradition issues, and fugitive-from-justice matters.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT (Chicago)
555 W. Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60607
This courthouse handles misdemeanor and felony domestic violence offenses, orders of protection, and related matters.
WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED COOK COUNTY DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Facing criminal charges in Cook County is daunting—cases move quickly, procedures vary widely, and prosecutors are aggressive. You need a defense lawyer who knows each courtroom, each district, and the dynamics that influence decisions.
Andrew’s decades of firsthand Cook County experience give you the advantage of a lawyer who:
• Understands the unwritten rules of each courthouse
• Knows how judges and prosecutors differ in style and expectations
• Recognizes when cases should be litigated aggressively and when strategic negotiation benefits the client
• Understands the critical steps in bond hearings, preliminary hearings, and trial preparation
• Has relationships built over nearly 30 years in Cook County courtrooms
Clients benefit from this insight at every stage—bond court, pretrial motions, evidence challenges, negotiations, and trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Cases in Cook County
How is Cook County’s court system different from other counties in Illinois?
Cook County has the largest unified court system in the United States, with six Municipal Districts and multiple branch courts. Each courthouse has its own prosecutors, judges, procedures, and culture. Navigating this complex structure requires an attorney with direct experience in each district.
Which courthouse will my case be assigned to?
Your case is assigned based on where the incident occurred. Chicago cases fall within the First Municipal District and may go to a branch court or to 26th and California for felonies. Cases from the suburbs go to one of the district courthouses—Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, or Markham.
What is the difference between misdemeanors and felonies in Cook County?
Misdemeanors are heard in branch courts or suburban district courts and carry a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail. Felonies are prosecuted at 2650 S. California Avenue or in felony rooms within the district courthouses and can result in prison sentences, lengthy supervision, and long-term consequences.
Are Cook County prosecutors stricter than other counties?
Cook County prosecutors follow policies unique to the county. The approach to diversion, negotiations, bond decisions, and charging varies significantly between Chicago and the suburbs. An attorney with broad Cook County experience understands these internal differences and knows how to work within them.
What happens at a preliminary hearing in Cook County?
A preliminary hearing determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with a felony case. In Chicago, certain serious felonies go through Branch 66; other cases go through preliminary hearing courts in each suburban district. If the judge finds no probable cause, the case may be dismissed.
Do all Cook County courthouses operate the same way?
No. Each district has its own courtroom culture. Judges have different expectations, prosecutors have different caseload styles, and procedures differ widely. A strategy effective in Skokie may be ineffective in Markham. Local experience matters.
How long do criminal cases take in Cook County?
Timelines vary based on the type of charge, the complexity of discovery, and the courthouse handling the matter. Misdemeanors often move faster, while felony cases can take many months or longer. An attorney experienced with Cook County dockets can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Can criminal charges be dismissed without going to trial?
Yes. Charges may be dismissed due to lack of evidence, constitutional violations, successful motions, or effective negotiation. Early intervention by an attorney increases the likelihood of securing a dismissal or reduction.
What should I do if I have court in a branch court or district court?
Arrive early, dress appropriately, and do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Branch courts move quickly, and cases may be called unexpectedly. Your attorney will handle communication with prosecutors and guide you through the hearing.
Choosing the Best Cook County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Do I need a lawyer who practices regularly in Cook County?
Yes. Cook County’s structure and courtroom culture are unlike any other county in Illinois. A lawyer who routinely works in these courtrooms knows the judges, prosecutors, and local practices—knowledge that can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
What qualities should I look for in a Cook County criminal defense attorney?
Look for experience, particularly in Cook County courts; a strong track record with the specific type of charge; familiarity with local judges and prosecutors; responsiveness; and an attorney who handles your case personally rather than passing it to associates.
How important is it that my attorney knows the specific courthouse where my case is pending?
Extremely important. Rolling Meadows is not the same as Skokie; Markham is not the same as Maywood. Each courthouse has its own rhythms and expectations. A lawyer who knows the tendencies of the judge handling your case has a strategic advantage from day one.
Does choosing a former prosecutor help in Cook County?
It can. A former Cook County prosecutor understands how cases are evaluated, how charging decisions are made, and how prosecutors negotiate. This insight can help anticipate arguments, identify weaknesses in the State’s case, and negotiate from a position of strength.
How can I tell if an attorney truly has Cook County experience?
Ask specific questions:
• How often do you appear in this courthouse?
• Do you know the judges in my district?
• What is your experience with prosecutors in this courtroom?
• Have you handled cases similar to mine in this specific branch or district?
An experienced Cook County lawyer will answer confidently and with detailed knowledge.
Is it important that I work directly with the lawyer I hire?
Yes. In many large firms, cases are handed off to junior attorneys. You should know who will be standing next to you in court. Working directly with an experienced attorney ensures consistent strategy, personal attention, and better communication.
CONTACT ANDREW M. WEISBERG – COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
If you are facing criminal charges anywhere in Cook County—including Chicago or any of the five suburban districts—contact Andrew M. Weisberg immediately. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in your case.
Call Andrew at (773) 908-9811 for a free, confidential consultation, or complete the Case Review form on our website. He is available 24/7 to protect your rights and guide you through the complex Cook County criminal court system.
