William Wolf

William Wolf

Google Rating

1.8(5 reviews)

  • (312) 881-9899
  • No email available

About:

William Wolf has been a criminal defense lawyer for over 28 years. He has an extensive amount of experience handling all kinds of cases ranging from homicide to sex crimes to narcotics. Mr. Wolf excels in strategic thinking which has helped him serve thousands of people to win at trial or get the best deal possible. He has vast experience in jury trials, bench trials, and motion hearings to protect his clients from overzealous law enforcement and prosecutors. He has been published in the State of Illinois and nationally on topics including defending homicide cases, cross-examining expert witnesses, and Confrontation Clause litigation. Mr. Wolf also has lectured nationwide on these and other topics at seminars given for fellow criminal defense lawyers. Mr. Wolf is active in both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers where he is a former member of their Board of Directors and the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers where he is a Past-President. He has worked on a large number of projects in both groups. Mr. Wolf has a long track record of success in litigation and plea-negotiations that is due not just to effective strategic thinking, but also a lot of hard work. The bottom line is that a defense case that's not well thought out is not going to succeed. While no lawyer can guarantee success for a client, the Law Office of William Wolf can guarantee a well thought out strategy, coupled with hard work to maximize that client's chances of success. View More ›

DVLawyers AI Summary:

Wolf Criminal Law focuses primarily on providing legal support for individuals navigating the complexities of domestic violence cases, alongside issues related to criminal defense and family law. The firm is dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse reclaim their lives and build a safer future. Their team understands the unique challenges that survivors face, and they strive to create a supportive environment where clients can feel heard and respected. The tone of the firm’s communication is empathetic and trauma-informed, suggesting that they prioritize the emotional well-being of their clients while guiding them through the legal process. The lawyers are experienced in handling sensitive matters such as restraining orders and child custody disputes, recognizing the urgency and importance of these issues for survivors. For those who are considering reaching out to Wolf Criminal Law, this firm appears to be a compassionate choice. They emphasize personalized attention, ensuring that each client receives the understanding and guidance they need during what can often be an overwhelming time. While they provide a robust legal service, it’s essential for potential clients to assess their specific needs and whether they align with the firm’s offerings. If you’re seeking a supportive advocate who understands the intricacies of domestic violence law and related family issues, Wolf Criminal Law may indeed be a suitable fit for your legal journey.

Jurisdiction:Illinois (Since 1993); Northern District of Illinois (Since 2017); 7th Circuit (Since 2018); U.S. Supreme Court (Since 2018)

Practice Area

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Languages

English, Italian, Russian, Spanish

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

J.D.
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
1993
B.A.
University of Illinois
1990

Awards

Presidential Commendation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Commendation - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2015)

2015
Presidential Commendation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Commendation - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2018)

2018
Presidential Commendation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Commendation - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2009)

2009
Presidential Commendation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Commendation - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2016)

2016
Presidential Service Appreciation Award
llinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Service Appreciation Award - llinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2013)

2013
Presidential Commendation
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Presidential Commendation - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2010)

2010

Associations

Member of Board of Directors
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2017 - Present
Member
State Bar of Illinois# 6217067
- Present
Past-President
Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010 - Present
Member
Chicago Bar Association
2017 - Present
Member
Women's Criminal Defense Bar Association
2009 - Present

Reviews


RATED 1.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Tasha Parker

"I wish I can give this man zero stars. This man took $18,236 from us representing my brother, not on a payment plan, but was treating my brother as so. He only showed up for three court dates, and the last one he argued the wrong case. He only gave us back 1,409.74 which is completely insane. My brother taught this man all he knows, and more, he's the reason this man isn't a PD anymore, and this is the thanks we get. Please don't waste your time or money hiring this man run away not walk."

RATED 1.0

Aug 2, 2025Googlevia Google

Angie Baugher

"Severely bad business practices. In the habit of exploiting vulnerable people feeling desperate and hoping that his brief affiliation with The Innocence Project would be proof enough that he would be supportive, communicative, punctual, helpful, accurate. The evidence would indicate a pattern of doing otherwise. Tends to bill and bill and bill and then not be in touch, not send itemized invoices even at the client's request. LOWW, LLC: don't bother to respond to me; just make amends to the person you've wronged with your shoddy, incorrect, and half-hearted attempts at defense. You know who that is."

RATED 1.0

Jun 2, 2025Googlevia Google

Emily

"I normally NEVER leave reviews, but I feel a responsibility to warn others. My experience with Bill Wolf was not only deeply unprofessional—it was outright unethical and potentially fraudulent. I hired Mr. Wolf to file a motion to quash an unlawful warrant, among other urgent matters. He agreed in writing to represent me for these issues, but the moment he was paid, he began backtracking and refused to do nearly everything we had discussed. He became combative, evasive, and erratic—making it clear he had no intention of following through. Most shockingly, he withdrew from my case without warning—just 10 minutes before the hearing he himself had scheduled. This was a hearing that could’ve resolved the matter entirely, and he knew I was about to travel internationally for a family wedding. Instead of arguing the motion as promised, he simply bailed—leaving me completely unrepresented and blindsided. Additionally, he charged my credit card for three times the amount without my permission and it was never in the contract and I never authorized it. He also refused to file my ADA accommodation request, despite knowing I was disabled and unable to appear in court in person. This is not just unethical—it’s a violation of basic legal obligations and human decency. Additionally, Mr. Wolf insists that all communication go through his “business manager,” a woman who is not a paralegal or legal professional, and is frankly unpleasant and unqualified to be managing client matters. I was not informed of this policy upfront, and every conversation turned into an unprofessional, uncomfortable three-way call—something I repeatedly said I wasn’t okay with. He and his office would routinely drop calls mid-conversation and promise to call back, only to disappear. And at one point, he stayed up until 2 AM berating me, raising his voice, and outright refusing to take action on basic filings he had already agreed to submit. I am currently disputing the charges with American Express under “services not rendered”, and he is now under investigation with the ARDC for his conduct. In my opinion, this man is a scam artist. He used my vulnerability against me, took my money, and then refused to do the work while blaming everyone but himself. His behavior was erratic, condescending, and emotionally destabilizing. He made my situation worse, not better—and I’m still repairing the damage. Avoid Bill Wolf at all costs. He is not a trustworthy advocate, and I would strongly caution anyone from putting their legal future in his hands."

RATED 1.0

Oct 2, 2024Googlevia Google

Jasmine Haywood

"If I can give them 0 star I would. Bill misrepresentation cost me another 5k, to hire a new lawery in livingston county. Thank God for Jim casson for appealing my case and get everything amended. Something Bill wolf could've done the 1st time . He didn't do his job and wanted me to just take whatever they offer. I wouldn't hire him to represent my dog smh."

RATED 5.0

Oct 2, 2021Googlevia Google

Alexander Blum

"Fantastic attorney. Mr. Wolf is a kind attorney, who has the Courtroom experience to know the best course of action for your criminal case. He is a cut above, and consistently fights for his client’s rights. I wholeheartedly recommend him for Chicago as well as the suburbs. I have referred cases to him and the Client’s have been more than happy with his services. I would personally hire Mr. Wolf if I ever get charged with a criminal matter. 5 stars."