Dana Rhoades, Criminal Defense Attorney in Monticello, Illinois
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Probate · 3.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatShonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades
Monticello, IL
Practicing criminal defense in Monticello since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 3.8 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Dana Rhoades?
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Quick answer
Dana Rhoades is a member based in Monticello, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Monticello, IL
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Monticello, IL.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Dana Rhoades: Dana Rhoades is a member based in Monticello, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Dana takes on
Dana concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dana handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Criminal Defense cases in Monticello, Illinois
Dana takes criminal defense matters in Monticello, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Monticello, Illinois
Dana takes estate planning matters in Monticello, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Monticello, Illinois
Dana takes probate matters in Monticello, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Monticello, Illinois
Dana takes real estate matters in Monticello, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Dana Rhoades — criminal defense lawyer in Monticello
Dana Rhoades is a member based in Monticello, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades. Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Dana Rhoades is a lawyer practicing real estate, estate planning, criminal law and 2 other areas of law. Dana received a B.S. degree from Illinois State University in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Dana practices at Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades in Monticello, IL.
How Dana handles criminal defense matters
Dana Rhoades is a lawyer practicing real estate, estate planning, criminal law and 2 other areas of law. Dana received a B.S. degree from Illinois State University in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Dana practices at Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades in Monticello, IL.
The kind of cases Dana takes
Dana reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate planning, and probate matters in Monticello and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Loyola University
J.D. · 1995
Illinois State University
B.S. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Dana's state bar admissions
Illinois
1995 · ACTIVE
Dana studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.S. in Illinois State University.
Law school and academic background
Dana completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.S. in Illinois State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dana runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Dana's professional memberships and bar associations
Piatt County, Illinois State and American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Dana Rhoades's office in Monticello
Dana's primary office is at 114 South Charter Street, Monticello, IL, 61856. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Shonkwiler, Ayers & Rhoades
114 South Charter Street
Monticello, IL 61856
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Dana Rhoades — 3.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Dana. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Monticello.
3.8
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dana Rhoades claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Dana Rhoades — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dana will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Monticello, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dana
Dana discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dana confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dana's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Dana Rhoades
How much does it cost to hire Dana for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dana walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dana offer a free consultation?
Dana charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Dana's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dana gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dana take my case if I'm outside Monticello?
Dana is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dana will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Dana?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dana will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dana accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Dana's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Monticello, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Dana handles criminal defense matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Illinois
If Dana's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Monticello handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





