RP

Robert P. Carlson, Criminal Defense Attorney in Dekalb, Illinois

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRobert P. Carlson

Dekalb, IL

Practicing criminal defense in Dekalb since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you Robert P. Carlson?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Robert P. Carlson is a member based in DeKalb, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Robert has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert P. Carlson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
DeKalb, IL
Experience
over 50 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Family Law
  • Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law matters from DeKalb, IL.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Robert P. Carlson: Robert P. Carlson is a member based in DeKalb, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Robert has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert P. Carlson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Robert takes on

Robert concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, family law, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Dekalb, Illinois

Robert takes criminal defense matters in Dekalb, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Dekalb, Illinois

Robert takes dui/dwi matters in Dekalb, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Dekalb, Illinois

Robert takes family law matters in Dekalb, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Dekalb, Illinois

Robert takes litigation matters in Dekalb, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Dekalb, Illinois

Robert takes real estate matters in Dekalb, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Robert P. Carlson — criminal defense lawyer in Dekalb

Robert P. Carlson is a member based in DeKalb, IL. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. Robert has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robert P. Carlson. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Robert P. Carlson is a lawyer practicing criminal law, drunk driving defense law, family law and 2 other areas of law. Robert P. received a B.A. degree from Purdue University in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Robert P. practices at Robert P. Carlson in DeKalb, IL.

Robert's approach to criminal defense cases

Robert P. Carlson is a lawyer practicing criminal law, drunk driving defense law, family law and 2 other areas of law. Robert P. received a B.A. degree from Purdue University in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Robert P. practices at Robert P. Carlson in DeKalb, IL.

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and family law matters in Dekalb and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • John Marshall Law School

    J.D. · 1976

  • Purdue University

    B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • Illinois

    1976 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Purdue University.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Robert's professional memberships and bar associations

  • DeKalb County and Illinois State Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Robert P. Carlson's office in DeKalb

Robert's primary office is at 317 E. Locust St., DeKalb, IL, 60115. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Robert P. Carlson

317 E. Locust St.

DeKalb, IL 60115

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert P. Carlson — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Dekalb.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert P. Carlson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Robert P. Carlson — 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 Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Dekalb, 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 Robert

Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert'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 Robert P. Carlson

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Robert offer a free consultation?

    Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Dekalb?

    Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?

    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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Robert accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Robert'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 Dekalb, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois

Robert 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

If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Dekalb handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.