Brett A. Appelman

Founder

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Brett Appelman opened Appelman Law LLC In 2007 in order to protect and defend the rights of those accused of crimes. Brett believes that all defendants, regardless of what they are charged with, deserve the best possible legal defense. Brett personally handles many of the firm’s highest level case including Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Assault and defendants charged with their fourth, fifth and even sixth DUI cases. He has successfully defended clients charged with all types of crimes including DUI, Aggravated Battery, Solicitation, Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Tax Evasion, and Felony Drug Possession and Delivery.

Brett grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and attended college at the University of Michigan. After earning a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, he attended law school at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to opening his firm Brett began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in Kane County, Illinois, defending hundreds of DUI and Driving While Suspended cases, as well as all types of Misdemeanors. While at Kane County Brett served as the defense attorney on the board of the Treatment Alternative Court, Kane County’s specialized mental health court.

In 2016 Brett successfully won a felony trial with a Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity defense in a trial where Brett’s client was facing decades behind bars for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Practice Areas:

• Criminal Defense
• Landlord Evictions
• Small Claims
• Civil Cases
• Personal Injury

Bar Admissions:

• Illinois, 2006
• Wisconsin, 2006

Education:

• Law School – University of Wisconsin
• College/University – University of Michigan

Memberships & Associations:

• DuPage County Bar Association, 2007 - Present
• Illinois State Bar Association, 2006 - Present
• Kane County Bar Association, 2006 - Present
• American Bar Association, 2006 - Present

Honors and Awards

• Super Lawyers, 2023
• Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2015 - 2016

Relevant Past Employment Positions:

• Kane County Public Defender’s Office, Assistant Public Defender, 2006 - 2007