Cheryl Powell

I have been practicing law for over 30 years. I have served as a legal services attorney representing clients in orders of protection, divorce, and parentage matters. Next I served as a public defender for 4 years, handling criminal law, juvenile law and mental health commitment cases. I have been in private practice on my own since 1999 representing people in a variety of cases, mostly family law, juvenile law, criminal law, domestic violence, guardianships, powers of attorney, wills and landlord-tenant cases. I do a smattering of other things in general. I also hold a Master's degree in Social Work, so I understand the mental health problems that are invariably involved in these matters.

• Free Consultation
  Brief 15 minute consultations to determine if I can help you and determine your retainer fee. If complicated custody matters, I usually charge my regular fee of $300 because it takes longer to determine the level of complications in the case.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  I accept all major credit cards, including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.

Illinois

Since 1988

Attorney/Solo Practitioner

Law office of Cheryl A. Powell

1999 - Current

Represent clients in a variety of matters, including those listed plus guardianships, wills and powers of attorney.

Assistant public defender

Marion County

1999 - 2002

Handled criminal law cases, including a murder case. Also handled juvenile cases, including abuse, neglect and delinquency; as well as mental health cases.

Associate

Douglas A. Antonik

1995 - 1999

Represented numerous clients in family law cases.

Family Law Task Force Coordinator

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance

1987 - 1995

Supervised 40 lawyers in their handling of family law cases.

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

M.S. (1996) | Social work

1992 - 1996

Northern Illinois University

J.D. | Law

1984 - 1987

Northern Illinois University

B.A. (1983) | Political Science, Public Administration; with a Minor in Sociology

1982 - 1983

Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha, honor society

College of Lake County

A.S. (1982) | Business Administration

1980 - 1982

Service to Miliary

Illinois State Bar Association

2010

Illinois State Bar

Member

1988 - Current

Activities: Family Law Section Council, Criminal Justice Section Council

Jefferson county bar assn

Member

1988 - Current

Marion County Bar Assn

Member

1988 - Current

Approved guardian ad litem

20th judicial circuit

Approved mediator

20th judicial circuit

Q. will me being blackmailed wave my crime?

March 19, 2025

A: Don't pay blackmail, there is no end to that. If she turns you in, so be it. The timing of the police report will be taken into consideration. If it's your friends car and he gave you permission, what is the problem?

Q. Could I face legal trouble if a felon hasn't changed their address but doesn’t live with me and I legally own a gun?

March 19, 2025

A: No. The address is his responsibility, not yours. He would only have to report his address if he is on pre trial release, probation, parole or a sex offender. But if he listed your address, you may choose to let them know he does not live there anymore as his address is subject to being searched and you may not want that, even though you don't think anything illegal will be found.

Q. Can I remove a 2008 firearm possession conviction to obtain a FOID card in Illinois?

March 4, 2025

A: I am not aware of any law that gives you the right to do so currently. Apparently, you were a felon on another conviction before that one. In the State of Illinois, one cannot possess a FOID card as a felon. There is a challenge to the FOID Law, however, in White County, Illinois. So check back in a year and see how it has panned out.