Michael A. Johnson

Michael A. Johnson is one of Chicago’s most experienced criminal trial attorneys, with more than four decades of practice since 1982. He has tried hundreds of jury trials, argued before the Illinois Supreme Court, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the Seventh Circuit, and is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He serves as an Independent Program Attorney for U.S. LawShield, where he regularly teaches Illinois gun owners about firearms law, concealed carry, and the lawful use of force.

Illinois Gun Law: Armed and Educated

Michael A. Johnson is the author of Illinois Gun Law: Armed and Educated, a practical guide written for Illinois firearm owners following the enactment of concealed carry. The book explains:

• Illinois concealed carry licensing requirements.
• Where firearms may and may not be legally carried.
• Transportation and storage of firearms.
• Police encounters involving firearms.
• Use-of-force and self-defense law.
• Criminal consequences that can arise from improper firearm possession or use.

The book is intended to help responsible gun owners understand not only how to lawfully possess a firearm but also how to avoid criminal liability after a defensive incident.

Self-Defense and Gun Law Articles

In addition to his book, Mr. Johnson regularly lectures and publishes educational materials on:

• Illinois self-defense law.
• Concealed carry rights and responsibilities.
• Justification defenses.
• Castle Doctrine.
• Defense of others.
• Defense of habitation.
• Police interaction after a defensive shooting.
• Common legal mistakes made by armed citizens following a self-defense incident.

Through U.S. LawShield seminars across Illinois, he emphasizes that surviving a violent encounter is only the beginning; understanding the legal aftermath is equally critical. One of his recurring recommendations is that individuals invoke their right to counsel before making detailed statements to law enforcement following a self-defense incident.

Representative Criminal and Self-Defense Cases

Mr. Johnson has built a distinguished record trying serious felony cases, including homicide, weapons, and self-defense matters. Representative matters include:

• People v. Glaze – Obtained an acquittal for a client charged with aggravated assault on police officers after persuading the court that the officers’ testimony was not credible. The matter later resulted in related civil rights litigation.
• People v. Crosby – Secured a jury acquittal for a 16-year-old charged with first-degree murder despite eyewitness identification.
• U.S. v. Lawrence – Successfully defended an Army servicemember charged with homicide before a military court-martial, obtaining a complete acquittal.
• People v. Placek – Successfully argued before the Illinois Supreme Court that the underlying criminal statute was unconstitutional, resulting in reversal of the conviction.
• Indiana v. Alvarado – Successfully argued before the Indiana Supreme Court, obtaining a substantial reduction of a murder sentence.

According to his firm biography, Mr. Johnson has tried well over 200 jury cases to verdict and has represented clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He is also one of the first private attorneys approved by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as lead counsel in capital litigation and has extensive experience defending homicide and firearm-related prosecutions.

This background makes Michael A. Johnson particularly well qualified as co-counsel in serious felony, homicide, and self-defense cases involving firearms, justification defenses, and the lawful use of force.

Born and raised in Chicago, Michael A. Johnson is a highly experienced
criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of experience trying cases
before juries. He completed his B.A. in Criminal Justice at UIC in 1978
and earned his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School in 1982.

Michael began his legal training in 1980 under the mentorship of renowned
trial attorney Howard Gilman, becoming his partner in 1982. Following
Gilman’s passing in 1985, Michael successfully maintained the practice,
earning a reputation as a hard-working and fearless litigator capable of
handling complex cases, including numerous murder trials.

Throughout his career, Michael has remained dedicated exclusively to
criminal defense, never serving as a prosecutor. He is licensed to
practice in Illinois, Minnesota, before the 7th Circuit, and before the
U.S. Supreme Court. He has been an active member of the National
Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (N.A.C.D.L.) since 1980 and is
recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 100
Trial Lawyers. Additionally, he serves as an Independent Program Attorney
for U.S. LawShield, educating Illinois gun owners on their rights and
responsibilities.”