Ryan J. Levitt is an individual for whom criminal defense was always a calling. Whether it is defending the wrongfully accused, challenging government overreach, helping a client through one of if not the most difficult circumstances of their lives, or anything in between-he finds a passion and purpose in every case-and never needs to look far to find the desire to bring the full weight of his formidable talents, knowledge, and experience to bear on any adversary threatening his clients freedom and wellbeing.
Ryan is an experienced litigator who has appeared in over 100 complex federal and state cases. He specializes in all manner of federal criminal practice, including defending against white collar and fraud offenses, government investigations, public corruption, national security matters, as well as violent crimes and narcotics offenses.
In addition, Ryan has acted as lead counsel on over a dozen appeals before the 7th and 8th Circuits, all stages of the Illinois Appellate Courts, and petitions for a writ of certiorari before the Supreme Court of the United States.
*Matter completed prior to joining Benesch.
Representative Experience
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Acted as lead counsel on successful appeal of felony murder conviction, resulting in overturning of 56-year sentence.*
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Participated in trial defense and jury trial for defendant accused of double homicide based primarily on surveillance and vehicle evidence; obtained full acquittal.*
- Participated in trial defense of Harvey Weinstein’s New York prosecution and consulted on appeal.*
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Represented petitioner in habeas action resulting in vacated murder conviction on eve of hearing.*
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Represented defendant charged with mortgage fraud; successfully negotiated misdemeanor resolution and sentence of probation.*
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Represented defendant accused of participating in $5 million Ponzi scheme; handled pretrial motions, including conducting evidentiary hearing on motion to dismiss; acted as second chair at trial.*
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Represented defendant facing false statement charges in public corruption probe; drafted sentencing memorandum and participated in all aspects of sentencing that led to a sentence of one year probation.*
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Handled all aspects of extensive pretrial litigation in espionage case; acted as second chair at trial, and continued representation at sentencing and on appeal.*
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Represented doctor initially charged with healthcare fraud and consecutive two-year mandatory minimum aggravated identity theft charge; identified legal deficiency in the indictment leading to dismissal of the identity theft charge and an ultimate sentence of one year and one day incarceration.*
- Represented doctor accused of multimillion dollar healthcare fraud; acted as second chair at trial where defendant was convicted at trial the loss amount and restitution were driven down to $16,554.*