Francis T. Cermak, Appellate Attorney in Naperville, Illinois

Francis concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, elder law, family law, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Appellate

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• Criminal Defense

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• Elder Law

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• Family Law

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• Government

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• Personal Injury

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• POA

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Francis's primary office is at 1625 Windward Ct, Naperville, IL, 60563. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Francis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Francis for a appellate case?

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

• Does Francis offer a free consultation?

  Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Francis's current terms during booking.

• How long do appellate cases in Illinois typically take?

  Simple appellate 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. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Francis take my case if I'm outside Naperville?

  Francis 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 — Francis 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 Francis?

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

• Is Francis accepting new appellate clients right now?

  Francis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.