Michael J. Petro

• Experience: More than 34 years of practice in criminal law.
• Federal Jury Trials: Lead counsel in over 44 federal jury trials to verdict.
• Federal Appeals: Counsel in more than 28 federal appeals in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 11th, 7th, and 5th Circuits.

His advocacy in *United States of America v. Nicolas Gomez*, 763 F.3d 845 (7th Cir. 2014) helped set a national standard for limiting the use of Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) evidence by federal prosecutors.

Education

• Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana – Juris Doctor (1988)
• Indiana University School of Business, Bloomington, Indiana – Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Public Policy (1985)

Admissions and Licenses

Michael J. Petro is licensed to practice in:

• Supreme Court of the United States
• Federal District Courts:
• Middle District of Florida
• Northern District of Illinois
• Southern District of Florida
• Northern District of Florida
• Central District of Illinois
• Northern District of Indiana
• District Court for the District of Columbia

• Federal Courts of Appeals:
• 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
• 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
• 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

• State Courts:
• State of Florida
• State of Illinois

Former Prosecutor Experience

Before focusing on federal criminal defense, Attorney Petro served as a prosecutor in:

• Cook County State's Attorney's Office – Chicago, Illinois
• Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office – Rockford, Illinois

This background provides additional insight into how cases are investigated and prosecuted.

Professional Memberships

Michael J. Petro is a member of the following professional organizations:

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Life Member
• 7th Circuit Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Federal Trial Bar

These credentials reflect his long‑standing involvement in federal criminal practice and his focus on complex federal litigation and appeals.

Attorney Petro protects clients' rights at every stage of the federal criminal process, including investigation, grand jury proceedings, trial, sentencing, post‑conviction matters, and appeals.

Stages of Representation

Michael J. Petro represents clients in a wide range of federal criminal matters at all key stages, including:

• Investigations and Grand Jury Subpoenas

Representation of targets, subjects, and witnesses in federal investigations; responding to subpoenas for testimony and business records; advising clients who are under investigation by federal agencies or task forces.

• Plea Negotiations

Evaluation of the evidence and law, development of legal arguments, and negotiation of plea agreements when appropriate.

• Trials

Federal jury trial representation, including pre‑trial motions, motions to suppress evidence (such as Title III wiretap evidence), and motions in limine based on the Federal Rules of Evidence.

• Sentencing and Sentencing Reductions

Advocacy at sentencing hearings and in post‑sentencing matters, including efforts to obtain reduced sentences where permitted by law.

• Compassionate Release and Post‑Conviction Relief

Representation in compassionate release matters and other post‑conviction proceedings.

• Federal Appeals

Appeals in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including complex issues involving the Federal Rules of Evidence and federal sentencing law.

• Wrongful Convictions

Representation of clients seeking to challenge prior convictions through appropriate federal procedures.

• Police Officer Criminal Defense

Defense of law enforcement officers who are being investigated or have been accused of criminal conduct.

Types of Federal Criminal Matters Handled

Attorney Petro has significant experience defending clients in a wide range of federal criminal cases, including but not limited to:

• White‑collar offenses such as:
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Bank fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Public corruption and honest services fraud
• Embezzlement
• Extortion and blackmail
• Bid rigging and price fixing
• Tax offenses
• Copyright and trademark offenses

• Drug offenses involving the possession and distribution of controlled substances.

• Firearms and gun offenses, including:
• Felon in possession of a firearm – 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
• Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)

• Internet and computer crime and other technology‑related federal offenses.

• Money laundering and financial crimes involving complex financial transactions.

• Immigration‑related offenses prosecuted in federal court.

• Civil rights violations, including cases under 18 U.S.C. § 242.

• Supervised release violations and related federal proceedings.

Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs)

Attorney Petro assists individuals and businesses that receive Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) from federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Representation in CID matters may include:

• Reviewing the CID and identifying all deadlines
• Advising on preservation of potentially relevant information
• Identifying relevant data sources (including emails, electronic records, and business systems)
• Coordinating document collection and production
• Reviewing materials for privilege and sensitive information
• Negotiating the scope of the demand, custodians, and time periods
• Communicating with government attorneys and investigators
• Addressing follow‑up requests and evaluating potential civil or criminal exposure

Geographic Scope

While the main office is in Tampa, Florida, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois, Michael J. Petro represents clients in federal courts across the United States. He has handled federal matters for clients in multiple states, including but not limited to Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Missouri, as well as clients from a variety of countries.

110 N 11th St, Suite 202 Tampa, FL 33602

• Phone: 813.499.9111
• Fax: 312.637.3190
• Email: attorney@mjpetro.com

This office is the primary location for Michael J. Petro's federal criminal defense practice in Florida.

Chicago Office

• Address:

20 N Clark Street, Suite 720 Chicago, IL 60602

• Phone: 312.913.1111

This office supports representation in federal and state matters in Chicago and the surrounding region.

How to Contact the Firm

Clients and prospective clients can:

• Call either office directly using the phone numbers above.
• Use the contact form on the website to request a consultation or ask questions.
• Email the firm at attorney@mjpetro.com.

The firm invites contact from individuals and businesses who are under investigation, have been charged with a crime, or have questions about federal criminal matters, appeals, or Civil Investigative Demands.

According to the firm's published information, telephone contact is available 24 hours a day for urgent matters.

Geographic Reach

While offices are located in Tampa, Florida and Chicago, Illinois, Attorney Petro represents clients in federal courts across the United States and has represented people from a variety of states and countries.

Payment Methods

According to the firm's FAQ, the office accepts Visa and MasterCard. Fees are based on factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the complexity of the legal issues, and the anticipated time involved in the representation. Specific fee amounts are not published.

Lists Tampa, Central, Easton, Cedar Rapids, Chicago, Chicago Lawn, Rockford, and Bloomington as a location. Names Michael, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Massachusetts as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.