Thomas J. Bahar
Associate
Thomas J. Bahar concentrates his practice in civil litigation, criminal and traffic law and local government. Tom represents individuals accused of all types of criminal and traffic matters including Driving Under the Influence and related offenses. In his local government practice, Tom represents a variety of governmental entities including municipalities. His local government law practice consists of litigation including prosecution of aggravated traffic, driving under the influence (DUI), and ordinance violations.
Tom was raised in Joliet, Illinois and graduated from Joliet Central High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Purdue University with a minor in History. While in college, Tom was a Staff Intern for U.S. Congressman, Jerry Weller. Tom also completed an internship at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office assisting the Specialty Courts and Misdemeanor Units during his senior year.
Tom earned his J.D. in 2009 from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School with a concentration in litigation. While at law school, Tom was a member of the Law Journal and Moot Court Board.
Prior to joining Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, Tom was an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Will County State’s Attorney’s office for thirteen years representing the State in criminal cases where he successfully conducted numerous felony and misdemeanor jury trials, bench trials, and DUI Summary Suspension hearings. While at the State’s Attorney’s Office, Tom spent six years litigating civil asset forfeiture cases brought under the Illinois Controlled Substances, Cannabis Control and Money Laundering Acts.
Tom has presented to several law enforcement agencies on various topics including Search and Seizure and Civil Asset Forfeiture issues. Tom has appeared as a guest lecturer on Civil Asset Forfeiture topics to University of St. Francis Criminal Law students in Joliet. Tom is a member of the Illinois State, Illinois Prosecutors, and Will County Bar Associations.
Education:
• The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor
• Purdue University, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Government
TO CONTACT TOM:
Email: tbahar@msclawfirm.com
Call: 815-730-9500 x104