Handley-Cherry, Heather

Ms. Ryan began her legal career as an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney in 1994. Over the next seventeen years, she was promoted through various assignments within the State's Attorney's Office. Today, she uses her extensive trial experience and vast knowledge of the inner-workings of “the system” to vigorously defend her clients.

For over ten years, Ms. Ryan was a Felony Trial Assistant where she successfully prosecuted dozens of felony jury trials, including murders and sexual assaults. She has experience presenting expert testimony in various areas, including DNA, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Arson, Firearms, Drug Chemistry, Latent Fingerprints, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. She has litigated hundreds of felony bench trials and motions.

As a Misdemeanor Assistant, she prosecuted misdemeanor and DUI cases. As a Preliminary Hearing Assistant, she conducted preliminary hearings and presented Grand Jury indictments. As a Felony Review Assistant, she worked closely with local law enforcement agencies who were seeking approval to file felony charges. Ms. Ryan evaluated the police investigation and interviewed victims, witnesses, and suspects to determine if charges were appropriate. Additionally, she memorialized hundreds of defendant's statements and has firsthand knowledge of police tactics used to conduct investigations and obtain confessions.

Ms. Ryan has participated in the National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition as a competition evaluator. She is currently a nominee for appointment to the Board of Directors of the West Suburban Bar Association.