Carie Poirier

Carie Poirier is a highly respected criminal defense attorney with nearly three decades of experience advocating for individuals facing the power of the criminal justice system. Born in 1970 and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Poirier has dedicated her legal career to public service and to protecting the rights of some of the most vulnerable members of her community.

Carie Lorraine Poirier earned her Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1997, after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. She began her career in public defense in Boone County immediately thereafter, and has spent 17 years with the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office, where she developed extensive trial experience and a reputation for thorough, principled advocacy for her clients.

In November of 1997, Ms. Poirier joined the Boone County Public Defender’s Office. In January 2015, she was selected by the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court to serve as Boone County Public Defender, succeeding Azhar Minhas upon his retirement. At the time she assumed leadership, the office consisted of only two attorneys. Under her stewardship, the agency has grown to include four full-time attorneys, an office manager, and two support staff members, reflecting both increased capacity and a continued commitment to high-quality representation for the people of Boone County.

Chief Judge Joseph G. McGraw of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court praised her appointment, stating that Ms. Poirier is “a talented attorney with extensive trial experience and an established presence in Boone County,” and expressed confidence that her leadership would continue to strengthen the quality of legal representation provided by the Boone County Public Defender’s Office.

Known for her compassion, integrity, and steady guidance, Carie Poirier represents a broad spectrum of clients, including individuals experiencing homelessness, juveniles, and victims of abuse and neglect. She also defends clients charged with serious and complex crimes, ensuring that every person, regardless of circumstance, receives dedicated and ethical representation. Her experience includes handling high-profile matters, such as the defense of Michael David McKee, an Illinois surgeon accused in a widely publicized homicide case in Ohio.

Colleagues and clients alike describe Ms. Poirier as an attorney with a “huge heart” and a deep desire to help people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As she has said of her leadership role, “Things change, and I’d like to make my own mark.” Through her dedication to justice, professionalism, and service, Carie Lorraine Poirier continues to do exactly that.

Law Office Affiliations

• Public Defender, Boone County Public Defender’s Office
• Office of The Public Defender, County of Winnebago

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Northern Illinois University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) Political Science