Charles Schmitz

Charles Schmitz serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law while maintaining an active federal prosecution career. He currently focuses on cybercrime litigation at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, following extensive experience as a Criminal Assistant U.S. Attorney in Florida and Trial Attorney in the DOJ's Civil Fraud Section.

His academic and professional foundation includes:

• Graduate of University of Illinois College of Law
• Clerkship with a U.S. District Judge (District of Connecticut)
• Service as aide to U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens

Professor Schmitz specializes in cyber law and criminal prosecution methodologies, drawing directly from his 13+ years of frontline legal experience. His teaching focuses on cybercrime investigation and prosecution techniques developed through handling high-stakes cases involving white collar offenses, drug trafficking, firearms violations, immigration crimes, and child exploitation. His practical approach bridges theoretical legal education with real-world federal prosecution challenges.

His professional trajectory demonstrates deep integration between courtroom practice and academic instruction, having taught Cybercrime courses at George Washington University Law School for seven years while simultaneously instructing in Legal Studies/Justice Studies departments at multiple undergraduate institutions over eight years. This dual career path uniquely positions him to translate complex cybercrime investigation protocols into accessible academic frameworks.