NIU Law alum Riley Oncken was elected DeKalb County State’s Attorney in the November 5, 2024 election. Riley was sworn in by Chief Judge Brad Waller (‘88) a fellow NIU Law graduate. Riley’s term will run from 2024 to 2028.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration & Political Science from Western Illinois University, Riley earned his juris doctorate from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2004. He then went into the field of private practice as an attorney, eventually gaining partner status at Smith, Wykes & Oncken, P.C. In 2012, Riley founded his own law office, where he practiced until being elected in November 2024.
The State’s Attorney has the exclusive responsibility for prosecuting violations of the criminal laws of the State of Illinois, as well as traffic violations. The State’s Attorney provides legal advice to all County Officials and represents the County in all actions where the County’s officials or employees are a party.
Riley was recently featured in an interview with the NIU Alumni Association where he shared more about his experience with NIU, the legal field, and how he perceives his new role as State’s Attorney.
