Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Lake County, Cook County, and Northern Illinois

Aggressive, Trial-Ready Criminal Defense Since 1978

If you're under investigation, arrested, or charged with a crime, the consequences can be immediate and severe—jail time, a criminal record, loss of driving privileges, firearm restrictions, professional discipline, and damage to your reputation.

At Stavros Law Offices, we have defended clients in serious criminal matters—ranging from DUI and traffic offenses to felony drug cases, violent crimes, and even First Degree Murder—since 1978. We represent clients throughout Lake, Cook, McHenry, DuPage, and surrounding counties.

Call now, 847-520-4810, and speak with a criminal defense attorney.

When to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer

You should involve counsel as early as possible—often before charges are even filed. Early representation can prevent damaging statements, preserve evidence, and position you for reduced charges or a stronger outcome.

Contact us immediately if:

• Police want to “ask a few questions” or you've been contacted by detectives

• You were arrested, ticketed, or served with a court date

• You have an active warrant or missed a court appearance

• Your license is at risk due to DUI or a serious traffic allegation

• You need help with expungement or sealing to move forward with work, housing, or professional licensing

What to Do If You're Arrested or Under Investigation

A strong defense often starts with avoiding avoidable mistakes.

• Do not discuss the case with anyone but your attorney (calls, texts, social media, friends, even family).

• Do not consent to searches beyond what police can legally do.

• Do not “explain” your side to officers or investigators. Even innocent explanations can be misinterpreted.

• Write down details while they are fresh: times, witnesses, locations, statements made, videos, receipts.

• Call a defense attorney immediately—especially before any interview.

Criminal Cases We Handle:

DUI and Traffic Offenses

DUI cases move fast and can trigger license consequences immediately. We defend:

• DUI (alcohol and/or drugs), aggravated DUI, repeat offenses

• Statutory summary suspension and license consequences

• Reckless driving, fleeing/eluding, driving while revoked/suspended

• Serious traffic offenses involving injuries or felony exposure

Objective: protect your license where possible, minimize criminal exposure, and build a defense designed for the best outcome—up to and including trial.

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Drug Crimes

Drug charges often turn on search-and-seizure issues, possession vs. knowledge, and alleged intent. We handle:

• Possession (including felony possession)

• Possession with intent / delivery allegations

• Manufacturing/trafficking cases

• Controlled substance and cannabis-related offenses

• Lab testing and chain-of-custody challenges

Objective: challenge the stop and search, contest possession and intent, and pursue reduction or dismissal where viable.

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Violent Crimes

Violent crime allegations are prosecuted aggressively and can change your life overnight. We defend:

• Assault and battery

• Aggravated battery and other felony violence charges

• Domestic battery-related offenses

• Homicide-level allegations, including First Degree Murder

Objective: identify credibility issues, self-defense/justification issues when applicable, and aggressively contest the State's narrative.

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Domestic Battery and Related “Domestic” Cases

Domestic allegations often lead to immediate no-contact orders and serious collateral consequences. We defend:

• Domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery

• “He said / she said” allegations

• Bond conditions, no-contact orders, and court-ordered restrictions

• Cases involving children, shared homes, and sensitive family dynamics

Objective: protect your record and your rights while managing the real-world consequences that start immediately.

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Theft and Property Crimes

Theft cases can jeopardize employment and professional licensing, even when the amount is relatively small. We defend:

• Retail theft/shoplifting

• Burglary, residential burglary

• Robbery allegations

• Criminal damage to property

• Fraud and deception-related offenses

Objective: reduce or avoid permanent record consequences and pursue outcomes that protect your future.

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White-Collar Crimes

White-collar allegations often rely on paper trails and intent assumptions. We defend:

• Forgery and identity-related allegations

• Embezzlement and financial theft

• Fraud and related offenses where intent is disputed

• Business-related criminal investigations

Objective: attack intent, causation, and credibility using documents and detailed analysis—not assumptions.

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Gun and Weapons Offenses

Weapons charges can carry mandatory consequences and long-term restrictions. We defend:

• Unlawful use/possession offenses

• Firearm-related enhancements and allegations

• Cases involving vehicle stops, searches, and “constructive possession” claims

• Orders or conditions affecting FOID/CCL rights

Objective: aggressively litigate search-and-seizure issues and minimize long-term rights consequences.

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Sex Offenses

These cases are uniquely high-stakes and demand a disciplined defense strategy from day one. We defend:

• Sexual assault and abuse allegations

• Criminal sexual abuse/assault and related charges

• Cases involving digital evidence, messaging, and credibility disputes

• Investigations before charges are filed

Objective: protect your liberty and future by controlling communications, preserving evidence, and challenging the State's proof at every step.

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Juvenile Defense

Juvenile charges can impact school discipline and future opportunities if not handled correctly. We represent minors facing:

• School-related incidents and alleged assaults

• Theft and property allegations

• Drug charges

• Juvenile court proceedings and diversion options where available

Objective: protect your child's future and pursue the least damaging resolution consistent with the facts and law.

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Probation Violations and Petitions to Revoke

A probation violation can result in jail and new conditions, even without a new arrest. We handle:

• Technical violations

• New-charge violations

• Contested petitions to revoke probation

• Negotiated resolutions to avoid or minimize custody exposure

Objective: limit consequences and keep you out of custody when possible.

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Warrants and Failure to Appear

Outstanding warrants can lead to sudden arrest and bond consequences. We help clients address:

• Active warrants

• Failure to appear issues

• Motions to quash warrant

• Bond modifications and court compliance plans

Objective: resolve warrants promptly and safely, and position the case to move forward with minimal disruption.

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Expungements and Record Sealing

A prior case should not continue to limit employment, housing, and professional opportunities. We assist with:

• Expungement eligibility analysis

• Record sealing petitions

• Strategic planning to maximize eligibility and minimize future exposure

• Guidance on what can and cannot be cleared under Illinois law

Objective: restore opportunity and reduce the collateral consequences of past cases.

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Counties We Serve

We represent clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Lake County, Cook County, McHenry County, DuPage County, and surrounding areas.
(You can add a service-area line here for key cities: Wheeling, Rolling Meadows, Waukegan, Arlington Heights, Skokie, Buffalo Grove, etc.)

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Why Clients Choose Stavros Law Offices

• Trial-ready approach: every case is built as if it will be tried

• Local court experience: familiarity with the practices and realities of Northern Illinois courtrooms

• Direct, practical counsel: clear risk assessment and decisive action

• Proven experience: criminal defense representation in serious matters since 1978

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FAQ

Do I need a lawyer if I'm only being investigated?
Yes. Early representation can prevent damaging statements and preserve options before charges are filed.

Will I have to appear in court?
Often yes, but not always for every appearance. We advise you on which dates require your presence and work to minimize disruption when permitted.

Can you help with expungement or sealing?
Yes. If you are eligible, clearing or sealing your record can be one of the most valuable legal steps you can take.

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Charged, arrested, or under investigation?
Protect yourself now. The earlier you involve counsel, the more options you typically have.

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How We Defend Criminal Cases

Every case is different, but our approach is consistent: early action, thorough investigation, and trial-ready preparation.

Our defense process typically includes:

1. Rapid case assessment – charges, exposure, bond conditions, and next court dates

2. Evidence review – police reports, body cam/dash cam, witness statements, lab results, 911 calls

3. Independent investigation – witnesses, scene review, records subpoenas when necessary

4. Strategic motions practice – suppression issues, constitutional violations, discovery enforcement

5. Negotiation from strength – only after we understand the State's proof and weaknesses

6. Trial preparation – because the strongest negotiations come from being ready to try the case

We focus on protecting what matters most: your record, your license, your livelihood, and your freedom.