Name: Stavros Law Offices
Address: 433 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL, 60090, US
Telephone: +1-847-520-4810
Price range: Free consultation

If you are under investigation, arrested, or charged with a crime, act quickly. A criminal case can threaten your freedom, driving privileges, record, firearm rights, employment, professional license, and reputation. Our Northern Illinois criminal defense lawyers help clients respond early, protect their rights, and prepare every case for the strongest available result.

Stavros Law Offices is based at 433 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090. The firm is led by former Lake County Assistant State's Attorneys and has defended clients in DUI and traffic matters, felonies, misdemeanors, drug cases, violent-crime allegations, and serious prosecutions since 1978. Call 847-520-4810 for a free consultation. Nuestro personal bilingüe puede ayudarle. Se habla español.

Call 847-520-4810 for a free consultation

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

Related criminal defense help

DUI defense in Illinois -- license and criminal-defense issues after an alcohol- or drug-related allegation.
Felony defense in Northern Illinois -- serious charges and felony exposure.
Misdemeanor defense in Northern Illinois -- battery, theft, traffic, and other misdemeanor matters.
Expungement and record sealing -- eligibility and petition guidance after a case.
Traffic-ticket and traffic-offense help -- location-specific traffic assistance.

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 immediatelyespecially 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Counties We Serve

We represent clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Lake County, Cook County, McHenry County, DuPage County, and surrounding areas.

Our Wheeling office regularly handles criminal defense, DUI, and traffic matters for clients in and around Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Mundelein, Waukegan, Gurnee, Highland Park, and nearby communities. If you were arrested or charged in another Northern Illinois courthouse, call us--we can confirm coverage for your court location.

Charged, arrested, or under investigation? Call 847-520-4810 for a free consultation. Nuestro personal bilingüe puede ayudarle. Se habla español.

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

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.

What happens to my license after a DUI arrest?

A DUI can create separate criminal and driving-related consequences, including a statutory summary suspension. The deadlines and available options depend on the facts, testing, notices, and driving history. Call promptly so counsel can review both the criminal case and license issue.

Should I speak with police before calling a lawyer?

Do not guess at an answer or try to explain the case under pressure. You can remain respectful and ask to speak with a lawyer before a substantive interview. Early advice can help preserve options and avoid statements that are difficult to undo.

Is a felony always worse than a misdemeanor?

Felonies generally carry greater exposure, but a misdemeanor can still affect your record, work, license, immigration status, and future sentencing. The charge, facts, prior history, and courthouse all matter. See our felony defense and misdemeanor defense pages for more focused information.

Can you help with expungement or sealing after a case?

Potential eligibility depends on the result, timing, prior record, and Illinois law. We can review the record and explain whether expungement or sealing may be available. See Illinois expungement and record sealing.

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

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:

Rapid case assessment - charges, exposure, bond conditions, and next court dates
Evidence review - police reports, body cam/dash cam, witness statements, lab results, 911 calls
Independent investigation - witnesses, scene review, records subpoenas when necessary
Strategic motions practice - suppression issues, constitutional violations, discovery enforcement
Negotiation from strength - only after we understand the State's proof and weaknesses
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.

Criminal defense pages for nearby communities

For location-specific help, visit the relevant page below:

For the firm's separate injury practice, see Illinois personal injury, Buffalo Grove car accident help, and Rolling Meadows personal injury help.

Also need an injury lawyer? Visit our Illinois personal injury practice and Buffalo Grove car accident or Rolling Meadows personal injury pages.

For help in McHenry County, see our McHenry County DUI attorney and McHenry County criminal defense lawyer pages, plus guidance on Illinois DUI penalties, license reinstatement, and your first court date.

Northern Illinois Criminal Defense, DUI & Traffic Lawyers