McHenry sits on the Fox River in McHenry County, and because the city shares its name with the county, people are often unsure where a case will be heard. If you were arrested for DUI or another crime in the City of McHenry, your case is heard at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue (Route 47) in Woodstock, home of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Stavros Law Offices defends these charges. Our attorneys are both former Lake County Assistant State's Attorneys. See our attorney profiles to learn more.
Where a McHenry Case Goes
The City of McHenry, McHenry Township and McHenry County are three different things, but a charge from any of them is filed with the McHenry County Circuit Clerk in Woodstock. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date. Confirm them with the Circuit Clerk or call our office, because assignments can change. Felony cases and misdemeanors are handled on different calls, so tell us exactly what the charging paper says.
McHenry DUI Defense
Illinois Routes 31 and 120 meet in downtown McHenry, and a stop on either road, or near the riverfront, can end in a DUI arrest. A DUI arrest starts two cases: the criminal charge and a Secretary of State suspension. The summary suspension begins on the 46th day after notice, and a petition to rescind it must be filed within 90 days. We review the reason for the stop, the field sobriety tests and the breath or blood testing. We also explain driving permits and the summary suspension process. For the overview, see our Illinois DUI defense page and our McHenry County DUI page.
Criminal Charges We Handle in McHenry
We defend theft, battery, domestic violence, drug offenses, weapons charges and felonies, as well as misdemeanors. A conviction can affect work, licensing and housing, so we look past the first hearing to the long-term record. Our McHenry County criminal defense page and our DUI and traffic hub explain more.
After a McHenry Arrest
Keep every paper you were given, including bond or release conditions and any suspension notice. Do not discuss the facts with police, friends or on social media. Write down what you remember while it is fresh, then call us so we can calendar the deadlines. If you live in nearby Crystal Lake or Woodstock, the same courthouse applies; see our Crystal Lake and Woodstock pages. Residents of Huntley and Cary will find pages for those towns as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is a DUI case from the City of McHenry heard?
At the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock, the McHenry County courthouse. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office.
Is the City of McHenry the same as McHenry County?
No. McHenry is one city within McHenry County, and the county seat and courthouse are in Woodstock. A case arising in the city is filed with the county Circuit Clerk.
Is a first DUI a felony in Illinois?
A first or second DUI is generally a Class A misdemeanor, which carries less than one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Certain aggravating facts, such as a serious injury or a child under 16 in the car, can raise the charge to a felony.
Can I drive after a McHenry DUI arrest?
First offenders may be eligible for a monitoring device driving permit, which requires an ignition interlock device. Eligibility depends on your record and the facts of the arrest, so bring your suspension notice to your consultation.
Talk to Our Team
Call (847) 520-4810 (our phone line is available 24/7) or request a free consultation online. Our office is at 433 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, open Monday–Friday 9–5 and closed Saturday. Bilingual staff can assist; se habla español.
This page is general information about Illinois law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, no lawyer can guarantee a result, and past results do not predict future outcomes.