A DUI stop on Randall Road, Algonquin Road or Route 31 can start a court case and a license suspension within days. Stavros Law Offices defends DUI charges for drivers arrested in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills. Most McHenry County cases are heard at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue (Route 47) in Woodstock, the home of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Our attorneys are both former Lake County Assistant State's Attorneys, with about 20 and 15+ years of experience. See our attorney profiles to learn more.
Which County Is Your Case In?
Lake in the Hills is in McHenry County. Algonquin sits mostly in McHenry County, but part of the village lies in Kane County. The county and courthouse printed on your ticket control where the case is heard, so bring it to us before anything else.
Where McHenry County Cases Are Heard
Misdemeanor DUI and traffic cases from Algonquin and Lake in the Hills that are filed in McHenry County are heard at the Woodstock courthouse. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office. Assignments can change, so always confirm.
The License Clock
After a failed or refused chemical test, a summary suspension starts on the 46th day after you get notice. A first offender faces six months after a test at 0.08 or higher and twelve months after a refusal. A request to rescind must be filed within 90 days, and it does not pause the suspension. Our summary suspension page explains the hearing, and our driving permit guide covers options to keep driving.
How We Approach the Criminal Case
A first or second DUI is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with less than one year in jail possible and a fine generally up to $2,500. Court supervision may be available for some first offenses, though it is discretionary. We study the stop, testing and video, then advise you on trial or negotiation. See first-time DUI, Illinois DUI defense and McHenry County DUI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Algonquin in McHenry County?
Mostly. Algonquin spans McHenry and Kane counties, with most of the village in McHenry County. Your ticket shows the county where your case is filed.
When is my Lake in the Hills DUI court date?
Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office.
Should I fight the summary suspension?
The deadline to request a hearing is 90 days from notice, and the hearing is limited to specific issues, such as whether the officer had reasonable grounds. Call us right away so the deadline is not missed.
Is a DUI in Algonquin always a misdemeanor?
No. A first or second DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but a third offense, a crash causing great bodily harm, or driving while revoked can be an aggravated, felony DUI.
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.