McHenry County, the first decisions you make can shape the whole case. Stavros Law Offices defends clients in McHenry County courts, handling felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, domestic battery and DUI. We present as one team, and we prepare every case as if it could go to trial. 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.
The Court System in McHenry County
Criminal 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. Felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence and traffic cases are assigned to different courtrooms, and assignments change. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office. Knowing where your case is called helps us plan from your first appearance.
How Illinois Classifies Charges
The class of the charge drives the stakes. A Class A misdemeanor carries less than one year in jail. A Class 4 felony carries one to three years, a Class 2 felony three to seven years, and a Class X felony six to thirty years, with no probation available for Class X. Many serious charges can also lead to collateral consequences such as a lost job, license, or firearm rights. See felony vs. misdemeanor in Illinois.
Charges We Defend
We handle felony and misdemeanor defense, including drug crimes, domestic violence, theft, battery, weapons and DUI. For an overview of everything we handle, see our Illinois criminal defense page and our criminal defense, DUI and traffic hub.
What to Do After an Arrest
Do not discuss the facts with police without a lawyer, and do not consent to searches. Illinois no longer uses cash bail. A judge decides pretrial release, and the State may ask to detain a person in some serious cases. Read how pretrial release works and what happens after an arrest, then call us before your first court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are McHenry County criminal cases heard?
At the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue in Woodstock. Felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence and traffic cases each have designated courtrooms.
Do you handle cases in McHenry County even though your office is in Wheeling?
Yes. Our office is at 433 N. Milwaukee Ave in Wheeling, and we represent clients in McHenry County courts. Call us to confirm we can appear on your court date.
Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in McHenry County?
Some records qualify, depending on the outcome and offense. Eligibility depends on your case, so call us to review it. See our expungement and sealing guide.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring your charging document or ticket, release paperwork, and any notices from police or the court. Share the facts only with us, not with police, witnesses or on social media.
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.