A DUI arrest in McHenry County sets two cases in motion: a criminal charge in court and a separate Secretary of State license suspension. Both move quickly. We defend DUI charges throughout McHenry County, including Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, McHenry, Woodstock and Huntley. 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.
Where a McHenry County DUI Case Is Heard
DUI cases in McHenry County 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. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office. Felony DUI cases go to the felony calls.
The Two Clocks: Criminal Case and License
After a DUI arrest, the officer reports a failed or refused chemical test to the Secretary of State. The statutory summary suspension takes effect on the 46th day after you receive notice. For a first offender, it lasts six months after a test at 0.08 or higher and twelve months after a refusal. You may ask the court in writing, within 90 days of notice, to rescind it, but that request does not pause the suspension. First offenders may qualify for a monitoring device driving permit, which requires an ignition interlock. See summary suspension and the driving permit guide.
What a DUI Conviction Can Mean
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. A second offense carries a mandatory minimum of five days in jail or 240 hours of community service. Aggravated DUI is a felony, for example a third offense, driving on a revoked license, or a crash causing great bodily harm. A conviction also leads to license revocation. See our guides to first-time DUI, second-offense DUI and aggravated DUI.
How We Defend DUI Charges
We examine the stop, the field sobriety tests and the breath or blood testing, review reports and video, then decide whether to challenge, negotiate or try the case. We also handle the license side, including hearings and CDL DUI issues. For our full practice overview, visit our Illinois DUI defense page and our criminal defense, DUI and traffic hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my McHenry County DUI case be heard?
At the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock. Your ticket or release papers list the courtroom and date; confirm with the Circuit Clerk or call our office. Felony DUIs go to the felony courtrooms.
Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest in McHenry County?
Not on arrest day. If you fail or refuse a chemical test, the summary suspension begins on the 46th day after notice. You can ask the court to rescind it within 90 days, and first offenders may qualify for a monitoring device driving permit.
Can a first DUI end in court supervision?
Sometimes. Supervision is discretionary and is unavailable if you have a prior DUI conviction or supervision. We review your record before advising you.
What is McHenry County DUI Court?
It is a post-plea treatment program for qualifying McHenry County residents charged with a nonviolent felony DUI. Referrals must be made within 60 days of the first appearance with counsel, so early legal advice matters.
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.