ALL Former Prosecutors
Every attorney on our team has served as a prosecutor in Lake County. We know their playbook because we wrote it. This insider knowledge gives you an unmatched advantage in the courtroom.
ALL FORMER PROSECUTORS
Lake County DUI Defense Attorneys
We Know How to Beat Your Case
"The Prosecution's Playbook is Ours"
Lake County's Premier DUI Defense Team — Serving Lake County Since 1979. We've handled over 5,000 cases and know exactly how to protect your rights.
1979
Established
5,000+
Cases Handled
5.0
Google Rating
Your Defense Team
Your Defense Team
Three former prosecutors working together on YOUR case
Former Prosecutors
Est. 1978
5-Star Rated
Team Approach
Free Consultation
The Difference
Why We're Lake County's Best DUI Defense Team
When your freedom is on the line, you need attorneys who know how prosecutors think — because we used to be them.
True Team Approach
Three experienced DUI defense attorneys collaborate on every case. You don't just get one lawyer – you get the combined brainpower and experience of our entire team fighting for you.
Decades of Experience
Established in 1978, our firm brings nearly a century of criminal defense experience to your case. We've seen every type of DUI case and know how to win them.
5-Star Client Reviews
Our track record speaks for itself. Hundreds of satisfied clients have rated us 5 stars for our aggressive defense, clear communication, and outstanding results.
Meet the Team
Lake County's Premier DUI Defense Attorneys
When you hire our firm, you get the combined expertise of three former prosecutors fighting for your freedom.
Partner
Vincent Stavros
Former Prosecutor
As a former Assistant State's Attorney, Vince built countless DUI cases for the State. Now he demolishes State's evidence and beats these cases for our clients.
Partner
Nicholas Stavros
Former Prosecutor
Nick's aggressive courtroom presence and strategic thinking have resulted in countless dismissals and not guilty verdicts.
Partner
T. Justin Stavros
Former Prosecutor
Justin combines meticulous case preparation with cutting-edge defense strategies and technical review to successfully defend clients and win cases.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense Services in Lake County, IL
Comprehensive defense for all criminal charges in Lake, Cook & McHenry Counties
DUI Defense
First-time DUI, multiple DUI, felony DUI, drug DUI, and license reinstatement
Learn MoreDrug Crimes
Possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and federal drug charges
Learn MoreDomestic Violence
Domestic battery, orders of protection, and family defense
Learn MoreTraffic Violations
Speeding, reckless driving, suspended license, and CDL violations
Learn MoreFelonies
Assault, robbery, weapons charges, and serious criminal offenses
Learn MoreMisdemeanors
Retail theft, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, and more
Learn More
Recent DUI Case Results
We Don't Just Defend.
We Don't Just Defend.
We WIN.
Real results from real cases. We don't just defend — we WIN.
Dismissed – DUI - Evidence Suppressed
Case dismissed after we successfully argued the traffic stop was conducted without probable cause.
Case dismissed after we successfully argued the traffic stop was conducted without probable cause.
Reduced – Felony DUI to Reckless Driving
Client facing felony charges had case reduced to reckless driving with no jail time.
Client facing felony charges had case reduced to reckless driving with no jail time.
Not Guilty – Car v. Fence Accident
Client had .178 breathalyzer and open vodka bottle in the car. Attorney created reasonable doubt — NOT GUILTY verdict.
Client had .178 breathalyzer and open vodka bottle in the car. Attorney created reasonable doubt — NOT GUILTY verdict.
Not Guilty – Breathalyzer Challenge
Not guilty verdict after successfully challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer device.
Not guilty verdict after successfully challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer device.
Client Reviews
What Our Lake County Clients Say
"The Lake County Defense Team has been the best! Justin has helped me with a couple cases these last few months and he's been excellent! From the very beginning, he's been very professional, highly knowledgeable, and extremely reliable! I couldn't thank him enough, if you need people to have your back this is the place to go!"
"Outstanding law firm. They have handled multiple issues for me, and every outcome has been a success. Professional, reliable, and highly knowledgeable. I highly recommend the Lake County Defense Team!"
"Best decision I ever made was calling these attorneys. They answered my call on a Sunday and immediately put my mind at ease. The whole team worked together on my case and got me a not guilty verdict."
"I was terrified after my DUI arrest. The team at Lake County DUI Defense took over and got my case dismissed. They knew exactly what to do and fought for me every step of the way. I can't thank them enough."
"As former prosecutors themselves, they knew exactly how to challenge the state's case. My charges were reduced significantly, and I kept my license. Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense in Lake County
If you've been arrested for DUI in Lake County, remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Contact an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with police without an attorney present. Time is critical – you only have 46 days to request a hearing to contest your license suspension. Call us immediately at 847-520-4810 for a free consultation.
Former prosecutors understand exactly how the state builds DUI cases, what evidence they prioritize, and what strategies they use. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves and build stronger defenses. We know the Lake County prosecutors and judges personally, giving you a significant advantage in negotiations and at trial. Meet our team of former prosecutors.
A first DUI in Illinois is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2,500, and a minimum 1-year license revocation. You may also be required to complete alcohol education classes and install a BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device). However, with proper defense, many penalties can be reduced or avoided entirely. Learn more about DUI penalties and defenses.
Yes, DUI cases can be dismissed under various circumstances. Common grounds for dismissal include: illegal traffic stops, improper administration of field sobriety tests, inaccurate breathalyzer results, chain of custody issues with blood tests, and violations of your constitutional rights. Our team meticulously reviews every detail of your arrest to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case. View our case results for examples.
Legal fees vary based on the complexity of your case. We offer free initial consultations (in-person or via Zoom), transparent pricing, and flexible payment plans. Considering the potential consequences of a DUI conviction – including jail time, fines, license loss, increased insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record – investing in quality legal defense is essential. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and options.
We provide DUI and criminal defense services throughout Lake County, Cook County, and McHenry County, Illinois. This includes Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Grayslake, Round Lake, Zion, North Chicago, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, and surrounding communities. Contact our Wheeling office today.
Get Help Now
Free DUI Case Consultation
Don't face criminal charges alone. Contact our team of former prosecutors today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll review your case and explain your options.
Call Us 24/7
847-520-4810
Office Location
433 N. Milwaukee Ave
Wheeling, IL 60090
Wheeling, IL 60090
Available
24/7 for Emergencies
Areas We Serve:
Lake County • Cook County • McHenry County
Waukegan • Gurnee • Libertyville • Vernon Hills • Mundelein • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Grayslake • Round Lake • Zion • North Chicago • Arlington Heights • Buffalo Grove • Wheeling