Lake County Criminal Lawyers

A criminal conviction can affect your life in many ways. It can ruin your reputation, make it difficult to find employment and even restrict your freedom.

A good Lake County Criminal Lawyer can help you get charges reduced or dismissed. They will fight assiduously on your behalf to protect your rights.

Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested or suspect that you are being investigated for a criminal offense, it is crucial to retain an experienced Lake County Criminal Defense Lawyer immediately. Often with early involvement by an experienced attorney, it may be possible to avoid formal charges or have them reduced.

As a former prosecutor, Matt Hoffman is well acquainted with the methods used by law enforcement to obtain convictions. This experience allows him to anticipate positions the prosecution will take and arguments they are likely to make against his clients.

Our firm is experienced in handling all types of felony and misdemeanor cases throughout Lake County and the State of Florida. We have successfully convinced prosecutors to reduce and dismiss charges and we can help you avoid having a criminal case appear on your background check or other future job applications. Felony cases that are not properly handled can result in severe consequences that could alter your life forever.

DUI Charges

The criminal justice system can be a treacherous place to navigate without powerful legal representation. Whether you made a regrettable mistake, were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or have been falsely accused of a crime, it is important to get a Lake County criminal defense lawyer who understands how the system works and how to fight for your rights.

DUI charges are a serious matter under Illinois law. Depending on circumstances, a DUI can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and first-time offenders may face up to a year in jail. A conviction for DUI can also result in a license suspension or revocation, fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education courses.

A good Lake County DUI attorney will build a strong defense strategy from day one and never stop until all avenues of defense have been explored. Our firm will fight for your freedom, protect your driver’s license and keep your life running smoothly.

Protective Orders

The attorneys of our firm handle a variety of domestic violence cases, which may include requests for protective orders. These can take the form of temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions. Both types have civil implications and do not appear on police records. They are frequently used to prevent spouses from emptying bank accounts or transferring assets that will be part of the marital estate during divorce proceedings. They also protect children from abuse and neglect.

An emergency order of protection can be imposed on an immediate basis after an incident of reported domestic violence. It lasts until a judge can hear your side of the story at a court hearing.

A Lake County Criminal Lawyer with the right reputation, workforce, and determination can help you defend yourself against a charge of violating an order of protection. A conviction for this crime cannot be sealed or expunged, so you need an attorney to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case.

Misdemeanor Charges

After 16 years as a prosecutor in the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Matt Hoffman shifted his focus to criminal defense. Since then he has handled all types of serious criminal Felony Cases, misdemeanor cases and Traffic matters. He has also handled appeals of indicated findings of abuse or neglect made by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

The HoffmanLaw firm’s foundational approach to defense is a careful and detailed analysis of the prosecution’s case against you. HoffmanLaw lead attorney Matt Hoffman developed this analytical method during his years as a front line prosecutor in the Lake County State’s attorney’s office.

We know that in some cases you won’t be officially charged for a crime but may suspect that you are under investigation and possibly that you are being targeted as a witness or a suspect. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible and to retain a criminal defense attorney before you are interrogated by law enforcement.