Jerald Novak

Jerald Novak

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 39 years

Family Lawyer at Grayslake, IL
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

352 Center Street, Grayslake, IL

About Jerald

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Administrative Law 10%

Secretary of State Reinstatement Hearings

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 39 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1987

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 5 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2020

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Novak Jerald Associates Attorney's At Law

352 Center Street, Grayslake, IL, 60030

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Jerald Novak's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

134 Client Reviews

Showing 101 - 105 of 134 reviews

Posted by Dave | June 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

My Attorney for Life

I can’t say enough about Mr. Novak. I got myself in a big mess which could have affected the rest of my life but Jerald Novak stepped in and helped in a big way. Given the charges that were against me, another attorney told me that there was no way that he could get some of the charges dismissed but... he did and I am forever grateful. I made a mistake and he helped me in a big way. I had to get a BAID device installed on my car which was causing me many problems. When he found out about it he got the company to reprogram the device within hours. That’s right, within 3 hours I had something I could live for six months. He took his time with multiple court appearances to achieve the best possible outcome for me. It was actually beyond the best possible outcome for no additional charge. His staff is incredible also! They help walk me through the entire process which I really appreciated. He is my attorney for life!

Posted by Heather | May 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Better than expected!

Jerald Novak was an outstanding Lawyer and hiring him was the best decision I could have made! He genuinely cares about his clients, he helped me get the best possible outcome I could have asked for with my situation. Mr. Novak and his amazing legal assistant Nicole helped me every step of the way ma...king sure I was fully informed with every single thing in my case, so I never felt in the dark about anything. I would tell anyone needing legal counsel to hire Jerry Novak immediately, you won't regret it!

Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Traffic Defense

I was referred to Mr. Novak as I had been charged with two (2) separate high Speeding cases in just one week! I was out of my mind, crazy with fear. I was not eligible for Court Supervision on either one (bad driving record with 2 prior court supervision this year alone) and both prosecutors wanted t...o have me hung and shot from the nearest tree. Mr. Novak talked to me, calmed me down and systematically went to work resolving these cases. It took a few months but he got me Court Supervision on 35 MPH over the limit! I didn't think it was possible. He saved me! What a miracle worker. He is a nice guy who really cares about his clients. On more than one occasion he talked to me about my out of control driving like a father figure and I really appreciated the time he took to talk to me and his kind approach and thoughtfulness. He's a great guy and a great professional. If you have a legal problem, I highly recommend Mr. Novak.

Posted by Michael | April 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Dedicated service

I requested the help of Jerald Novak in dismissing two tickets in different jurisdictions of northwest Illinois. Despite the severity of the tickets and the personal fear I felt for my reputation and work opportunities, Jerald started off his service by assuring a positive outcome. Throughout the cou...rt appearances that Jerald walked me through, he remained composed and professional while fighting for my case. I am beyond grateful that Jerald was able to fight was truly a bad week - two speeding tickets - down to the infractions they are supposed to be, instead of the staunch punishment the state prosecutor wanted to levy against me. Jerald ultimately salvaged my reputation and let me sleep in peace again. If you have a problem and need to go away, Jerald will do it quickly, professionally and courteously. Would not hesitate to use his services again and recommend to my friends and family.

Posted by Francisco | March 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Life saver

I've been dealing with issues for my license for a long time having a dui getting suspended being revoked a never ending cycle. I was driving while revoked and got pulled over for speeding. Now this was my second time getting stopped driving while on a revoked license I was looking at jail time. I ha...d another lawyer who I won't mention his name but never steered me in the right direction I was eligible for a hardship but never was told I thought once date was up that was it so a friend recommended Mr. Novak to me I went and spoke with him and left his office feeling relieved he knew what to say to ease your mind and gave you a legit answer on what he would be able to do for you. We had to do a couple court appearances but needless to say he reduced the jail time to fines and community service hrs and saved my lively hood I couldn't afford jail time and to lose my job and possibly home. I'd recommend Mr. Novak to everybody he's an incredible lawyer and worth every penny. Now I'm just waiting to be eligible for a hardship in November so that Mr. Novak can help me finally be legal on the road and I have full convince he will help do just that.

See All Client Reviews

Jerald Novak's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jerald
Jeremy Wang headshot
Jeremy Wang

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend and endorse Jerald Novak for DUI and criminal defense in Lake County, Illinois. I have written answers alongside Mr. Novak for several years and can vouch for his work ethic, dedication and professionalism. His responses reflect a thoughtful conscientious hard working attorney who vigorously fights for his clients. Any client would be well served by having Jerry Novak represent them."

Darren L. Weiss headshot
Darren Weiss

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is one of those rare guys that’s tough as nails in the courtroom but has a heart of gold outside. He smart, honest and highly experienced. As a DUI attorney of nearly 20 years, I still turn to Jerry for advice on tough cases. I wholeheartedly recommend him."

William P. Wolf headshot
William Wolf

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have found Jerry to give great, common sense advice that's stripped of legalese so it's straightforward and easy to understand. One of the reasons to get a lawyer is to get good advice. You'll get that from Mr. Novak."

Evan Elliott Randall headshot
Evan Randall

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak consistently provides an insightful analysis of legal issues. His breadth of knowledge is impressive and he is able to impart information in a understandable manner."

Joshua Sachs headshot
Joshua Sachs

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am consistently impressed by Mr. Novak's thorough knowledge and understanding of Illinois Vehicle Code, traffic and DUI issues."

Daniel Loring Hodgkinson headshot
Daniel Hodgkinson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jerry for a long time and he does a wonderful job advocating and defending his clients."

Omar Farooq Khan headshot
Omar Khan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jerald is very knowledgeable about DUI(s) and Criminal Matters."

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron headshot
Anthony Cameron

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak does what I do. He is a true professional at it. The Lawyer who is good at both DUI defense and Administrative License Reinstatement is rare but that's exactly what and who this fine lawyer is. He is also very supportive and encouraging to recovering people, the very folks we see every day. He is not just a technocrat he is both skilled advocate and humanistic advocate. I'd be proud to have him represent anyone close to me..and he practices in a tough neighborhood. Court in Lake County is no joke. You won't go wrong with this fine lawyer."

Alan E. Jones headshot
Alan Jones

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known him many years. He's very knowledgeable and gives each client a vigorous defense."

Judith Harriet Young headshot
Judith Young

Unknown lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Down to earth and a knowledgeable attorney."

Judy A. Goldstein headshot
Judy Goldstein

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Although I do not know Mr. Novak personally, I have been very impressed with the knowledge and skills he demonstrates when answering questions on Avvo. It is clear that he has a strong command of his areas of law and is a compassionate and zealous advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to refer clients to him."

Bruce Douglas Schottland headshot
Bruce Schottland

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is a great lawyer who I can easily endorse. He is very knowledgeable in his practice areas and does a very nice job for his clients. Furthermore, he is well known and respected in the legal community."

Alan Karl Lenczycki headshot
Alan Lenczycki

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry is a leader in his community. He is trustworthy and very knowledgeable. I endorse him."

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've know Jerry since my earliest days as an attorney. He is hard-working, knowledgable in the law, skilled in the arts of the courtroom, and a zealous advocate for his clients. I am happy to know him, proud to call him a colleague, and pleased to endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Novak is an exemplary attorney. I would refer anyone and everyone to him on a regular basis. Despite the fact that I have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for over 24 years, I continue to learn from him daily from his Avvo posts. I would recommend that you hire him in an instant."

John Lawrence Buckley headshot
John Buckley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jerry Novak is a leader in the DUI defense industry and an amazing advocate for his clients. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a recent DUI conference and learned a great deal from his input."

View All Endorsements
Darren L. Weiss headshot
Darren Weiss

DUI and DWI lawyer

Evan Elliott Randall headshot
Evan Randall

Criminal defense lawyer

William P. Wolf headshot
William Wolf

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Loring Hodgkinson headshot
Daniel Hodgkinson

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron headshot
Anthony Cameron

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert James Kritzmire headshot
Robert Kritzmire

Divorce and separation lawyer

Alan E. Jones headshot
Alan Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Judith Harriet Young headshot
Judith Young

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven H. Fagan headshot
Steven Fagan

Criminal defense lawyer

Alan Karl Lenczycki headshot
Alan Lenczycki

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremiah Steven Harter headshot
Jeremiah Harter

Criminal defense lawyer

Bruce Douglas Schottland headshot
Bruce Schottland

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Client's Choice, Avvo

2019

Top Contributor, Avvo

2017

Top Lawyer, Avvo

2017

Top Attorney, National Association For DUI Defense

2014

Top 100 DUI Attorney's in IL, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2012

Top Leading DUI Attorneys in IL, Newsweek Magazine

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Attorney, Jerald Novak & Associates

1987 - 1987

Assistant State's Attorney, Kane County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

2016 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

1987 - Present

Illinois Bar Association

Lake County Bar Association

Cook County Bar Association

DuPage County Bar Association

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

1987

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

Illinois State Bar Association

DUI Conference

2017

NRA

Legal Responsibilty When Lawfully Carrying a Firearm

Publications

2015

IL Cops Magazine The Best Witness Isn't

2015

IL Cops Magazine Open Range

2015

IL Cops Magazine Its Not a Perfect System but this time it Worked

2014

IL Cops Magazine A Sunday Drive

2014

IL Cops magazine Laying Down the Law for IL Cops

2013

Concealed Carry Magazine Are You Ready?

2013

Illinois Shooter Are YOU Ready to Carry?

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution