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

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Jerald Novak's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

134 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | Staff & Support

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 Chad | February 11, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Change Your Life Today

In March 2013, my wife & I sat across from Mr. Novak for the first time. We layed out my history, which consisted of 4 DUIs & 1 violation of driving with a revoked license. All of which, I was guilty. As we interviewed each other, a genuine connection was made & we laid out a plan for my future. ...I was skeptical, of course, because I had been through 3 different attorneys in the past 10 years regarding my "situation". In the months to come, my skepticism slowly lifted. Jerry took my situation very personally, & made a very genuine effort in getting to know me...which, meant a great deal to me. After months of hard work & commitment, I had a hearing to request a temporary license. It was granted after one attempt. For the first time since 1998, I was being granted a privilege to drive. My life, because of Jerry's guidance, was starting to change. About 9 months later, it was time. We decided to request a hearing for full reinstatement. It was during the next 3-4 months that Jerry offered a personal support, that was second to none. It's a very tedious process, that can be very rewarding, but without the support from family, friends, and your attorney...I can't even imagine how difficult it would be. Jerry was more than an attorney; he was a friend. In January 2015 I received the decision letter from the State regarding my request for full driving privileges. In less than 2 years from the day my wife & I met Jerald Novak, I have an OFFICIAL Illinois Driver's License. My life has changed, for the better and I owe a lot of that to Jerry. My family & I, most certainly, couldn't have done it without him. Thank you Jerry...and a HUGE thanks to your wonderful support staff (especially Nicole). So, for anyone that read this completely, my advice is simple. Get serious about your recovery AND get very serious about the attorney you hire to represent you. Call Jerald Novak today.

Posted by Dan | January 12, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Cofirmation of a positive recommendation

Please read Mr. Novak's .pdf brochure on his website. It was a startling indication that the legal process is a strange, confusing ordeal and I really wish I had read it before encountering law enforcement and the ramifications. Mr. Novak's perspective and long experience in the field allows him to r...epresent clients successfully and advise them about courses of action to attain "best possible" outcomes. After a friend recommended him, I contacted him through his website and received a response in several hours. His staff is extremely friendly and co-operative. I will heartily recommend his services and have informed many friends and acquaintances already about the information in his brochure. Very good stuff to know BEFORE there is trouble.

Posted by Jen | March 09, 2014 | DUI & DWI

This is your guy....

I recently retained Jerald Novak to represent me in my DUI case. He was extremely knowledgeable, presented me with all possible scenarios and educated me throughout the entire process. While I do not wish anyone to have to go through this; if you find yourself in the unfortunate scenario you need Mr.... Novak on your side. He took my call immediately, talked me through all the possibilities and got me the best possible outcome that can be derived from a DUI arrest. My license was not suspended, no BAAID machine, no lost driving time, and nothing on my permanent record. His entire staff was courteous and knowledgeable. If you ever find yourself in this unpleasant situation Jerald Novak is the man you want fighting for you. Nothing like lawyers I've dealt with in the past; I am so thankful he was referred to me; he saved my freedom and driving privileges! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

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