Jerald Novak

Jerald Novak

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 38 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 38 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 21 - 25 of 44 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Crystal | May 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

First lawyer I hired but the best outcome he made

Jerald is a very professional and patient, also a very humorous and smart person. He handled our speeding ticket from A class crime to a petty one. Thanks a lot!

Posted by Daniel | March 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Lawyer I have hired

Jerry is a VERY competent attorney. He is clear in his advice and spends the appropriate amount of time to understand the case and advise the client. His billing process is very clear and timely, no surprises. While I was in the courtroom, the judge actually complimented Jerry on his work. I would hi...ghly recommend Mr. Novak for any DUI case.

Posted by anonymous | December 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Who? Jerry Novak. What? The solution. When? Always.

I was pulled over. Refused breath test. Arrested for DUI. What now...? A family friend referred me to Jerry and let me tell you...I am so glad I reached out to him first before going through the stress of other lawyers. From the initial consultation I felt respected, understood, and cared for. My ...biggest fear was getting judged and looked at in, really, a disappointed way as I did feel about myself, the whole DUI arrest, and the situation I had been put in. Jerry understands. Without saying much on my end Jerry began to bring my confidence back, clear my vision, and truly made me feel that I have someone who will stick with me. Jerry really is the lawyer that is a call away and most of the time he is the one reaching out truly taking care of you. The time invested in my DUI case by him and Nicole blew me away. Nothing was missed. I hired Jerry immediately based on the initial phone consultation and instant connection formed--which is how I felt about him and probably how you should feel about your lawyer. During our first meeting he explained to me again the possible outcomes of a DUI case in such detail...I'll say it this way, like when you expand a complex math equation to its most basic form. It was so easy to look at and saves a lot of time in individual research. To me that was really a crucial step because I never believed I'd be going through something like this let alone did I know where to start to best understand what is going to happened. Jerry told me to rest assured that every case is different and all points based on my individual case will be covered to construct the best plan and achieve what outcome I had in mind. We obtained my discovery and video in a very timely manner which is super important to finally have, especially before your next scheduled court date, and now you and Jerry have something to work with. Before you obtain your discovery and video, if there is any video, there is no reason to stress or worry--first off because you've hired Jerry--so please, relax and smile, believe me! You're special, worth it, and loved. Keep your head up. Ultimately, his expertise in field sobriety testing and breathalyzer knowledge blew me away. No way would I have caught certain words the police officer said or more importantly didn't say let alone improper administration...even things that I thought seemed normal were broken down and this is why you need Jerry. He knows how to find it all. I wish I could write the whole review talking about why he's the most qualified based on his accolades, but it's better to listen to him talk and hear it from him. To cut to the chase, the work Jerry put into my case at every step, fine attention to detail, effectively reached deadlines by him and Nicole, and phenomonal familiarity Jerry has with DUI cases resulted in my DUI being DISMISSED. Please listen to Jerry and realize that he will work his best, almost as if you are his only case, to get you your personalized win. Initially it's scary; stop worrying and call Jerry. I'm not saying this because of my outcome, I say it because I had the best attorney representing me. I will recommend him to everyone I know and I highly recommend him to you.

Posted by Javier | December 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Mr. Novak, the man who can pull it off

For my case, I had called multiple and consulted multiple attorneys. Each one had either first said I should get someone more skilled in the area of Traffic Law or their suggestions to how I should proceed was to just accept my situation as it were. I had called Jerald Novak with a great deal of ...skepticism since what he was telling me was the complete opposite of previous free consultations I had received. Lo and behold, the guy was a f%#&ing God send. Able to help clear unjust portions of my record on my behalf and additionally reduce my sentence for court. The man cares about his clients the way he cared about me. I would also heed (or seriously consider) whatever life advice he may give you to mitigate problems in your legal future. He has seen a lot of people in our same positions continue on the same path as well as others who changed and gladly never sees again. Be proactive in your approach to legal problems, there is a so much information that can derail that you didn't know. If you must be reactive to a situation you or someone else got you in, that reaction must be to hire Jerald Novak as your counsel. I couldn't give him a large hug at the time, so this review will be my poor substitute of my immense gratitude and thanks. Thanks Jerald, you are indeed, THE Man.

Posted by J.P | December 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Best Lawyer Hands Down!!

Jerald Novak has been a blessing in my life, he is very professional and worked very hard for my case. Jerald goes above and beyond to get the best possible outcome. I recommend him to anyone seeking expertise in his area speeding, DUI and DWI Criminal defense, Administrative law. I cannot be thankfu...l enough for the patience, understanding, and help he has provided for my case. I Highly recommend! A friend recommended me to him because he handled his case with a great outcome. Thanks Jerald!!

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

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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