Stavri Vako Esq.

Stavri Vako Esq.

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Palatine, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

4811 Emerson Avenue, 110, Palatine, IL

About Stavri

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

Traffic ticket defense, and other criminal defense litigation.

14 years

35%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 30%

Traffic ticket defense.

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 13 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2012

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Vako Law & Associates LLC. (847-429-8811)

4811 Emerson Avenue, 110, Palatine, IL, 60067

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Stavri Vako Esq.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

131 Client Reviews

5 star (130)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Stavri Wins

I was arrested by the Elmhurst Police department in March of 2025. Stavri was my first choice for representing me in this case. His professionalism and punctuality remained consistent throughout the entire case, which lasted several months. The Wheels of Justice turn slow and I believe that Stavri ma...de them turn as fast as possible, given the circumstances. I was pulled over for improper lighting. Officer smelled alcohol and I admitted to having a drink. After performing the filed sobriety test I was arrested and taken to Elmhurst Jail. I was convinced to blow to measure my BAC which was .10. Legal prior to ‘93. After he reviewed the bodycam footage, we decided that it would be worth disputing the charges. Which we did, thankfully. The case resulted in ALL charges being dropped. Thanks again Stavri & Vako Law

Posted by Kyle | December 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Communication with Empathy

My mom had a car accident where the car was totaled and a ticket was issued for inappropriate speed due to weather which I knew she wasn't. My mom doesn't speak good English so I wanted someone to help her through this. I emailed around to a few different lawyers and Starvi was the only one to reply ...quickly with the show empathy with the situation. All of us in the family were nervous wrecks but talking to him and looking at his reviews gave me confidence in leading us through the proceeding. The day of the hearing, we went into the courtroom without him. He showed up a few minutes late but answered his phone to let me know he'll be there and to relax. After entering, he talked to some people and filled out some paper work. When it came time for my mom to get up. He brought her over and my mom didn't have to say a word. It ended up being dismissed immediately. We went to sat back down but he guided us out. That was shockingly it! We were struck by how quickly the process was. We lost a lot of sleep over this incident and now can sleep better knowing it was like it never happened. It felt like Stavri had some voodoo magic. We hope we dont need to use his services again but will if its ever needed. We highly recommend his services. Thanks again!

Posted by Kev | September 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Case Dismissed

I couldn't be more grateful and pleased with the exceptional defense representation I received from Stavri Vako as my attorney for a Class B Speeding situation. He is very knowledgeable, professional, personable, and genuinely cared about my case from start to finish. I can say that he really wen...t above and beyond to ensure that I receive the best possible outcome. My case was fully dismissed. Hands down the best defense lawyer to get. I highly recommend using his services, he's sharp and knows his stuff.

Posted by anonymous | September 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Traffic Ticket dismissed while on court supervision

I had the pleasure of working with Lawyer Stavri Vako, and I was very impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and approachable manner. I reached out to him regarding a traffic ticket that I was extremely concerned about, as it could have potentially resulted in the suspension of my driver’s lice...nse. From the beginning, Mr. Vako reassured me and provided clear guidance. On the day of court, he met with me, spoke directly with the prosecutor, and successfully had the entire ticket dismissed. It was as if the ticket never existed—it does not appear on my record. I am very grateful for the outcome and for his support throughout the process. I highly recommend Mr. Vako to anyone in need of legal assistance. I will certainly continue to seek his services in the future.

Posted by Vita | August 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Class B Misdemeanor Dismissed

My son received a speeding ticket going 74 MPH on a 45 MPH which is 29 miles over the speed limit making this ticket a Class B Misdemeanor and not a simple traffic ticket or a petty offense. I was extremely worried, stressed out beyond belief, and concerned about the consequences he could potentially... face based on the severity of that offense. When I contacted Stavri regarding this matter, he was able to calm me down and relieve some of my stress. We talked in detail regarding the situation, the law, and he explained what my son needs to get done prior to the Court appearance in order to get the best possible outcome on that particular offense. While my son was completing all the tasks that Stavri asked to be done prior to the Court date, Stavri was always available to answer any questions pertaining to the tasks and the Court date. Ultimately, on the assigned Court date, I appeared in Court with my son as well, and Stavri did a phenomenal job. He got the case completely dismissed and we were beyond ecstatic with that outcome, (keeping my son’s record clean). Stavri is very knowledgeable in his line of work, he cares deeply about his clients, he advocates for the best possible outcome that could be achieved, and he is very well respected as an attorney by his colleagues. He is simply the BEST and the most AMAZING attorney in his field. I HIGHLY Recommend using his services if ever needed. He is an expert in law and simply Works Wonders.

See All Client Reviews

Stavri Vako Esq.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stavri
Brandon Michael Djonlich headshot
Brandon Djonlich

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stavri takes each client matter seriously and does a great job navigating each client’s case through the court system."

Anastas Shkurti headshot
Anastas Shkurti

Unknown lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Spiros D. Alikakos headshot
Spiros Alikakos

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred clients to Mr. Vako and have only heard good reviews on both his competency and his handling of the various matters."

Charles Franklin Farrell Jr. headshot
Charles Farrell

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stavri provides a valuable service on Avvo. He gives excellent answers to user questions on this site. I am happy to endorse him."

Sheraz Barkat headshot
Sheraz Barkat

General practice lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cary Dohman headshot
Cary Dohman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Stavri since I was admitted to the bar as an attorney. Not only is Stavri a tireless worker who will fight for his clients' rights, but he is one of the genuinely good guys out there. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Yllka Antonela Seseri headshot
Yllka Seseri

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Joseph Schwaner headshot
David Schwaner

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vako is an asset to the avvo community."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Vako. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! Keep up the great work."

Martin Samuel Lascola headshot
Martin Lascola

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Stavri os a talented criminal defense attorney. From the beginning of his career he immediately began litigating and fighting for his clients. He never backs down and keeps his clients' intersts as the focus of his efforts. He has developed an excellent relationship with Judges and prosecutors and this also benefits the client. Do not hesitate to hire Stavri for any criminal defense need."

Larry Dohman headshot
Larry Dohman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Stavri for several years. He is a very knowledgeable, is always well prepared, and always strives to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Mohammad Ramadan headshot
Mohammad Ramadan

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Stavri is a great lawyer who works hard for his clients and achieves results. He is very strong and has a real presence in court. Prosecutors know when Stavri is on a case they are in for a fight. He is not scared to go to trial and win. If I were ever in trouble I would not hesitate to call Stavri because I know I will get a tough defense."

Chloe Anne Schor headshot
Chloe Schor

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had many opportunities to observe Mr. Vako in court. I can saw without any hesitation that he will do absolutely everything that he can for his clients. He is knowledgeable, experienced, and well respected."

Nils P. Wyosnick headshot
Nils Wyosnick

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vako is an outstanding and smart attorney. He is well respected throughout the Chicagoland region and beyond."

Matthew Fakhoury headshot
Matthew Fakhoury

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vako is a fighter... plain and simple. He fights for his clients until the very end and gets great results in doing so. He is professional, likeable, and knows the law."

Joseph Venditti III headshot
Joseph Venditti

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Stavri is a highly capable and professional attorney. His skills and devotion to his clients are unmatched. I highly recommend his services."

Moe A. Ahmad headshot
Moe Ahmad

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Stavri is a highly skilled lawyer who fights extremely hard for his clients. His passion and advocacy is second to none. He cares deeply for his clients and goes the extra mile for everyone he represents. I've personally worked with Stavri on cases and can attest to his work ethic. If your looking for a great lawyer who is skilled, and cares, you will quickly find out that Stavri meets such critiaria. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Vako without any reservations."

View All Endorsements
Sam Lawrence Amirante headshot
Sam Amirante

Criminal defense lawyer

Konrad Grabowski headshot
Konrad Grabowski

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Melissa Nicole Schoenbein headshot
Melissa Schoenbein

Litigation lawyer

Bayarjargal T. Sereenen headshot
Bayarjargal Sereenen

Criminal defense lawyer

Brandon Michael Djonlich headshot
Brandon Djonlich

Divorce and separation lawyer

Katherine Kinga Levine headshot
Katherine Levine

Criminal defense lawyer

Sheraz Barkat headshot
Sheraz Barkat

Child custody lawyer

Spiros D. Alikakos headshot
Spiros Alikakos

Residential real estate lawyer

Valbona Doci headshot
Valbona Doci

Family lawyer

Cary Dohman headshot
Cary Dohman

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua C. Black headshot
Joshua Black

Litigation lawyer

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Car accident lawyer

David Joseph Schwaner headshot
David Schwaner

Personal injury lawyer

Yllka Antonela Seseri headshot
Yllka Seseri

Immigration lawyer

Anastas Shkurti headshot
Anastas Shkurti

Real estate lawyer

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Immigration lawyer

Christopher M. Cosley headshot
Christopher Cosley

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald J Cosley headshot
Donald Cosley

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Venditti III headshot
Joseph Venditti

Criminal defense lawyer

Martin Samuel Lascola headshot
Martin Lascola

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

2018 Illinois Rising Stars, SuperLawyers

2017

2017 Illinois Rising Stars, SuperLawyers

2017

Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2017

Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

2016

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

"Winning DUI Cases" Executive Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

2016 Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2012

Order of Barristers, Order of Barristers

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Partner, Vako Law

2012 - 2015

Associate, Sam L. Amirante & Associates, PC

2011 - 2012

Law Clerk, Student Legal Services

2011 - 2011

Law Clerk, Cook County Public Defender's Office

2010 - 2010

Law Clerk, Illinois Department Of Corrections

Associations

2017 - Present

Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Board of Governors

2012 - Present

Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Member

Education

2012

Southern Illinois University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

DePaul University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

Albanian

Spanish

Italian

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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