
Lake in the Hills Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorneys for Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, and More in Lake in the Hills, Illinois
If you are arrested for a criminal offense in Lake in the Hills, you will need to understand the specific charges you are facing, the issues that could affect your case, and the steps you can take to avoid a conviction. The criminal justice system can be intimidating and unforgiving, and trying to deal with it on your own is likely to end in disaster. You need a strong legal advocate on your side who can represent you in legal proceedings, help you avoid saying or doing anything that could be used against you, and determine the best strategy to help you avoid a conviction.
As you determine how to address the accusations against you and defend against criminal charges, choosing the right legal representative is critical. At Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C., we have the skills and experience needed to defend you in McHenry County courts. By contacting us as soon as possible after being arrested, and before speaking to police officers or anyone else about your case, we can make sure your rights will be protected, and we can advise you on the defense strategies that will be most effective.
How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Make a Difference in Your Case
The attorneys at Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. have decades of practical experience representing clients in thousands of criminal cases, including hundreds of trials. We have a deep understanding of the criminal statutes in Illinois, and we have published articles and taught courses about multiple areas of criminal law. We are known for handling high-stakes cases across the state and beyond. We have received numerous awards, including being named as Super Lawyers and Elite Lawyers
Our firm has built a reputation on our ability to win complex, high-profile cases involving doctors, public officials, athletes, and entertainers. Our attorneys have appeared in prominent national and local media outlets, including NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and 20/20. Hundreds of former clients have shared their appreciation through glowing reviews and testimonials, demonstrating our commitment to achieving positive results in their cases.
Attorney Spotlight

Donald Ramsell is the author of leading publications on DUI defense in Illinois and has defended more than 10,000 DUI cases. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients in more than 500 bench trials and 100 jury trials, and he has even argued a case before the United States Supreme Court.
- National College of DUI Defense, Sustaining Member
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, National Trial Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
- Elite Lawyer
- Leading Lawyers
Defense for Drug Crime Charges
Illinois law treats drug crimes very seriously. Even in cases where defendants struggle with drug addiction, they may face penalties that could include significant prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that will limit their future opportunities. Our lawyers can defend clients facing charges that include:
- Possession of Controlled Substances: We work to address accusations related to possessing, carrying, or storing heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or other types of controlled substances.
- Distribution of Controlled Substances: Accusations of selling or distributing drugs to others may lead to increased penalties. In some cases, a drug possession charge may be elevated to possession with intent to distribute based on the quantity of drugs, packaging materials, or cash found at the scene.
- Manufacturing of Controlled Substances: These charges may include creating or synthesizing drugs, such as by operating a meth lab, but they may also involve preparing or packaging drugs for distribution.
Our attorneys will analyze every aspect of drug cases, including the validity of searches by law enforcement and the reliability of forensic evidence. We will take steps to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and address other violations of our clients' rights. We will work to secure dismissals, negotiate reduced charges, or determine whether clients qualify for probation that will allow them to avoid a permanent criminal record.
Defense Against Sex Crime Allegations
Accusations that a person has committed a sexual sex crime can ruin their life. These cases often involve sensitive details and media scrutiny, but a strong defense can help a defendant prevent a conviction that would require them to register as a sex offender. Our lawyers can help address charges such as:
- Sexual Assault: These allegations often rely on one person's word against another's. Our attorneys will review forensic evidence, address the credibility of witnesses, and take steps to demonstrate consent as we defend against a conviction.
- Prostitution and Solicitation: Agreeing to sexual activity in exchange for compensation as either the buyer or seller can lead to criminal charges. We can help defend against these charges by addressing entrapment, violations of our clients' rights, or other issues.
- Revenge Pornography: Under Illinois law, it is illegal to distribute sexual images of someone without their consent and with the intent of causing harm. We can help defend against these allegations by addressing issues related to privacy or consent.
- Child Pornography: The possession or distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) are considered crimes against children, and these offenses carry serious consequences. We can help defend against these charges by challenging digital evidence, reviewing the chain of custody, or demonstrating that our client had no knowledge of the materials in question.
Representation for Violent Crime Charges
When criminal charges involve injuries or harm to others, they may carry serious penalties. Our attorneys can help defend against multiple types of violent crimes, including:
- Assault and Battery: A confrontation, verbal threat, or fight can lead to criminal charges. We will review witness statements, surveillance footage, and police conduct to build a defense against these accusations.
- Domestic Violence: Accusations of injuring or harming family members can lead to criminal charges and orders of protection. Our lawyers handle these sensitive cases with care, working to prevent ongoing consequences while protecting family relationships.
- Robbery: When a person is accused of taking property through force or the use of a weapon, they may face serious penalties. We can help defend against these accusations and work to prevent a conviction.
- Murder and Manslaughter: Our team can handle complex homicide cases, working to prevent convictions by demonstrating self-defense, mistaken identity, or other factors that may exonerate our clients.
Representation in McHenry County Courts
Following a criminal arrest in Lake in the Hills, the proceedings in a person's case will typically be held at the McHenry County Courthouse, located at:
- 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098
We serve clients in McHenry County from our office in Lake in the Hills, located at:
- 9 Crystal Lake Road, Suite 220, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Defense for Other Criminal Charges
Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. can provide an effective defense against a wide variety of criminal offenses, including:
- DUI: Our lawyers can represent people who have been arrested for drunk or intoxicated driving. We can challenge field sobriety test results, breathalyzer or blood tests, and arrest procedures to help defend against convictions.
- Weapons Charges: We can help clients address charges involving the unlawful use or possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons. We will work to protect our clients' Second Amendment rights, address unconstitutional searches, and raise other appropriate defense strategies.
- Theft: We can defend against misdemeanor or felony charges of theft or shoplifting, addressing the evidence in a case or the intent of a defendant to help prevent a conviction.
- Probation Violations: A person who is accused of violating the terms of probation may be arrested, and they could be forced to serve a prison sentence. Our attorneys can work with clients to defend against claims of probation violations or negotiate modifications to the terms of probation.
- Traffic Offenses: Serious traffic crimes, such as reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident, can result in license suspension or jail time. Our lawyers can defend against conviction and take steps to minimize the potential penalties clients may face.
- Juvenile Crimes: Young people who are accused of violating the law may face consequences that could affect their futures. Our attorneys work to protect minors against harsh penalties and make sure they will be able to avoid ongoing consequences.
Contact Our Lake in the Hills, IL Criminal Defense Attorneys
It is critical to act quickly to protect your rights after an arrest or when you have learned that you are under investigation. With our decades of experience, Ramsell & Kunowski, L.L.C. can provide the legal help you need to protect your rights and resolve your criminal case successfully. Contact our Lake in the Hills criminal lawyers at 847-465-8743 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you.