More Than 20 Years of Criminal Law Experience on Your Side
When you are facing criminal charges in Joliet, the prosecutor, the police, and the entire weight of the State of Illinois are working against you. The consequences of a conviction go far beyond the courtroom — a criminal record can destroy your career, your relationships, and your future. You need a defense attorney who knows how the system works from the inside and will fight to protect everything you have built.
Attorney Jack Zaremba brings more than 20 years of criminal law experience to every case he handles. He began his career as a Will County prosecutor and Illinois Assistant Attorney General before turning to criminal defense in 2009. He has handled thousands of criminal cases on both sides of the courtroom. When you hire Jack, you are hiring someone who knows how prosecutors build their cases, where the weaknesses are, and how to exploit them in your defense.
The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. is located at 26 East Clinton Street in Joliet — steps from the Will County Courthouse at 100 West Jefferson Street. Jack appears in these courtrooms daily. He knows the judges, the prosecutors, and the local court procedures that can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
Criminal Offenses We Defend in Joliet
Our firm handles the full range of criminal defense matters in Will County, Grundy County, and Kendall County. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony, Attorney Zaremba provides the same level of aggressive, experienced representation:
- DUI / DWI — First offense DUI, repeat offender DUI, aggravated felony DUI, marijuana DUI, and DUI defense strategies
- Drug Crimes — Possession, possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, trafficking, and prescription drug offenses
- Weapons & Gun Charges — Unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and FOID card violations
- Assault & Battery — Simple assault, aggravated assault, battery, and aggravated battery
- Domestic Violence — Domestic battery, orders of protection, and violation of protective orders
- Juvenile Crimes — Juvenile delinquency proceedings, underage DUI, and minor in possession charges
- Felony Crimes — Class 4 through Class X felony charges including violent offenses, property crimes, and white collar offenses
- Misdemeanor Crimes — Class A, B, and C misdemeanor charges
- Retail Theft & Shoplifting — Misdemeanor and felony retail theft charges
- Expungement & Record Sealing — Clearing criminal records to restore employment and housing opportunities
- Driver’s License Reinstatement — Secretary of State hearings, restricted driving permits, and BAIID requirements
- Speeding & Traffic Violations — Speeding tickets, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and CDL violations
Understanding the Criminal Court Process in Will County
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Joliet, understanding what happens next is critical. Criminal cases in Will County are heard at the Will County Courthouse at 100 West Jefferson Street in Joliet, which is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. The criminal court process typically follows these stages:
Arrest and booking — After an arrest by Joliet police, Will County Sheriff’s deputies, or Illinois State Police, you will be processed at the local police station or the Will County Adult Detention Facility. You may be released on bond or held until your first court appearance.
First appearance and bond hearing — A judge will set bail conditions and inform you of the charges. Having an attorney present at this stage can significantly affect your bond amount and conditions of release.
Preliminary hearing or grand jury — For felony charges in Will County, the State must establish probable cause either through a preliminary hearing before a judge or through a grand jury indictment. This is an important stage where weak cases can be challenged early.
Arraignment — You enter a formal plea of guilty or not guilty. Your attorney receives discovery — the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you.
Pretrial motions and negotiations — Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the State’s case. Plea negotiations also occur during this phase. Many criminal cases in Will County are resolved through negotiated agreements without going to trial.
Trial — If your case goes to trial, you have the right to a trial by jury or a bench trial before a judge. Attorney Zaremba prepares every case as though it will go to trial, which strengthens both trial outcomes and negotiation positions.
Sentencing — If convicted, the judge determines the sentence based on statutory guidelines, the severity of the offense, your criminal history, and mitigating factors presented by your attorney.
Felony and Misdemeanor Classifications in Illinois
Illinois classifies criminal offenses by severity, and the classification determines the potential penalties you face. Understanding where your charge falls is essential to evaluating the risk and making informed decisions about your defense:
Misdemeanors:
- Class C misdemeanor — Up to 30 days in jail, fines up to $1,500
- Class B misdemeanor — Up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $1,500
- Class A misdemeanor — Up to 364 days in jail, fines up to $2,500
Felonies:
- Class 4 felony — 1 to 3 years in prison, fines up to $25,000
- Class 3 felony — 2 to 5 years in prison, fines up to $25,000
- Class 2 felony — 3 to 7 years in prison, fines up to $25,000
- Class 1 felony — 4 to 15 years in prison, fines up to $25,000
- Class X felony — 6 to 30 years in prison, no probation eligibility
Prior convictions, aggravating factors, and the specific circumstances of your case can result in extended-term sentencing that significantly increases these ranges. Joliet police and Will County prosecutors pursue enhanced charges whenever possible, which makes experienced defense representation essential from the earliest stages of your case.
Why Choose a Former Will County Prosecutor
Most criminal defense attorneys in Joliet have only ever seen cases from one side. Jack Zaremba has worked both sides of the courtroom. As a former Will County prosecutor, he knows how the State’s Attorney’s office evaluates cases, assigns resources, and makes charging decisions. As an Illinois Assistant Attorney General, he handled complex cases at the state level. This dual perspective gives his clients an advantage that most defense attorneys simply cannot provide.
Jack handles every case personally. When you call the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., you speak with Jack — not a receptionist, not a paralegal, and not a junior associate. He is available 24 hours a day because he understands that arrests and emergencies do not happen on a convenient schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Joliet
What should I do if I am arrested in Will County?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions from police without your lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. at 815-740-4025 as soon as possible — we are available 24 hours a day.
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Illinois?
In some cases, yes. Through plea negotiations, presentation of mitigating evidence, or successful pretrial motions, it may be possible to have felony charges reduced to misdemeanors. The outcome depends on the specific facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of your defense attorney.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Joliet?
Our firm offers affordable rates with flat fees for most criminal defense cases. The cost depends on the severity of the charges and the complexity of the case. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment.
Will a criminal conviction affect my employment?
Yes. Most employers in Will County and throughout Illinois conduct background checks. A criminal conviction — whether a misdemeanor or felony — can disqualify you from jobs, professional licenses, government positions, and educational opportunities. This is why fighting the charges or pursuing expungement is so important.
We also handle Personal Injury cases including auto accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries throughout Joliet and Will County.
Contact a Joliet Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
We also defend clients facing charges for CDL Violations, Police Questioning & Miranda Rights, Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Police in Joliet and Will County.
If you are facing criminal charges in Joliet, Will County, Grundy County, or Kendall County, do not wait. The earlier you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. at 815-740-4025 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day and offer affordable rates with flat fees for most cases.