Author Archives: lorilevin

Resources for the girls at the Warrenville Youth Center

It is nice to post about something positive and uplifting regarding opportunities for the girls in the Illinois juvenile justice system. A few years ago, the Illinois Juvenile Department of Corrections was retooled and renamed the Department of Juvenile Justice but with the state of the state’s economy, still too little resources are available to […]

By lorilevin | Published September 26, 2011 | Posted in Girl Offenders, Prisoner Re-Entry, Women Offenders | Leave a comment

Release of Female Offenders

As Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, I encouraged innovative research on women and girl offenders. As a private practitioner, I have continued my efforts to aid women in the criminal justice system. Although I do not practice in California, it is noteworthy, that that state’s prison system is planning on releasing […]

By lorilevin | Published September 15, 2011 | Posted in Women Offenders | Leave a comment

Civil Stalking No Contact Orders

In Illinois, the courts hold domestic violence civil order of protection proceedings over persons who have had a dating or familial relationship. The courts now also hold civil stalking no contact proceedings for persons who have not had such a relationship but where conduct is alleged to have reached the level of stalking. The legislative […]

By lorilevin | Published September 14, 2011 | Posted in Civil Stalking No Contact Orders | Leave a comment

Pursuing relief from a criminal record

Frequently, I am asked questions regarding the Illinois clemency process, which can be long and arduous. Many times, a petition to expunge or seal may be the appropriate recourse. Expungement or sealing may not be available by law but petitioning for a certificate of good conduct or certificate of relief from disabilities may be appropriate […]

By lorilevin | Published September 4, 2011 | Posted in Certificate Of Good Conduct, Certificate Of Relief From Disabilities, Clemency, Expungement, Sealing | Leave a comment

Mental Health Issues in the Criminal Justice System

Since my days as a student at Georgetown University Law Center and its Criminal Justice Clinic, I have spent a great deal of time working on the issue of the mentally ill within the criminal justice system. Although I will not be able to attend this program, I am happy that GULC is sponsoring what […]

By lorilevin | Published September 3, 2011 | Posted in Mental Health | Leave a comment

No refusal weekend in Du Page County

If you plan to drive in Du Page County, Illinois this weekend, please be aware of these extreme measures that will be in place. https://www.dupageco.org/States_Attorney/States_Attorney_News/2011/32936/#.Tl-BT4QgBP0.facebook

By lorilevin | Published September 1, 2011 | Posted in Dui, Search Warrants | Leave a comment

Illinois Appellate Court Affirmed Finding of Probable Cause to Arrest Based on Repeatedly Yelling One Word

On July 27, 2011, the Illinois Appellate Court’s First District issued a corrected opinion in People v. Neal (No. 1-09-2814) https://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2011/1stDistrict/June/1092814.pdf, that a person standing on a street corner repeatedly yelling the word “blows” was properly subject to an arrest for a Chicago ordinance violation and property subjected to a custodial search which uncovered heroin. […]

By lorilevin | Published August 2, 2011 | Posted in Drug Arrest, Probable Cause | Leave a comment

Trends in Illinois Felony Sentencing Illustrate the Need for Good Representation

The recent statistics published by the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council in its research briefing, “Illinois Felony Sentencing: A Retrospective,” https://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/pdf/Bulletins/Research_Brief_SPAC_Felony_Sentences_052011.pdf show how many individuals are becoming statistics in the criminal justice system. The report found that despite reductions in reported Illinois crime from the early 1990s through 2008, the number of persons on probation, […]

By lorilevin | Published July 27, 2011 | Posted in Counsel, Criminal Law, Felonies, Sentencing | Leave a comment

Chicago Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Training.

In an effort to avert safety issues and limit use of force in dealing with mentally ill persons in crisis, in 2005 the Chicago Police Department developed Crisis Intervention Training. Based on a model developed by the Memphis Police Department in the 1990s, officers volunteer for the 40 hour specialized training which is conducted by […]

By lorilevin | Published July 22, 2011 | Posted in Mental Health, Police | Leave a comment

Drug Users Benefit from Sheridan Correctional Center Programs

One of the most pressing problems in the criminal justice system is how to end the recidivism cycle for those persons who are drug dependent and commit crimes. As Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, I was privileged to participate in the Governor’s working group addressing prisoner re-entry issues. The reopening of […]

By lorilevin | Published July 9, 2011 | Posted in Drug Offenders, Prisoner Re-Entry | Leave a comment

Testimonials
- “Having a lawyer can really be a double-edged sword – chances are, the circumstances requiring you to retain a lawyer aren’t awesome. But when you have to, it’s really helpful to have someone compassionate, competent, and successful. I was so happy to have Lori return my call when I needed someone to represent my interests. I got lucky – she couldn’t have been more professional and capable, but at the same time I felt like she was instantly…almost family? If that makes sense. Bottom line: I won, and if I hadn’t had Lori, I shudder to think what may have been. I’m not made of money, certainly, but I feel like I got a great value from Lori even though I never bothered to check what it all cost me. That’s the best customer experience you could have – make them never question how they are spending their money because the results are so good. Well, I never felt like I had to look into it – whatever it cost, I got more out of the deal than she did. Highly recommended. Should I ever need a lawyer in this space again, I will only make one call.” D.C.
- “I got a call in Key West, while my husband and I were on vacation, about my youngest child, 29-years old, living in Chicago. We knew she was struggling with mental illness, but she had always refused to get treatment. “This child had a psychotic break and needed help desperately. We got a call from her landlords. The call we had been expecting, and we knew we needed good professional legal help for both her and us. We live in Charlottte NC. My husband called the Chicago Bar and asked for a lawyer with expertise dealing with individuals with mental health issues. Or their families. They gave us Lori’s name and she answered herself on the first ring. “Lori was a voice in a wilderness, and for almost a year continued to guide us with emotional support, superb legal advice and everything in between. She was always clear about her financial charges. And we always thought she was reasonable. We got very good advice. And she seems almost to know everyone in her field in the Chicago area. “I cannot recommend Lori Levin highly enough. She is thoroughly professional. She was not afraid to coach me and remind me what our goal was. But she was also kind and sensitive to the situation with my loved daughter, as difficult as it was. My husband and I cannot possibly recommend Lori enough.” J.V
- “I utilized Lori when a friend of mine needed a legal advocate on his side to represent his best interests. Lori responded quickly and immediately interjected herself into the defense of a vulnerable person undergoing life challenges. Lori kept within her budget, didn’t make promises that she couldn’t keep and explained the choices and probably outcomes clearly and concisely. If the need arose, I would reach out to Lori as a lifeline any time.” D.Z.
- “I contacted Lori when I had a dispute after a long Christmas party. It was my first brush with the criminal justice system. Lori clearly explained the process to me, charged a reasonable fee, and did an excellent job every step of the way. We faced some obstacles with the first judge and Lori was able to change the venue and persuade the prosecutor to agree to a minor charge. Lori also successfully expunged the minor charge as soon as it was eligible. This was incredibly important to me and Lori kept in contact throughout. She was highly professional, a great listener, and extremely skilled and experienced. Lori turned an awful experience, one of my life’s worst, into a manageable series of steps that ended very successfully. I give her the highest recommendations.” S.D.
- “Lori … was more than an exceptional person … Being able to be accompanied by such an individual was a blessing in disguise, she was easy going, caring and understanding. But what made her stand out above all others is she had heart and cared for people who really needed saving. Once again thanking you for your generosity, professionalism and determination. You are highly appreciated. You have helped change a life for the better :) ” F.N.
- “Lori Levin is an exceptional attorney. She helped my husband and I will our guardianship case for my husbands daughter and I honestly don’t know what we would of done without her knowledge and expertise in the court system. Ms. Levin listens to her clients and provides them with the best plan of action for their case. I would recommend her to anyone that is looking for a good, knowledgeable and fair attorney.” L.H.
- “Lori was a wonderful asset to my family in a legal matter. Her expertise on the issue was extensive and she handled herself with the utmost professionalism at all times. Lori is a top notch legal adviser. Her clients are always in good hands and lucky to have her in their corner just like we were lucky to have her in ours. Lori Levin gets the job done!!!” T.T.
- “Lori, You are a dear soul. Great to know that the justice system works and there are angels like you…Thank you for giving me something that money cannot provide and that is my good name back.” E.A.
- “Well worth the call & money. Lori was a great attorney & friend. She was very professional in handling my case. She did what most thought was impossible. I would recommend her to anyone.” O.C.J.
- “Lori Levin is responsive, knowledgeable and experienced in her field. She develops a good rapport with her client. She kept him informed as to how the case was proceeding. I appreciated her extreme honesty, trustworthiness and effectiveness. I appreciated her professionalism during the entire case and confidence in her ability to fight hard to get a Victory. She was a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend her.” J.H.
- “My experience with Attorney Levin was the best. I contacted Attorney Levin on short notice and she took the time and spoke with me over the phone about my case. She was very nice, supportive and professional. I would recommend her to everyone that needs legal assistance. If you come across her name and need legal assistance make sure you give her a call. Attorney Levin is great!” S.N.
- “Lori’s knowledge and assistance with a friend’s case helped provide the best possible outcome for him. Her in-depth knowledge of the legal timeline helped put us at ease each time there was a delay. She also went out of her way to investigate the details of the charges and she was very understanding of my friend’s preferences, leading us to a positive outcome.” A. L.
- “I contacted Lori to help me with some minor infractions and legal assistance with expunging my record. This was my first run in with the law, and Lori was very professional and helped me understand the legal process every step of the way. While we ended facing few obstacles, I am confident that Lori would have pulled every legal maneuver to help clear my name had things been more dire. Lori was candid about the possible outcomes and penalties that I could face; she did not sugar coat anything. That being said, she also gave me her opinion on matters, the most likely outcomes, and informed me of the steps that we would take for each instance. She understands the legal process inside and out, and clearly is well liked in the court system, which I suppose never hurts. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with her services and would recommend her to any friend in a similar situation.” D.K.
Practice Areas
- Criminal Law
- Juvenile Law
- Felonies
- Assault and Battery
- Burglary
- Computer Crime/Sex Offenses
- Criminal Investigations
- DCFS Administrative Appeals
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Charges
- DUI
- Expungements
- Misdemeanors
- Murder
- Probation Violations
- Property Offenses
- Retail Theft or Shoplifting
- Robbery
- Stalking
- White Collar Crimes
- Violent Crimes
- Mental Health/Guardianship
Awards
Our Office
- Office Location
  
  5 Revere Drive
  Suite 200
  
  Northbrook, Illinois 60062
  Phone: 312-767-2356
- Chicago Office
  
  161 North Clark Street
  Suite 1600
  
  Chicago, Illinois 60601
  Phone: 312-767-2356

Author Archives: lorilevin

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