team-member

Steven McCollum

N/A

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

DUI and DWI

Language

English

About

McCollum Hodgkinson, P.C. is a criminal and juvenile defense law firm, formerly known as Law Offices of Steven P. McCollum, P.C., and has been in business since 1995. Before becoming a criminal defense lawyer, Steve McCollum was the Chief Deputy State's Attorney for Lake County (in charge of all criminal prosecutions) and was a prosecutor in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office for 14 years and in the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office for 2 years. As a prosecutor Steve was the primary prosecutor on many jury trials of First Degree Murder cases, including the trials of seven (7) death penalty cases, numerous Reckless Homicide cases, sexual assault cases, domestic battery, DUI, large white collar crime (theft) cases, and all other criminal matters.  In addition to being the Chief Deputy State's Attorney in Lake County, Steve was the Chief of the Felony Review Division, Chief of the Misdemeanor and Traffic Division and Chief of the Juvenile Division for the Lake County State's Attorney.Since entering private practice in 1995 Steve has been the President of the Lake County Bar Association, the Chairman of the Criminal Trials and Appeals Committee for the Bar Association, and a speaker at many seminars conducted for attorneys.  As a Defense attorney Steve has  handled clients charged with First Degree Murder, sexual assault or abuse, child pornography, drug charges, DUI and Reckless Homicide, domestic battery (both felony and misdemeanor), large theft, embezzlement, and white collar crime cases, and almost every other possible criminal or juvenile case.Steve grew up in Lake County, Illinois and is very familiar with everyone in the Court system in Lake County.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

DUI and DWI

Juvenile Law

Language

English

Contact

McCollum Hodgkinson, P.C.415 W. Washington Street, Suite 103Waukegan, IL, 60085-5564

Office: (847) 380-7356

Website: N/A

Reviews

John
February 21, 2012

First, I should point out why I titled this "A different kind of lawyer". When Steve finished my case, I offered him a bonus, and he refused it saying that I'd already paid him and he didn't think it was ethical to take a bonus for the results. He told me to go online and review him if I was happy -- so that's why I'm here. I had another lawyer on my case, a serious felony in Lake County, Illinois, for a year. I'd hired her because she had a nice looking website and she wasn't as expensive as some of the other lawyers I looked at. It was a mistake. After a few court appearances and a year of wasted time, I realized that she really didn't know what she was doing. So I found Steve through a friend. Let me say that you never realize it until you get someone good how important your lawyer is. Steve knew everyone, always showed up on time, knew exactly what he was doing, and we ended with a total victory. My other lawyer had been wanting me to accept a plea bargain, but Steve did what it took to convince the other side that we were right. I can't stress how much different it is to have a lawyer that you know both cares about your case and who clearly knows what he is doing. Even before we won, I felt better knowing he was handling the case. He has extensive experience, knows the people in the system, and is respected by all of them. I overheard the prosecutor ask him a legal question once on another case. I strongly and without reservation would recommend Steve to anyone who has a criminal case.

Andrew
October 13, 2009

Very friendly, professional, and he listens to your concerns no matter how inexperience with law you are. I felt dumb and overwhelmed with the technical legal terms and environments going in, but he understands people go to him because they don't know how to do it alone. He makes the process very easy and turns it into a less stressful situation. Unfortunately I have to get a lawyer again now after 6 years but hey, things happen. He was the 1st person I thought of and there could be other lawyers out there but having dealt with Steven in the past, it is a no-brainer.

Jose
October 15, 2021

I highly recommend Steve. He recently helped me with two separate matters and we had a successful outcome on both. Steve and Dan (his law partner) worked together and did a great job at keeping me informed throughout the process. They are both very great to work with and the prices were very reasonable. I hope I don't ever need them again but if I something comes up, Steve and Dan will be the first ones I will call.

Charles
October 5, 2021

I used Stephen McCollum this past year for a DCFS indication. Both Steven and the children's therapist appeared to be quite confused as to how I would get indicated. The DCFS appeared to go against common sense and evidence of record when making an indication of finding. I realize that the threshold is substantially less than for criminal charges, however, I still realized that hiring an attorney was imperative. Steven was the only lawyer that I consulted with, however, as future events would unfold, it seemed abundantly clear that Steven was the correct person for the job. The indication was reversed and thereby unfounded. Steven did a first-rate job, while the process in and of itself is rather cathartic, Steven's professionalism and competence went a long way to putting my mind at ease.

anonymous
September 22, 2020

So, have been using the services of McCollum Hodgkinson PC for many years to assist with traffic tickets and other issues for both of my sons (mostly regarding my youngest) They have been very helpful in navigating the court system across several police jurisdictions and have negotiated very positive results for them. They are thorough and very professional and I would highly recommend their services.

anonymous
December 20, 2019

Steve has been excellent since day 1! Helped me throughout the entire process of everything! Has helped my family so much and given me a second lease of life! I highly highly suggest using his services.

Mike
May 27, 2017

Other reviewers have noted Steve's knowledge and experience. I would only add that his personal relationships in the Lake County courts can be invaluable. In my case, it made the difference between the good outcome I was hoping for and the excellent outcome he achieved, due in part to knowing what the prosecutor might be willing to do. Steve went "above and beyond" in other ways also. For instance, he offered to expedite filings with the IL Secretary of State, personally going to the clerk's office to obtain the necessary documentation (because his assistant was gone for the afternoon) and then sending them by FedEx to a courier in Springfield, who filed them the same day. As a result, I had my driver's license reinstated just 2 days after the court order was issued. Finally, the communication with Steve and his partner Dan was excellent. I could always count on a response to my calls and emails. This is so very important when one is understandably nervous about unfamiliar legal processes. He listened to all of my ideas and responded respectfully. Other reviewers have noted the importance of a good lawyer. I would add that you need to be prepared to pay for the service. McCollum-Hodgkinson is not the cheapest representation, but they are worth it.

Aaron
October 20, 2015

This was my first time getting into trouble and at first it was overwhelming to say the least. Knowing Steve through a friend, I gave him a call the following morning. He provided guidance all the way through the process and was very informative. He provided my options clearly and was willing to do anything he could in order to get me the most favorable outcome. Inside of the court room it was very obvious that Steve was well known and highly respected among fellow defense attorneys and prosecutors alike. I could not be more grateful to have been referred to Steve and would recommend him to anyone. Overall he's a great guy and great at what he does.

Mel
January 15, 2013

Steven McCollum represented me for my DUI case, and he negotiated a great deal for me that lifted a huge burden off me and my family. He was always willing to fight my case (in the event I was not happy with the deal), and kept me informed of all possibilities. He is extremely knowledgable, experienced and honest. I agree he is the best in Lake County!! I could not have achieved a better result, and believe me it really was amazing!!! Thank you for everything!!

Samantha
June 7, 2012

I am very grateful for Steve's extensive knowledge on the juvenlie court system. My son got into some trouble and Steve helped sort through the mess with ease!

John
February 21, 2012

First, I should point out why I titled this "A different kind of lawyer". When Steve finished my case, I offered him a bonus, and he refused it saying that I'd already paid him and he didn't think it was ethical to take a bonus for the results. He told me to go online and review him if I was happy -- so that's why I'm here. I had another lawyer on my case, a serious felony in Lake County, Illinois, for a year. I'd hired her because she had a nice looking website and she wasn't as expensive as some of the other lawyers I looked at. It was a mistake. After a few court appearances and a year of wasted time, I realized that she really didn't know what she was doing. So I found Steve through a friend. Let me say that you never realize it until you get someone good how important your lawyer is. Steve knew everyone, always showed up on time, knew exactly what he was doing, and we ended with a total victory. My other lawyer had been wanting me to accept a plea bargain, but Steve did what it took to convince the other side that we were right. I can't stress how much different it is to have a lawyer that you know both cares about your case and who clearly knows what he is doing. Even before we won, I felt better knowing he was handling the case. He has extensive experience, knows the people in the system, and is respected by all of them. I overheard the prosecutor ask him a legal question once on another case. I strongly and without reservation would recommend Steve to anyone who has a criminal case.

Andrew
October 13, 2009

Very friendly, professional, and he listens to your concerns no matter how inexperience with law you are. I felt dumb and overwhelmed with the technical legal terms and environments going in, but he understands people go to him because they don't know how to do it alone. He makes the process very easy and turns it into a less stressful situation. Unfortunately I have to get a lawyer again now after 6 years but hey, things happen. He was the 1st person I thought of and there could be other lawyers out there but having dealt with Steven in the past, it is a no-brainer.

Jose
October 15, 2021

I highly recommend Steve. He recently helped me with two separate matters and we had a successful outcome on both. Steve and Dan (his law partner) worked together and did a great job at keeping me informed throughout the process. They are both very great to work with and the prices were very reasonable. I hope I don't ever need them again but if I something comes up, Steve and Dan will be the first ones I will call.

Charles
October 5, 2021

I used Stephen McCollum this past year for a DCFS indication. Both Steven and the children's therapist appeared to be quite confused as to how I would get indicated. The DCFS appeared to go against common sense and evidence of record when making an indication of finding. I realize that the threshold is substantially less than for criminal charges, however, I still realized that hiring an attorney was imperative. Steven was the only lawyer that I consulted with, however, as future events would unfold, it seemed abundantly clear that Steven was the correct person for the job. The indication was reversed and thereby unfounded. Steven did a first-rate job, while the process in and of itself is rather cathartic, Steven's professionalism and competence went a long way to putting my mind at ease.

anonymous
September 22, 2020

So, have been using the services of McCollum Hodgkinson PC for many years to assist with traffic tickets and other issues for both of my sons (mostly regarding my youngest) They have been very helpful in navigating the court system across several police jurisdictions and have negotiated very positive results for them. They are thorough and very professional and I would highly recommend their services.

anonymous
December 20, 2019

Steve has been excellent since day 1! Helped me throughout the entire process of everything! Has helped my family so much and given me a second lease of life! I highly highly suggest using his services.

Mike
May 27, 2017

Other reviewers have noted Steve's knowledge and experience. I would only add that his personal relationships in the Lake County courts can be invaluable. In my case, it made the difference between the good outcome I was hoping for and the excellent outcome he achieved, due in part to knowing what the prosecutor might be willing to do. Steve went "above and beyond" in other ways also. For instance, he offered to expedite filings with the IL Secretary of State, personally going to the clerk's office to obtain the necessary documentation (because his assistant was gone for the afternoon) and then sending them by FedEx to a courier in Springfield, who filed them the same day. As a result, I had my driver's license reinstated just 2 days after the court order was issued. Finally, the communication with Steve and his partner Dan was excellent. I could always count on a response to my calls and emails. This is so very important when one is understandably nervous about unfamiliar legal processes. He listened to all of my ideas and responded respectfully. Other reviewers have noted the importance of a good lawyer. I would add that you need to be prepared to pay for the service. McCollum-Hodgkinson is not the cheapest representation, but they are worth it.

Aaron
October 20, 2015

This was my first time getting into trouble and at first it was overwhelming to say the least. Knowing Steve through a friend, I gave him a call the following morning. He provided guidance all the way through the process and was very informative. He provided my options clearly and was willing to do anything he could in order to get me the most favorable outcome. Inside of the court room it was very obvious that Steve was well known and highly respected among fellow defense attorneys and prosecutors alike. I could not be more grateful to have been referred to Steve and would recommend him to anyone. Overall he's a great guy and great at what he does.

Mel
January 15, 2013

Steven McCollum represented me for my DUI case, and he negotiated a great deal for me that lifted a huge burden off me and my family. He was always willing to fight my case (in the event I was not happy with the deal), and kept me informed of all possibilities. He is extremely knowledgable, experienced and honest. I agree he is the best in Lake County!! I could not have achieved a better result, and believe me it really was amazing!!! Thank you for everything!!

Samantha
June 7, 2012

I am very grateful for Steve's extensive knowledge on the juvenlie court system. My son got into some trouble and Steve helped sort through the mess with ease!

John
February 21, 2012

First, I should point out why I titled this "A different kind of lawyer". When Steve finished my case, I offered him a bonus, and he refused it saying that I'd already paid him and he didn't think it was ethical to take a bonus for the results. He told me to go online and review him if I was happy -- so that's why I'm here. I had another lawyer on my case, a serious felony in Lake County, Illinois, for a year. I'd hired her because she had a nice looking website and she wasn't as expensive as some of the other lawyers I looked at. It was a mistake. After a few court appearances and a year of wasted time, I realized that she really didn't know what she was doing. So I found Steve through a friend. Let me say that you never realize it until you get someone good how important your lawyer is. Steve knew everyone, always showed up on time, knew exactly what he was doing, and we ended with a total victory. My other lawyer had been wanting me to accept a plea bargain, but Steve did what it took to convince the other side that we were right. I can't stress how much different it is to have a lawyer that you know both cares about your case and who clearly knows what he is doing. Even before we won, I felt better knowing he was handling the case. He has extensive experience, knows the people in the system, and is respected by all of them. I overheard the prosecutor ask him a legal question once on another case. I strongly and without reservation would recommend Steve to anyone who has a criminal case.

Andrew
October 13, 2009

Very friendly, professional, and he listens to your concerns no matter how inexperience with law you are. I felt dumb and overwhelmed with the technical legal terms and environments going in, but he understands people go to him because they don't know how to do it alone. He makes the process very easy and turns it into a less stressful situation. Unfortunately I have to get a lawyer again now after 6 years but hey, things happen. He was the 1st person I thought of and there could be other lawyers out there but having dealt with Steven in the past, it is a no-brainer.

Jose
October 15, 2021

I highly recommend Steve. He recently helped me with two separate matters and we had a successful outcome on both. Steve and Dan (his law partner) worked together and did a great job at keeping me informed throughout the process. They are both very great to work with and the prices were very reasonable. I hope I don't ever need them again but if I something comes up, Steve and Dan will be the first ones I will call.

Charles
October 5, 2021

I used Stephen McCollum this past year for a DCFS indication. Both Steven and the children's therapist appeared to be quite confused as to how I would get indicated. The DCFS appeared to go against common sense and evidence of record when making an indication of finding. I realize that the threshold is substantially less than for criminal charges, however, I still realized that hiring an attorney was imperative. Steven was the only lawyer that I consulted with, however, as future events would unfold, it seemed abundantly clear that Steven was the correct person for the job. The indication was reversed and thereby unfounded. Steven did a first-rate job, while the process in and of itself is rather cathartic, Steven's professionalism and competence went a long way to putting my mind at ease.

anonymous
September 22, 2020

So, have been using the services of McCollum Hodgkinson PC for many years to assist with traffic tickets and other issues for both of my sons (mostly regarding my youngest) They have been very helpful in navigating the court system across several police jurisdictions and have negotiated very positive results for them. They are thorough and very professional and I would highly recommend their services.

anonymous
December 20, 2019

Steve has been excellent since day 1! Helped me throughout the entire process of everything! Has helped my family so much and given me a second lease of life! I highly highly suggest using his services.

Mike
May 27, 2017

Other reviewers have noted Steve's knowledge and experience. I would only add that his personal relationships in the Lake County courts can be invaluable. In my case, it made the difference between the good outcome I was hoping for and the excellent outcome he achieved, due in part to knowing what the prosecutor might be willing to do. Steve went "above and beyond" in other ways also. For instance, he offered to expedite filings with the IL Secretary of State, personally going to the clerk's office to obtain the necessary documentation (because his assistant was gone for the afternoon) and then sending them by FedEx to a courier in Springfield, who filed them the same day. As a result, I had my driver's license reinstated just 2 days after the court order was issued. Finally, the communication with Steve and his partner Dan was excellent. I could always count on a response to my calls and emails. This is so very important when one is understandably nervous about unfamiliar legal processes. He listened to all of my ideas and responded respectfully. Other reviewers have noted the importance of a good lawyer. I would add that you need to be prepared to pay for the service. McCollum-Hodgkinson is not the cheapest representation, but they are worth it.

Aaron
October 20, 2015

This was my first time getting into trouble and at first it was overwhelming to say the least. Knowing Steve through a friend, I gave him a call the following morning. He provided guidance all the way through the process and was very informative. He provided my options clearly and was willing to do anything he could in order to get me the most favorable outcome. Inside of the court room it was very obvious that Steve was well known and highly respected among fellow defense attorneys and prosecutors alike. I could not be more grateful to have been referred to Steve and would recommend him to anyone. Overall he's a great guy and great at what he does.

Mel
January 15, 2013

Steven McCollum represented me for my DUI case, and he negotiated a great deal for me that lifted a huge burden off me and my family. He was always willing to fight my case (in the event I was not happy with the deal), and kept me informed of all possibilities. He is extremely knowledgable, experienced and honest. I agree he is the best in Lake County!! I could not have achieved a better result, and believe me it really was amazing!!! Thank you for everything!!

Samantha
June 7, 2012

I am very grateful for Steve's extensive knowledge on the juvenlie court system. My son got into some trouble and Steve helped sort through the mess with ease!