Lake Barrington Attorney Joins Race for State's Attorney

The field of candidates to become Lake County’s state’s attorney grew by one Tuesday when Waukegan attorney and Lake Barrington resident said he would seek the Republican nomination for the job held by long time incumbent . 

Waller, also a Republican, has not said whether he would seek another term. He did not return calls to Patch Tuesday for comment. Lake Forest lawyer and Libertyville citizen announced his candidacy for the Democratic nod Thursday. 

While Kennedy has specifically criticized the lack of a conviction integrity unit in the state’s attorney’s office to make sure DNA evidence is used to increase certainty about offenders, Winter hints at a similar program.

“I will bring new leadership and plans to the Office of State’s Attorney,” Winter said. “Those plans include utilizing every proven advancement in forensic science and technology to swiftly clear the innocent and solidly convict the guilty.”

As a lawyer who has represented individuals, corporations and municipalities, Winter intends to use those lessons in public office. “I look forward to applying private sector efficiencies in case management and professional services,” he said.

This is Winter’s first bid for elective office. A partner in the law firm of Fuqua, Winter and Stiles, he has practiced law in Lake County for more than 26 years and has prosecuted cases. He is the village attorney for Gurnee and Kildeer. He does not consider the job as the county’s top prosecutor a political one.

“The job of county prosecutor should performed in a non political manner,” Winter said. “I plan to expand programs to prosecute elder abuse, protect children from cyber crime and prevent consumer fraud.”

Winter was raised in Lake County, schooled in Waukegan and earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Marquette University. He and his wife, Diane, have a son, Brendan.