Today our speaker was Lake County State’s Attorney Mike Nerheim. He is a lifelong resident of Lake County, which definitely gives him a vested interest. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Winona State University in Minnesota. He earned his Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago

 

Mike began his legal career in 1999 as an Assistant State’s Attorney. As a result, he has extensive experience in working every type of case the criminal division has handled. He is also a former defense attorney, giving Mike the invaluable legal perspective on both sides of the law.

 

Upon assuming office in 2012, Mike immediately began delivering on his campaign promises by streamlining the office’s efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. That’s a tall job with 144 attorneys, investigators, victim coordinators, paralegals and support staff – and two certified comfort dogs.

 

His promises also focused on preventing wrongful convictions, working with law enforcement to address the huge surge in gang violence in our community and restoring the public’s trust in the office. About 40% of the arrests in Lake County are drug related with domestic violence charges being about the same statistic.

 

Another thing that Mike can claim as an accomplishment, but wished it wasn’t necessary, was the development of a countywide opioid prevention strategy and he co-founded the Lake County Opioid Initiative. The opioid epidemic happens everywhere - including here; rich or poor areas alike. Police departments armed with Narcan are making a difference every day.

 

The comfort dogs are designed to address many underlying issues. The dogs, Mitch and Hitch, help those victims (especially children), witnesses, and survivors and even staff in times of stress. These dogs are trained to sense who is stressed, seek them out and offer them comfort. They have even been present in the courtroom in time of need.

 

It’s evident our State’s Attorney has his finger on the pulse of the county.