Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

March 31, 2025

Meth Possession Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Charged with Meth Possession in Waukegan? Here’s How a Skilled Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been arrested for methamphetamine possession in Waukegan, you’re likely feeling anxious about what happens next. A felony drug charge is serious—especially when it involves meth, which Illinois prosecutors treat as one of the most dangerous controlled substances. But facing a charge doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right defense strategy and legal support, it’s possible to protect your rights and fight for your future.

This article explains how Illinois law handles meth possession cases, what you might be up against, and how a criminal defense lawyer can help you deal with the challenges ahead.

March 24, 2025

How Police Officer Fatigue Can Affect DUI Arrest Credibility

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

The Impact of Officer Fatigue on DUI Investigations

Law enforcement officers are responsible for upholding the law, including making DUI arrests based on observed impairment. However, many officers work long, demanding shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, leading to fatigue and impaired judgment. When an officer is exhausted, their ability to make accurate assessments, recall details, and properly administer field sobriety tests may be compromised.

Fatigue can affect a DUI case in several ways, including inconsistent observations, procedural errors, and unreliable testimony. These issues can raise doubts about the validity of the arrest and provide opportunities for defense attorneys to challenge the credibility of the case in court.

March 23, 2025

The Impact of Keto Diets on DUI Breath Test Accuracy

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Understanding the Keto Diet and Its Effect on Breath Tests

The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as keto, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, producing ketones as a byproduct. One type of ketone, acetone, is released through the breath and can sometimes interfere with DUI breathalyzer tests. This has raised concerns about whether individuals on a ketogenic diet could register false-positive breath test results, leading to wrongful DUI charges.

How Breathalyzers Detect Alcohol

March 22, 2025

Are Emoji Threats Considered Real Threats Under Criminal Law?

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

The Legal Complexity of Emoji-Based Threats

In the digital age, communication has evolved beyond written words to include emojis—pictorial symbols that can express emotions, actions, and intentions. While emojis are often used to enhance digital conversations, they have also become the subject of legal scrutiny when used in threatening or criminal contexts. Courts across the United States and other jurisdictions have grappled with the question: Can an emoji constitute a criminal threat?

The Legal Definition of a Threat

March 21, 2025

Can You Be Charged With DUI in Illinois Without a Direct Witness?

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Why Eyewitness Evidence is Essential in DUI Cases and How Its Absence Can Benefit Your Defense

Many people assume that once police respond to a car accident involving possible drunk driving, an arrest for DUI is almost certain. After all, the police might have video footage of you admitting fault, clear signs of intoxication, or even physical damage to the vehicles. Surprisingly, however, this isn’t always enough to justify a DUI arrest or conviction. The key factor often overlooked by most is whether someone actually saw you driving the vehicle at the time the incident occurred. Without such direct eyewitness testimony—often called a “wheel witness”—prosecutors might struggle to build a successful DUI case.

Let me clearly explain this point with a real-world example that illustrates how critical eyewitness testimony truly is. Recently, there was a situation involving a driver who collided with a parked car. Nearby residents heard the collision, immediately rushed outside, and saw the driver standing by the damaged vehicles. The driver admitted openly to neighbors and later on camera to responding police officers that they caused the crash after drinking alcohol. Yet, despite these clear statements and the evident damage, no DUI arrest occurred. Why? Simply put, no one had personally witnessed this individual actually operating the car at the moment the crash happened.

March 20, 2025

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Protecting Your Rights: Criminal Defense in Waukegan, Illinois

As the county seat of Lake County, Illinois, Waukegan sees a significant number of criminal cases every year. Individuals charged with crimes in this area face serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can impact their future. The legal system in Waukegan is complex, requiring defendants to have a strong understanding of Illinois law and the importance of an aggressive defense.

Illinois classifies offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their severity. Under 720 ILCS 5, misdemeanors carry penalties that include fines, probation, and up to one year in jail. Felonies, on the other hand, result in harsher punishments, including long-term imprisonment and restrictions on future employment and housing opportunities.

March 18, 2025

DUI Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Defending Against DUI Charges in Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan, located in Lake County, Illinois, is a vibrant city along the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its diverse population and rich history. As one of the largest cities in the county, Waukegan has a busy court system that regularly processes DUI cases. Illinois law takes driving under the influence seriously, and individuals charged with DUI in Waukegan face harsh consequences that can affect their freedom, finances, and future employment opportunities.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a person commits DUI when they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or controlled substances to the extent that their ability to drive is impaired. A DUI arrest can lead to immediate license suspension, criminal charges, and potential incarceration if convicted. The severity of penalties increases for repeat offenders or those involved in accidents causing injury.

March 17, 2025

DUI Reckless Homicide Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Legal Defense for DUI Reckless Homicide in Cook County, Illinois

DUI reckless homicide is one of the most severe criminal charges a person can face in Cook County. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and convictions lead to devastating consequences, including long prison sentences and permanent criminal records. Defendants accused of DUI reckless homicide need immediate legal representation to fight the charges and protect their rights.

Illinois law, under 720 ILCS 5/9-3, defines reckless homicide as the unintentional killing of another person while driving in a reckless manner. When intoxication is involved, the prosecution asserts that impairment alone demonstrates recklessness. Illinois law sets a 0.08% BAC limit for alcohol-related DUIs, but drivers may also be charged for impairment from marijuana or controlled substances, even if they are under the legal THC threshold.

March 16, 2025

4th DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Defending a Fourth DUI Charge in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County is one of the most heavily policed areas in Illinois when it comes to DUI enforcement. Law enforcement officers actively monitor highways, local roads, and major intersections for impaired drivers. If you are facing a fourth DUI charge in Cook County, the stakes could not be higher. Illinois has strict repeat offender laws, making a fourth DUI a Class 2 felony under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. This classification means that a conviction can result in years of imprisonment, permanent revocation of driving privileges, and long-term consequences that extend beyond the legal system.

Many DUI arrests in Cook County stem from routine traffic stops, roadside sobriety checkpoints, or accident investigations. Regardless of how the arrest occurred, prosecutors will aggressively pursue a conviction, relying on chemical test results, field sobriety test performance, and prior DUI convictions to strengthen their case. Defendants must act quickly to secure legal representation to explore all available defense strategies.

March 15, 2025

DUI Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

by Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C.

Defending DUI Manslaughter Charges in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County, Illinois, has some of the busiest roadways in the state, and law enforcement remains aggressive in prosecuting DUI-related offenses, especially when an accident results in a fatality. A DUI manslaughter charge can change the course of a person’s life, leading to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one is facing this charge, it is critical to understand the legal implications and available defense strategies.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(F), DUI manslaughter, legally referred to as aggravated DUI resulting in death, is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. A conviction carries a mandatory sentence of three to fourteen years in prison, with an extended sentence of up to twenty-eight years in cases involving multiple fatalities. Unlike standard DUI charges, these cases involve both impairment allegations and the assertion that intoxication directly caused the fatal accident.