Federal Criminal Investigations in Chicago Often Begin Long Before You Are Aware Federal criminal investigations rarely announce themselves at the outset. In Chicago, many people under federal scrutiny continue working, raising families, and operating businesses without realizing that agents have already been building a case against them. Unlike Illinois state…
Why Chicago Drivers Get Themselves Into Trouble Trying to Be Polite I have defended thousands of criminal cases in Chicago, and many of them begin the same way. A driver is stopped for a minor traffic issue on the Near West Side, in Rogers Park, or while passing through the…
Why Vehicle Searches Escalate So Quickly in Chicago Criminal Cases In Chicago, routine traffic stops frequently turn into criminal investigations. A broken taillight in Back of the Yards, a rolling stop in Lincoln Square, or a late‑night stop near the West Loop can become a full vehicle search within minutes.…
What the Law Says About Passenger Rights in Illinois As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer with decades of courtroom experience, I’ve had many clients arrested after doing little more than sitting in the passenger seat during a traffic stop. What surprises most people is how quickly a minor traffic stop…
What You Need to Know from a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer If you live in or around Chicago, you’ve probably seen a range of law enforcement vehicles on city streets—from unmarked cars to heavily marked DEA or Homeland Security units. It’s no surprise. Chicago is a major hub for both…
Signing a Statement Before You’re Charged? Think Twice In Chicago, people are regularly contacted by law enforcement agencies conducting long-term investigations—federal, state, or hybrid task forces. You might be approached by DEA agents, FBI special agents, postal inspectors, or local officers working on a federal task force. If you haven’t…
A Closer Look at DuPage County and Criminal Charges Under Illinois Law DuPage County is one of the most populated counties in Illinois, home to cities such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst. Its proximity to Chicago, strong law enforcement presence, and active court system mean criminal arrests occur…
Living in Chicago, you might encounter law enforcement in a variety of situations—on the street, during a traffic stop, or even in your own neighborhood, whether that’s Englewood, Lincoln Park, or South Shore. Regardless of the location or reason, one of the most common and misunderstood moments is when officers…
Why Remaining Silent in Chicago Is Your Right—Not a Crime In neighborhoods all over Chicago—whether it’s Albany Park, Hyde Park, or South Shore—people interact with police officers every day. These encounters often begin casually but can quickly escalate into tense, high-pressure situations where you’re expected to talk. Many people believe…
How Innocent Conversations Turn Into Criminal Cases in Chicago In Chicago, some of the most damaging criminal cases don’t begin with an arrest. They begin with a conversation. A detective calls and says they want to ask a few questions. An officer stops by your home and says they are…