Federal Charges Explained by a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Understanding Wire Fraud Charges in Chicago and How Federal Criminal Cases Begin Chicago is one of the nation’s largest financial, commercial, and technology hubs. With that status comes increased federal scrutiny. Wire fraud charges are frequently prosecuted in the Northern District…
Articles Posted in Criminal defense
Understanding Miranda Rights in Chicago: What Police Are and Aren’t Required to Do
Why Miranda Isn’t What Most People Think in Illinois One of the first things many people say after an arrest in Chicago is, “But the police never read me my rights.” For decades, television and movies have drilled into the public imagination that officers must recite the Miranda warning—“You have…
Does Remaining Silent Make Me Look Guilty?
What Illinois Law Says and Why Silence Is Often the Smartest Defense Every week in Chicago courtrooms—at 26th and California, in Skokie, or Rolling Meadows—defendants sit silently while prosecutors present their case. And many wonder whether that silence helps them or hurts them in the eyes of the judge or…
Arrested in Chicago? Here’s Why You’re Not Required to Answer Law Enforcement Questions
Talking to Police After an Arrest in Chicago Can Do More Harm Than Good If you’re arrested in Chicago, one of the first things the police may do is try to get you talking. Maybe they ask why you were at a certain location, if the drugs belong to you,…
Your Rights Matter the Moment the Handcuffs Go On
An arrest in Chicago—whether it happens in River North or Roseland—can leave you confused, humiliated, and unsure of what happens next. But here’s what many don’t realize: Illinois law gives you rights immediately. Not after you call a lawyer. Not after you’re charged. The moment you’re placed under arrest, the…
The Federal Criminal Case Process in Chicago: What You Need to Know from Start to Finish
As a federal criminal defense lawyer in Chicago, I regularly represent clients in both Illinois state courts and federal courts throughout the Northern District of Illinois. The federal system is different—more formal, more resource-intensive, and often more intimidating. If you’re under federal investigation, facing indictment, or preparing for trial in…
License Suspension vs. Revocation in Illinois: What Drivers in Chicago Need to Know
Losing Your License in Chicago Isn’t Always the Same Every week, drivers in Chicago get pulled over for traffic offenses, arrested for DUI, or find out their license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or missed court dates. What most people don’t realize is that there’s a big legal…
Where DUI License Suspension Hearings Actually Happen in Cook County and What to Expect
Many people arrested for DUI in Chicago believe they are only fighting one case. In reality, a DUI arrest sparks two different legal battles at the same time in Cook County. One is the criminal DUI charge. The other is the driver’s license suspension case handled through a statutory summary…
Can Commercial Drivers Fight License Suspensions in Illinois?
Commercial Drivers in Chicago Have a Lot to Lose—And Very Little Room for Error Commercial drivers in Chicago keep the city moving. Whether it’s a semi-truck hauling freight down I-90, a CTA bus operator navigating downtown streets, or a delivery driver transporting medical supplies on the South Side, these jobs…
How Long Does a DUI Suspension Stay on Your Record in Illinois?
Your Chicago DUI Suspension Isn’t Just Temporary—It Follows You A statutory summary suspension isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a public mark on your Illinois driving record that can affect employment, insurance, and your future in ways many people don’t understand. Whether you live in Lincoln Park, Englewood, Rogers Park, or Humboldt…