Can Law Enforcement Question You Without Arresting You? This is a question I’ve answered hundreds of times over the years: Can police—or federal agents—question me at my job or home if I haven’t been arrested? In Chicago, the answer is yes, they can. But just because they can, doesn’t mean…
Knowing When Silence is Smarter Than Speaking Chicago police make traffic stops every day. Sometimes it’s for speeding on Lake Shore Drive, other times it’s rolling through a stop sign in Pilsen. For many drivers, that brief encounter with an officer feels routine—until it isn’t. When flashing lights appear in…
The Truth About Saying “No” to a Vehicle Search During a Traffic Stop in Chicago If you’ve ever been pulled over by police in Chicago, you may have found yourself in an uncomfortable position—facing a uniformed officer asking, “Mind if I search your car?” In that moment, many drivers say…
Warrantless Arrests Are Legal—But Not Always Lawful If you’ve been arrested in Chicago without a warrant, you’re not alone. Every day, people are taken into custody by police or federal agents without ever seeing a warrant signed by a judge. It happens in neighborhoods from Little Village to Lincoln Park,…
Understanding Your Rights After an Arrest in Illinois Being arrested is one of the most frightening experiences a person can face. Whether it happens on the street in Bronzeville, during a traffic stop in Rogers Park, or as part of a federal investigation downtown, the fear and confusion are immediate—and…
Why the Bond Hearing Is the First Test in Any Criminal Case Most people don’t realize how fast things move after an arrest in Chicago. One minute, someone is in the back of a squad car. The next, they’re standing before a judge while a prosecutor reads through their charges.…
Why You Should Be Careful Before Talking to Police in DuPage County If a DuPage County police officer, sheriff’s deputy, or detective reaches out and wants to question you about an incident, load your next steps with caution and understanding. Law enforcement officers in DuPage County—whether from Wheaton, Naperville, Downers…
Can Chicago Police Use a Drug Dog After You Refuse a Search? Understanding Your Rights When Refusing a Search in Chicago I’ve represented clients in every part of Chicago—from Rogers Park to Roseland—who thought that refusing a police search would protect them. They assumed that once they said “no,” the…
Police K‑9 Delays and Your Rights During Chicago Traffic Stops If you were pulled over in Chicago and the officer kept you waiting on the roadside while calling in a drug-sniffing dog, you probably asked yourself the same question many of my clients ask me: “Can they really hold me…
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…