Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Your First Meeting Matters More Than You Think
If you were recently arrested for DUI in Chicago, it’s easy to feel like you’re already at the mercy of the system. Police reports are written. Court dates are set. The Illinois Secretary of State is about to suspend your driver’s license. But here’s something I tell every new client: your first consultation with a Chicago DUI lawyer is where you begin to take control again.
That meeting is your first chance to ask critical questions and get real answers about what’s next. It’s also your best opportunity to decide whether the attorney you’re speaking with is the right person to defend your future.
In a city as large and complex as Chicago, DUI cases are prosecuted aggressively, especially in counties like Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake. The criminal process follows strict rules and deadlines. Judges expect defendants to show up prepared. Prosecutors expect you to fold early. And unless you ask the right questions during your consultation, you may not even know what options are on the table.
This is why your consultation with a DUI attorney in Chicago shouldn’t be passive. It should be strategic. And the quality of the answers you get will tell you everything you need to know about the lawyer’s experience, courtroom reputation, and dedication to your case.
DUI in Illinois: Misdemeanor or Felony?
Not all DUI charges are the same in Illinois. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a first-time DUI is usually charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,500. But even a first offense can lead to a driver’s license suspension of six months or more, depending on whether you failed or refused a chemical test.
If you’ve had prior DUI convictions, were involved in a crash causing injury, or had a minor in the vehicle, the charge may be upgraded to aggravated DUI, which is a felony. Felony DUI charges carry mandatory prison time, long-term license revocation, and permanent felony status that will follow you for life.
Some DUI arrests begin as misdemeanors but get recharged as felonies when the State’s Attorney reviews the full case file. That’s why your criminal defense lawyer in Chicago must be prepared from day one to fight either level of charge.
During your free consultation, ask the attorney whether your case is likely to remain a misdemeanor or whether aggravating factors could escalate the penalties. The right DUI lawyer will explain how Illinois law applies to your exact situation—and what’s likely to happen next in your specific courtroom.
What Police Try to Prove in DUI Cases
From the moment a Chicago police officer stops your vehicle on suspicion of DUI, they begin gathering evidence to build a case against you. This includes:
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Officer observations (odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech)
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Field sobriety tests (walk and turn, one-leg stand, eye movements)
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Portable breath test (PBT) results
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Dashcam and bodycam footage
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Statements you make during the stop or after arrest
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Breath, blood, or urine test results taken at the station or hospital
Your Chicago DUI defense attorney will want to review every piece of this evidence to find weaknesses. A police officer may exaggerate signs of impairment. Field sobriety tests may be given improperly. Dashcam footage may contradict the written report. Breath machines may be improperly calibrated or maintained. Your rights may have been violated at any stage.
At your consultation, ask the attorney how they plan to investigate the stop, challenge the evidence, and pursue motions to suppress illegally obtained information. The lawyer’s answer should give you a clear sense of their approach to building a real defense—not just negotiating a plea.
What a Skilled DUI Lawyer Does After You Hire Them
Many people mistakenly believe that hiring a DUI attorney in Chicago is just about having someone show up to court. But the reality is that the most important work happens before the trial begins.
Once you retain a lawyer, they should begin:
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Requesting and reviewing all police reports, videos, and test results
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Investigating whether the traffic stop was legal
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Filing motions to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained
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Representing you at hearings to challenge your statutory summary suspension
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Negotiating with the prosecutor to seek a reduction or dismissal
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Preparing for trial, including cross-examining the arresting officer
These are time-sensitive steps. You only have 30 days after your arrest to request a hearing on your license suspension. Missing this deadline means you lose the chance to stop the suspension—even if you win your criminal case.
This is another reason why your free consultation with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer matters so much. You need to know what steps will be taken and when. You also need to feel confident that the person you’re hiring isn’t just running a volume practice. Ask them how many DUI cases they currently have, and how they manage client communication between court dates.
What Should I Ask During a DUI Consultation in Chicago?
Here are the most important areas to cover during your free meeting with a Chicago DUI attorney:
First, ask about their experience with DUI cases in your specific courthouse. Cook County has multiple branches—26th and California, Skokie, Maywood, Bridgeview, Rolling Meadows—and each has different prosecutors, judges, and procedures. You want a lawyer who’s comfortable and familiar with the environment your case will play out in.
Second, ask how they plan to challenge the evidence. A strong DUI defense isn’t about hoping for a good deal—it’s about attacking the legality of the stop, the reliability of the tests, and the accuracy of the reports. If the attorney only talks about plea deals and doesn’t mention suppression motions or trial preparation, you should be concerned.
Third, ask how they’ll help you fight the automatic license suspension. In Illinois, even if you’re never convicted, you may lose your license unless you demand a hearing. This is called a statutory summary suspension, and it can last 6 to 36 months depending on whether you failed or refused testing.
Fourth, ask about their communication style. Will they return your calls personally? Do they handle your case themselves or hand it off to someone else in the firm? Are they responsive by email or text?
Fifth, ask about costs. Good legal defense isn’t free, but it should be clear and transparent. Make sure you understand what’s included in the fee—and what happens if your case goes to trial.
Finally, ask them what they’ve done in past cases similar to yours. They can’t promise results, but they should be able to tell you how they’ve handled cases involving breath test refusals, accidents, or prior DUIs.
FAQs: DUI Consultations and Criminal Defense in Chicago
Is a consultation with a Chicago DUI lawyer really free?
Yes, at The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we offer free consultations for anyone facing DUI or criminal charges. This gives you a chance to understand your case and how we can help, with no obligation. We believe you should never have to pay just to get informed.
Should I bring anything to my DUI consultation?
If you have your ticket, bond paperwork, notice of statutory summary suspension, or any paperwork from the police or court, bring it. If not, that’s okay—we can still get started with the basics. A Chicago criminal defense lawyer can pull records after you hire them, but having documents early helps.
Can I consult more than one DUI lawyer in Chicago before choosing one?
Absolutely. You should talk to more than one attorney if you’re unsure. Ask the same questions to each. A good Chicago DUI attorney will never pressure you into hiring them immediately. Take the time to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
What if I don’t know whether my case is a misdemeanor or felony?
We can determine that quickly during your consultation. We’ll review the paperwork and ask about any prior DUIs or special circumstances. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, we know what turns a DUI into a felony—and we’ll walk you through it.
Can a DUI lawyer guarantee a result during the consultation?
No ethical attorney will guarantee a result. What we can promise is that we’ll fight aggressively, investigate every angle, and protect your rights at every stage. Our track record in Chicago DUI cases speaks for itself.
Is it okay to meet over the phone or Zoom?
Yes. We offer phone, Zoom, or in-person consultations to make it as easy as possible. Whether you’re in the city or the suburbs, we’ll accommodate your schedule. We serve clients across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties.
How long does a DUI consultation take?
Most consultations last between 30 to 45 minutes, but we’ll take as much time as needed to answer your questions. Every DUI case is different, and we want to understand exactly what happened in yours.
Why Choosing the Right Lawyer After a DUI Arrest Is the Most Important Decision You’ll Make
When your freedom, your license, and your record are on the line, you can’t afford to take chances. Public defenders are overloaded. Google searches can be misleading. And court isn’t the place to learn from your mistakes.
You need a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago who will go beyond the basics. Someone who knows how to file aggressive motions. Someone who has cross-examined hundreds of officers. Someone who understands how to read police reports for inconsistencies and errors that can win your case.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we’ve built our reputation on DUI defense done right. We don’t push quick plea deals or treat clients like numbers. We fight. And it starts with the questions you ask in that very first consultation.
Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg — 24/7 Free Consultation
If you were arrested in Chicago or believe you are under investigation, get legal protection now. Your rights exist, but they must be defended. Our firm represents clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, Lake County, and throughout Illinois.
Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. The sooner we talk, the sooner we begin building your defense. Your future is too important to leave unprotected. Speak with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer who understands the federal system and is prepared to defend your case.
