Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

September 19, 2018

An Overview of Prostitution Charges in Chicago

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

As many people know, prostitution is the act of engaging in some form of sexual activity in exchange for money or another item that has value. As many people also know, prostitution is illegal just about everywhere you go, and Chicago is no exception. A person is considered to have committed prostitution when he or she willingly engages in such an act, willingly accepts payment, and agrees to engage in any act related to or that can be considered prostitution.

Who can be Charged with Prostitution?

There are a few different people who can be charged with prostitution when a situation such as this arises. For the most part, there are usually three people involved in an act of prostitution – the prostitute, the customer, and the third party (pimp). Not all three will be discovered in the same location as the pimp is usually not with the prostitute when the crime occurs. But, some pimps are so widely known that law enforcement will be able to pinpoint which pimp the prostitute works for in the area.

September 14, 2018

Common Defenses to Second Degree Murder Charges

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

When faced with a murder charge in Chicago, you have options. You do not have to immediately admit to the crime. You also do not have to take your chances with a jury to see if it will convict you. Murder is a serious charge, if not the most serious charge, so you need to have a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side to craft a strong defense to the charge. Today, we will examine the common defenses to second degree murder charges so you can fight for your freedom.

Claim Insanity

You have likely heard it on the news before and it might be a good defense for you to attempt if charged with second degree murder, and that is to claim insanity. Even if claiming insanity is permitted in your jurisdiction, it does not mean that it will clear you of the responsibility associated with second degree murder. You could be issued a guilty verdict with mental illness attached to it, which means you still knew what you did was wrong. In other jurisdictions that permit full insanity, if you can prove your mental illness, then you will not be held accountable for the crime.

September 12, 2018

What are the Traits of a Strong Criminal Defense Attorney?

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

Facing a criminal charge in Chicago can ruin your life if you do not know where to turn. Relying on the public defender will not always put you in the best situation. You need to consult with an experienced private criminal defense attorney so you can best fight the charges levied against you. Working with a criminal attorney who is experienced with the crime you have been accused of committing will help you build a defense that can lead to the charges being either dropped or reduced. Let’s examine the traits of a strong criminal defense attorney so you know what to look for when choosing an attorney to represent you.

Experience That Speaks for Itself

One of the first things you need to look for is the attorney’s experience. It is understandable that an attorney has to start his or her career somewhere, but do you want it to be with your case? Now is not the time to risk your freedom just to give a newly minted attorney a shot at winning his or her first case. The strongest criminal attorneys will have a track record that speaks for itself.

September 7, 2018

What Happens if I Violate Probation?

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

It can be very difficult for someone to live while on probation. Probation is issued to those who are charged with a crime but wind up not being sentenced to jail time. Probation is also issued to people who are released from jail ahead of their sentence being completed. A violation of probation can be problematic for the person serving it. Let’s take a look at what happens if you violate your probation so you can be prepared for what is to come.

Violation is Not Discovered

It is entirely possible that you could violate the terms of your probation and have it go undiscovered by the prosecutor assigned to the case. If this is the case, the prosecutor will not be able to file a motion to revoke your probation, which would send you back to jail or to jail for the first time. It is not uncommon for this to happen based on the terms of your probation and what is considered a violation. Even though this is possible, you should still adhere to the terms so you do not risk going to jail.

September 5, 2018

What Crimes are Considered Violent?

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

Violent crimes occur just about anywhere, but they most often occur in the city. Chicago is no exception. Being charged with a violent crime can force you to put your life on hold, especially if you are convicted and sentenced to time in prison. The minute you are arrested and charged with a violent crime, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to begin fighting for your freedom. Let’s take a look at the crimes that are considered violent:

Domestic Violence

Quite possibly one of the most common types of violent crime is that of domestic violence. Domestic violence is when one person uses behavior, language, and threats in an attempt to control or intimidate someone else. It most often occurs between family members, such as parents and adult children, siblings, spouses, partners and anyone living together. You do not technically have to be married to be involved in a domestic dispute. You do not even have to be living together. You could be divorced, separated, or dating.

August 31, 2018

Charged with Kidnapping? Use These Defenses

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

Are you facing kidnapping charges in the Chicago area? Are you worried that the charges will land you in jail for a long time? Regardless of your situation, the best thing you can do when charged with kidnapping is hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and provide you with an honest assessment. An experienced lawyer will also be able to help you build one of the defenses to kidnapping charges outlined below.

The Victim Gave Consent

One of the most common defenses used against kidnapping charges is that the victim actually gave consent. This means that the person who went with the alleged kidnapper originally did so because he or she wanted to do so. At some point during their travels the ‘victim’ decided that they no longer wanted to be with the kidnapper and became fearful, regretful, or angry. This is usually what then leads to the claim of kidnapping and the subsequent arrest and charges filed.

August 29, 2018

Common Defenses to Theft Charges in Chicago

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

Facing an arrest and charges of theft in Chicago is never an easy situation. Whether this is the first time you have been arrested or you have gone through this before, it never gets easier. You might have to face a different judge or have your case handled by a different prosecutor. Either way, there are defenses available to you to fight the theft charges so you do not simply have to give up your freedom and spend time in jail.

Right of Ownership

One of the most commonly used defenses to theft charges is right of ownership. You can not simply tell the judge that you thought the item belonged to you and hope that this will work in your favor. You will need to provide some sort of evidence that proves it makes sense that you would believe the item you took belonged to you. This can be an invoice, receipt, warranty, owner’s manual, or any other piece of evidence that proves you either own the property or that you believed you owned the property.

August 24, 2018

Restoring Your Life and Reputation Following a Felony Conviction

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

If you are facing a felony charge in Chicago, you are likely worried that your life will be turned upside down, and rightfully so. There is no way to pinpoint what is going to happen if the case goes to trial and you wind up with a conviction and subsequent sentence. The even more unlikely assumption is what will happen to you once you have served your time. How will you assimilate back into society? Will your friends and family accept you with open arms? Here are some tips for restoring your life and reputation following a felony conviction.

Narrow Employment Search

One of the first things you need to do once you are released from prison is begin your search for employment. Depending on the crime you were convicted of, it could very well leave you with a narrow search. For example, if you committed any type of white collar crime, you likely will not be able to get a job in the banking, finance, or securities industries. If you committed a sexual offense, you will not be able to work in the education field.

August 22, 2018

The Different Types of White Collar Crimes

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

White collar crime is most common in the corporate world. It is a group of crimes that are typically committed by business people who have access to insider information, funds, assets, and other items. Those who commit a white collar crime can face years in prison if convicted and if they are not able to reach a deal with the prosecutor assigned to the case. Let us take a look at the different types of white collar crimes.

Securities Fraud

Securities fraud is one of the most common types of white collar crime committed today. This white collar crime occurs almost exclusively in the corporate world. The most common form of securities fraud is that of insider training. Insider trading occurs when a person who has information about the company for which they work and uses it to their financial advantage.

August 17, 2018

How Will a Felony Conviction Change My Life?

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

When you are facing felony charges in Chicago, you will likely be scared about what is to come. Even if you have been charged with a crime in the past, facing a felony charge can be life changing. A felony conviction can lead to years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, restitution, and many other penalties. Even after you have served your time, you could very well still struggle to return to a normal life. Today, we will take a look at how a felony conviction can change your life.

Post-Conviction

Once your trial is complete and you are found guilty of the felonious crime, you will begin your post-conviction life. This is one of the more difficult parts of life as a convicted felon. This part of your life starts with sentencing. You could very well wind up with the maximum recommended sentence from the judge. Or, you could be sentenced to a handful of years in prison. The judge will take into account statements made by the plaintiff, the victim’s family, and any statement you make.