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"IF YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY IN CHICAGO, I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM IN A HEARTBEAT..."
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Chicago is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans and military service members in Illinois. From residents commuting to Naval Station Great Lakes, to reservists and National Guard members balancing civilian life with military duty, the city and its surrounding counties have a strong connection to the armed forces. Unfortunately, this visibility also means that service members are sometimes targeted by identity thieves.

Illinois lawmakers recognize that stealing the identity of a military service member can be especially damaging. It not only threatens financial stability, but also puts service members’ deployment status, benefits, and security clearances at risk. Because of these unique vulnerabilities, Illinois has made identity theft against a military service member an aggravated offense under 720 ILCS 5/16G-20.

Aggravated identity theft is charged more harshly than standard identity theft under 720 ILCS 5/16G-15. What might normally be a lower-level felony is automatically elevated if the victim is an active duty member of the Armed Services, a reservist on active orders, or the spouse of a service member. In Chicago, Cook County prosecutors — and sometimes federal authorities — pursue these cases aggressively, seeking longer prison sentences and higher fines.

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Is Aggravated Speeding a Felony in Illinois?

Chicago, Illinois: Where Traffic and Criminal Law Intersect

On any given day in Chicago, drivers move through crowded city streets and expansive highways like the Kennedy Expressway and the Stevenson. When the roads open up, some drivers press the accelerator harder than they should. This often results in aggravated speeding charges, which surprises many people when they learn these are criminal charges rather than simple tickets.

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The Scope of Excessive Speeding in Chicago and Illinois

Chicago is a city where drivers often deal with unpredictable traffic patterns. When congestion clears on highways like I-90 or Lake Shore Drive, some drivers push their speed far beyond the posted limit. Illinois law considers certain levels of speeding so dangerous that they are classified as crimes rather than traffic infractions. This is called aggravated or excessive speeding, and it carries serious consequences in court.

According to 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5, speeding more than 26 miles per hour above the posted limit is a misdemeanor. Driving between 26 and 34 mph above the limit is a Class B misdemeanor, while driving 35 mph or more above the limit is a Class A misdemeanor. These charges are prosecuted in criminal court, not traffic court, and they can result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent record.

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Chicago is a city with constant traffic—congested highways like the Dan Ryan and Stevenson Expressway, the busy downtown streets, and neighborhood intersections from Englewood to Uptown. With so much activity, accidents are part of daily life. But when a driver leaves the scene of a crash, Illinois law treats that decision as a criminal act.

A hit-and-run charge in Chicago can turn your life upside down. What may have started as panic or confusion can quickly lead to police involvement, felony charges, and the risk of jail or prison. Under Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-401 through 11-403, every driver has a duty to stop after an accident, exchange information, and render aid if necessary. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences—even for first-time offenders.

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, I have defended clients accused of hit-and-run throughout Chicago and the surrounding counties. Understanding the legal process and your rights is the first step toward protecting your future.

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Chicago is one of the largest financial and retail centers in the Midwest, with tens of thousands of daily transactions flowing through stores, restaurants, banks, and online platforms. With this constant movement of money, the city also sees a steady stream of credit card fraud allegations. Prosecutors in Cook County treat these cases aggressively because they believe they strike at the integrity of the financial system. Yet, not every accusation reflects criminal intent. Many cases involve misunderstandings, errors by banks, or mistaken identity.

Under Illinois law, credit card fraud is prosecuted through a combination of statutes, including 720 ILCS 5/17-31, 720 ILCS 5/17-32, and 720 ILCS 5/16-1. These laws cover conduct such as possessing a stolen card, using a counterfeit card, making unauthorized charges, or trafficking in account numbers. Whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of goods or services obtained and whether the individual has prior convictions. Using a card for purchases under $300 may fall into misdemeanor territory, but anything beyond that often becomes a felony carrying the potential for years in prison.

When cases begin, the police typically receive reports from cardholders, merchants, or banks. Detectives then conduct investigations that may last weeks, involving surveillance, subpoenaed bank records, and electronic data. Once an arrest is made, the accused is brought before a judge for a bond hearing, where conditions of release are determined. From there, the prosecution files formal charges, and the criminal case process begins.

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Guidance from a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Seriousness of a Second DUI Arrest in Chicago

A second DUI arrest in Chicago is far more than a repeat of the first experience. While the first arrest may have been treated as a wake-up call, Illinois law makes the second a turning point with lasting consequences. Chicago police officers are highly trained in DUI detection, especially in areas like River North, Lincoln Park, and along expressways leading into the Loop. They often patrol with an expectation that repeat offenders will be on the road, and prosecutors in Cook County view second DUI charges as proof of a pattern of risky behavior.

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How Illinois Defines DUI and When It Becomes a Felony

Driving under the influence is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in Chicago and across Illinois. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a DUI is defined as operating or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, intoxicating compounds, or with a BAC of .08 or higher. For many first-time offenders, DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. However, Illinois law creates a category called “Aggravated DUI,” which is a felony offense.

Aggravating factors turn a misdemeanor into a felony. These include having prior DUI convictions, driving on a suspended or revoked license, causing serious injury or death, transporting minors, or driving without insurance. Each factor raises the seriousness of the case and exposes the defendant to years in state prison rather than county jail.

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Understanding Street Racing Charges in Chicago and Illinois Law

Chicago is one of the largest and busiest cities in the United States, and with that comes a heavy law enforcement presence. In recent years, Illinois lawmakers and prosecutors have placed special attention on cracking down on street racing. For many drivers, what starts as a late-night competition on the Dan Ryan Expressway, Lake Shore Drive, or an industrial road on the West Side can suddenly turn into a criminal case that carries life-altering consequences.

Under Illinois law, street racing is defined and prosecuted under 625 ILCS 5/11-506. A person commits street racing when they drive a motor vehicle with another driver on a public road in a race, drag race, or speed competition. On its own, street racing is already a serious offense, but when prosecutors allege that aggravating factors exist, the charge is elevated to what is commonly called aggravated street racing.

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Chicago and the Reality of DUI Prosecutions

Chicago is a diverse city with heavy traffic, nightlife, and constant law enforcement presence. From Wrigleyville to the South Side, police watch closely for drivers who may be under the influence. A DUI charge in Illinois, under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, is serious even as a first-time offense. It is usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,500, alcohol evaluation and treatment, and driver’s license suspension.

But not every DUI is treated equally. Certain circumstances—known as aggravating factors—can transform what would have been a misdemeanor into a felony, known legally as Aggravated DUI under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d). These circumstances raise the penalties dramatically, sometimes requiring mandatory prison time.

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Chicago is a city that never slows down. From Wrigleyville after a Cubs game to the nightlife of River North, people are constantly on the move. Unfortunately, that also means police patrols are ever-present, and DUI arrests are common across Cook County and surrounding areas. Illinois law is clear: operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both is a crime. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08, but a driver may be charged even below that level if impairment is alleged.

A DUI charge begins as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances. A first offense with no injuries or aggravating factors is a Class A misdemeanor. But that classification changes quickly. If someone has prior DUI convictions, if a child passenger is present, or if the case involves injury or death, prosecutors may file aggravated DUI charges, which are felonies. Felonies carry prison time and lifelong collateral consequences.

Even when a DUI remains a misdemeanor, the ripple effects are significant. Many people are shocked to discover that the fine printed on the ticket or the potential jail term listed on the charge sheet represent only a fraction of the true impact. The hidden costs extend into employment, housing, education, insurance, and even family life.

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Contact Information
Chicago Office
70 W Madison St
#1450
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 560-7100
DuPage Office
140 Butterfield Rd
#1500
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
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5250 Old Orchard Rd
#300
Skokie, IL 60077

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