Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

April 24, 2025

What Happens if the Police Detain Me Longer Than Necessary During a Traffic Stop in Illinois?

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

When Does Detainment Become a Problem in Waukegan, Illinois?

Traffic stops in Illinois are typically brief events where a police officer checks your driver’s license, registration, and potentially issues a citation. However, what happens if an officer detains you longer than necessary? In Waukegan, Illinois, and across the state, the duration of a traffic stop is governed by both state and federal law. While officers are permitted to detain drivers for a reasonable period, detaining someone beyond this without valid reason may be an infringement of your constitutional rights.

This article explores the implications of unlawful detainment, the legal processes involved, and how you can protect yourself if you believe the police have exceeded their limits during a stop. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a more serious felony charge, understanding your rights during a traffic stop is crucial.

April 23, 2025

Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Stop in Chicago: How Long Can Police Detain You?

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

If you’ve been stopped in Chicago under suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), one of the first questions you may have is, “How long can the police detain me during a DUI stop?” DUI stops are common on Chicago’s busy roads, and being detained by law enforcement can feel intrusive. However, it’s important to know your rights and the length of time police can lawfully detain you during the investigation of a suspected DUI.

In Illinois, law enforcement officers must follow specific legal procedures when making a DUI stop, and this includes how long they can detain you. Understanding these rules can help protect your rights, avoid unnecessary delays, and reduce the chance of facing severe legal consequences.

This article will provide an in-depth explanation of how long police can legally detain you during a DUI stop in Chicago, the process of a DUI investigation, and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.

April 22, 2025

Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Attorney in Waukegan

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

Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia in Waukegan? Don’t Let a Misdemeanor Wreck Your Future

When people hear the term “drug paraphernalia,” they often imagine a minor ticket or something easily dismissed in court. But in Waukegan, Illinois, being charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor, and that means real jail time, real fines, and a real criminal record.

As a criminal defense lawyer practicing in Waukegan and throughout Lake County for decades, I’ve seen far too many people underestimate the seriousness of a paraphernalia charge—only to find themselves facing unexpected consequences. The truth is, a conviction for even this so-called “minor” offense can create lasting problems in your personal and professional life. The good news is this: if you act quickly and get the right legal guidance, you may be able to avoid those outcomes altogether.

April 21, 2025

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver Lawyer in Waukegan

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

What to Do If You’re Charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver in Waukegan, Illinois

Facing criminal charges in Waukegan for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver is one of the most serious situations you can find yourself in. Unlike a simple possession case, which might involve a small quantity of a drug for personal use, possession with intent to deliver is a felony accusation that suggests you were involved in drug trafficking or distribution. That distinction matters—because it’s the difference between probation eligibility and mandatory prison time.

These cases aren’t always black and white. Sometimes people are wrongfully accused because of circumstantial factors. Other times, the police violate someone’s rights in the process of making an arrest or executing a search. Whether you were stopped while driving through Waukegan or had your home searched after a warrant was issued, your case may not be as open-and-shut as it seems.

April 17, 2025

Meth Trafficking Defense Lawyer in Waukegan

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

Charged With Meth Trafficking in Waukegan? Here’s What You Need to Know Right Away

Being charged with methamphetamine trafficking in Waukegan is one of the most serious legal problems a person can face in the Illinois criminal justice system. These are not minor charges. They’re felony accusations that come with the full force of law enforcement, prosecutors, and potentially years—if not decades—of prison time. It’s understandable to feel panicked or lost when the state accuses you of trafficking meth. But the steps you take right now matter more than anything else.

The reality is that meth trafficking cases are rarely straightforward. Investigations often involve surveillance, controlled buys, confidential informants, and months of police work. But none of that means the state’s case is automatically valid. If you’re being accused, your side of the story must be heard—and your rights must be defended.

April 15, 2025

Waukegan Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney

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

Understanding Cocaine Possession Charges in Waukegan: Your Rights, Your Defense, and Your Future

If you’re facing a cocaine possession charge in Waukegan, Illinois, your entire future may feel like it’s hanging in the balance. These cases are often emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. But as someone who has defended clients across Lake County for decades, I can tell you this: You have options. And you have rights. The key is acting quickly and making the right legal choices from the start.

In Illinois, cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. That means possession of even a trace amount is a felony. Unlike lower-level drug charges involving cannabis or paraphernalia, cocaine offenses don’t come with a slap on the wrist or an automatic diversion program. Prosecutors take these charges seriously, and so do judges. You should too. Whether you were pulled over on Green Bay Road, stopped walking downtown, or arrested in a more serious drug sweep, the consequences of doing nothing or doing the wrong thing are real.

April 14, 2025

Can Police Pull Me Over for DUI Without Probable Cause in Illinois?

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

Understanding DUI Stops in the City of Chicago

Chicago is one of the most heavily policed metropolitan areas in the country. With an expansive network of streets, highways, and expressways, police traffic enforcement plays a significant role in law enforcement efforts across the city. DUI arrests are common in Chicago, particularly on weekends, holidays, and late at night when officers are more likely to suspect impaired driving. In Illinois, especially in a city as active as Chicago, DUI enforcement is strict—but it is also governed by constitutional safeguards that limit how and when police can stop drivers.

Many individuals charged with DUI in Chicago ask whether officers needed probable cause to pull them over in the first place. This question is critical. While officers do not need probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, they must have what’s known as “reasonable suspicion” that a traffic violation or crime has occurred. The distinction between reasonable suspicion and probable cause often becomes a pivotal issue in DUI cases.

April 13, 2025

Can My DUI Arrest Record Be Seen by the Public in Illinois?

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

Understanding How DUI Arrest Records Are Viewed in Chicago

Chicago is a city known for its vibrant energy, diverse neighborhoods, and busy roads. Unfortunately, it also sees its share of DUI arrests. Whether someone is pulled over near Lake Shore Drive or on the Kennedy Expressway, a DUI arrest in Chicago often leaves more than legal consequences. One of the most lasting impacts is the creation of a criminal record. Many people are surprised to learn that an arrest alone, even without a conviction, can become part of the public record in Illinois.

In Illinois, a DUI arrest is recorded even if you were never convicted. Under the law, arrests, court appearances, and final outcomes are documented and stored in statewide databases. These records are often available to the public unless steps are taken to seal or expunge them. That means an employer, landlord, or licensing agency can access your arrest history unless it has been legally hidden from view.

April 12, 2025

What If the Arresting Officer Didn’t See Me Driving in My Illinois DUI Case?

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

Understanding DUI Allegations in Chicago When No One Saw You Driving

Chicago is a city known for its traffic congestion, sprawling neighborhoods, and a dense police presence. DUI arrests in this area are not uncommon, and while many occur after a traffic stop, others arise from more complicated scenarios. One such situation is when law enforcement finds someone in or near a vehicle under circumstances that suggest impairment, but no officer actually observed the person driving. If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone — and yes, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI in Illinois.

Under Illinois law, prosecutors don’t necessarily need direct eyewitness testimony that you were driving. They can pursue charges based on circumstantial evidence, especially if they believe you were in actual physical control of the vehicle. These cases often arise when someone is found sleeping in their car, sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running, or near a vehicle after a crash.

April 11, 2025

Can I Be Arrested For DUI in Illinois If My BAC Is Under 0.08%?

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

Understanding DUI Arrests Below the Legal Limit in Chicago

In Chicago, the streets are busy with everything from rideshares to late-night drivers heading home from restaurants or events. Law enforcement patrols are common, especially during weekends and holidays, and DUI enforcement remains a top priority for local police departments. While most people believe that the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%, Illinois law allows police officers to arrest and prosecutors to charge individuals with DUI even when their BAC is below this threshold.

A DUI arrest in Chicago with a BAC under 0.08% may come as a shock to someone who assumed they were legally fit to drive. These cases often involve subjective officer observations and discretionary arrest decisions based on overall behavior, physical signs of impairment, and alleged unsafe driving patterns. The consequences, however, are anything but discretionary. A conviction under these circumstances can still result in a permanent criminal record, driver’s license suspension, costly fines, and personal and professional hardship.