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"IF YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY IN CHICAGO, I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM IN A HEARTBEAT..."
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Chicago’s Role in Federal Criminal Enforcement

Chicago is not only the largest city in Illinois but also one of the busiest federal jurisdictions in the country. Because of its central location, major airports, and international commerce, it draws the focus of agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. One of the areas where these agencies concentrate their resources is federal human trafficking enforcement.

While Illinois law recognizes both misdemeanors and felonies, with misdemeanors carrying up to one year in jail and felonies ranging from Class 4 to Class X under the Illinois Criminal Code, human trafficking is always treated as a felony-level crime. In Illinois state court, 720 ILCS 5/10-9 makes it illegal to traffic persons through force, fraud, or coercion, and penalties can range from lengthy prison terms to life sentences in certain cases. But when the federal government steps in under 18 U.S.C. § 1591, the stakes are even higher.

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Human Trafficking Allegations in Chicago and Illinois Law

Chicago’s reputation as one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United States makes it a prime target for federal law enforcement investigating human trafficking cases. Between O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, and an extensive highway system connecting Illinois to neighboring states, the city is often portrayed as a focal point for federal task forces. This geographic reality places residents of Chicago and surrounding communities at risk of facing aggressive investigations when even loosely connected to allegations of trafficking.

Illinois criminal law distinguishes between misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors typically carry less than one year of incarceration, while felonies carry longer prison terms and more severe collateral consequences. Human trafficking under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/10-9 is always a felony and is classified at the highest level—Class X. At the federal level, human trafficking charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 carry mandatory minimum prison terms of ten or fifteen years depending on circumstances, and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. These penalties reflect the federal government’s intent to treat trafficking on the same level as violent felonies such as armed robbery or kidnapping.

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Understanding Exploitation Charges in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the Midwest, and the court system in Cook County handles some of the most serious criminal cases in Illinois. Among these are cases involving allegations of exploiting a person with a developmental disability. Illinois lawmakers have made it clear that crimes involving vulnerable populations will not be treated lightly.

Under the Illinois Criminal Code, exploitation can take many forms. It may involve financial manipulation, physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, or even neglect. The law is structured to protect individuals who are not able to fully advocate for themselves. As a result, prosecutors often push aggressively for felony charges in these cases.

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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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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
Skokie Office
5250 Old Orchard Rd
#300
Skokie, IL 60077

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