July 23, 2025

Stopped for DUI in Illinois Without Breaking a Traffic Law?

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

Most people assume that police need to witness a traffic violation like speeding, swerving, or running a red light before they can legally stop a vehicle. But in Illinois, especially in major metropolitan areas like Chicago, drivers are often pulled over on suspicion of DUI even when they haven’t committed any traffic offense. This raises a critical legal question: Can the police really stop you for DUI in Illinois without any actual traffic violation?

The answer lies in the legal concept of reasonable suspicion, and it plays a major role in DUI cases throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County. If you’ve been arrested under these circumstances, understanding how the law works and what defenses may apply could make all the difference in protecting your rights.

No Violation? No Problem—According to the Law

May 17, 2025

Arrested for DUI in Illinois After Refusing All Tests?

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

Here’s What You’re Really Facing

Imagine this: you’re pulled over late at night in Chicago, an officer asks if you’ve had anything to drink, and then wants you to step out of the car for field sobriety testing. You decline. Next, they ask you to blow into a breathalyzer. You decline again. Minutes later, you’re placed under arrest. If you’ve been in this situation, you know the fear and confusion that follows. What you may not know is that you can still be charged—and convicted—of DUI in Illinois even if you refused everything.

Illinois law gives prosecutors broad discretion to pursue DUI charges based on an officer’s observations alone. Refusing all tests doesn’t end the investigation—it just changes the evidence the State will rely on. In fact, many DUI cases that result in convictions involve no test results at all. And unless you take legal action quickly, the consequences can hit hard.

April 26, 2025

What Are the Fines & Punishments for a First-Time DUI Offense in Illinois?

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

First-Time DUI Charges in Illinois: What You Should Know and Why Fast Action Matters

A first-time DUI arrest in Illinois can be an overwhelming experience. In cities like Waukegan, where law enforcement patrols major highways and busy city streets around the clock, DUI charges are filed daily. Yet many people do not realize how serious a first offense truly is. Even without a criminal history, the penalties for a DUI conviction can change the course of your life.

Illinois has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. While a first offense is usually charged as a misdemeanor, the consequences can extend well beyond fines and temporary license suspension. A DUI conviction can impact your freedom, your financial stability, your ability to drive, your career, and your reputation.