Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Criminal Charges Move Fast in Illinois—You Need a Lawyer Faster
When you’re arrested in Chicago, everything changes in an instant. You’re taken into custody, booked, and suddenly under the control of the criminal justice system. But what happens next—and how it affects your future—depends on one critical decision: whether you hire a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Illinois criminal law doesn’t wait for you to get comfortable. The police report is filed within hours. The Cook County State’s Attorney evaluates your case almost immediately. Formal charges could be filed before you even see a judge. And once that happens, every word, action, or delay on your part could be used against you.
Even for a first-time offense, the consequences can be serious. Take, for example, a charge for resisting arrest under 720 ILCS 5/31-1. It may seem like a low-level issue, but it’s a Class A misdemeanor—punishable by up to a year in jail and a permanent criminal record. Without a lawyer to argue context, seek dismissal, or negotiate a reduction, you could end up with more punishment than the situation deserves.
What Happens After Arrest in Chicago? The System Doesn’t Wait for You
Once you’re arrested, you’ll usually be held for up to 48 hours before appearing before a judge. That’s your first court appearance—your bond hearing. This is where a lawyer can make a massive difference. A defense attorney can argue for your release, challenge the strength of the arrest, and present information that could result in a lower bond or even personal recognizance.
Without representation at this stage, you risk sitting in jail for weeks—or longer—before your case even gets to trial.
The next steps in a criminal case move quickly:
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The State’s Attorney files formal charges.
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You’re arraigned and enter a plea.
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Discovery begins, including the exchange of evidence.
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Pretrial motions can be filed.
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You either go to trial or accept a plea.
Each of these steps involves strategy and deadlines. Miss one, and your chances at a favorable result drop significantly.
Our legal team at The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg regularly appears at bond hearings, motions to suppress, and trial proceedings throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties. Visit our Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog for examples of how timing and aggressive advocacy changed the outcome of real clients’ cases.
A Lawyer Protects Your Rights From the Very First Moment
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they can “handle it” alone—especially early in the case. They may even talk to police without realizing that they’re giving the prosecution ammunition.
Police are trained to interrogate suspects, often using leading or misleading questions to get incriminating answers. Without a lawyer, you might agree to statements or give up information that later gets twisted against you in court.
Even if you’re innocent, staying silent and demanding a lawyer is your best defense. Your lawyer serves as a barrier between you and law enforcement, shielding you from unnecessary questioning and protecting your constitutional rights under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we’ve represented clients charged with drug crimes under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/402), gun offenses under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, and violent crimes including aggravated assault and domestic battery. In many cases, early intervention allowed us to stop the case before it even reached trial.
Every Criminal Case Comes Down to Evidence—And How It’s Handled
One of the core responsibilities of your criminal defense lawyer is challenging the evidence against you. But if you wait too long to hire one, the evidence becomes harder to fight.
Police and prosecutors gather:
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Body camera footage
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Phone records
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Surveillance videos
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Search warrants and lab reports
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Testimony from alleged victims or eyewitnesses
If your lawyer doesn’t get involved early, some of this evidence might be destroyed, lost, or altered. Your attorney can file motions to preserve surveillance footage, prevent illegal searches, and question the chain of custody on forensic materials. These steps often lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
For instance, we defended a client charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (AUUW). He was stopped near North Lawndale and searched without probable cause. We filed a motion to suppress under the Fourth Amendment and 725 ILCS 5/114-12. The court granted the motion, and the case was dismissed.
That defense wouldn’t have worked if we hadn’t acted quickly to collect police radio logs and surveillance footage before it was erased.
Why You Need to Hire the Right Lawyer—and What to Ask
Hiring the right lawyer is just as important as hiring one early. You want someone who practices criminal defense every day, who knows the judges in Cook County, and who has a history of successfully defending clients at trial.
When meeting with a criminal defense attorney for the first time, you should ask:
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What’s your experience with charges like mine?
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How often do your cases go to trial?
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Do you personally handle my case, or pass it to someone else?
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What outcomes have you obtained in similar situations?
An honest lawyer will give you a clear picture of what’s possible—not just what you want to hear. At our firm, we never sugarcoat. We explain the risks, outline the defenses, and give you the information you need to make smart decisions.
Remember, a free consultation is your chance to evaluate the attorney, not the other way around. We encourage clients to compare, ask hard questions, and look at case results.
Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Before You Take Another Step
Being arrested in Chicago isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a crisis. And how you respond in the hours and days afterward will shape your future.
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we are here to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and build the strongest case possible. We work aggressively from the moment we’re hired, whether that means arguing bond, filing motions, or preparing for trial.
You don’t get second chances in criminal defense. Make the right call the first time.
Call Now – The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Is Ready to Help
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Chicago and have a medical condition that may have impacted your arrest or test results, call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for a free 24/7 consultation.
If you were arrested in Chicago for DUI, protect your future by contacting The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg. We have decades of experience handling DUI cases in Illinois. Our firm is available 24/7 to provide the legal defense you deserve.
Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to serve clients throughout Illinois, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County.
