Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

January 31, 2026

Refusing a Vehicle Search in Chicago: Why Silence Is Often Your Best Protection

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

Why Chicago Drivers Get Themselves Into Trouble Trying to Be Polite

I have defended thousands of criminal cases in Chicago, and many of them begin the same way. A driver is stopped for a minor traffic issue on the Near West Side, in Rogers Park, or while passing through the South Loop. The officer asks routine questions, then casually asks, “Do you mind if I take a look inside your vehicle?” The driver hesitates and then starts explaining why they would rather not. That explanation becomes the foundation of a criminal case.

Under Illinois law and federal constitutional law, you do not have to explain why you are refusing a vehicle search. In fact, explaining is usually a mistake. When police ask to search your vehicle, they are looking for consent. Consent removes nearly every Fourth Amendment protection you have. Once consent is given, anything discovered is generally admissible, even if the officer had no suspicion beforehand.

January 30, 2026

If I Say No to a Car Search in Chicago, Does That Protect Locked Containers?

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

Why Vehicle Searches Escalate So Quickly in Chicago Criminal Cases

In Chicago, routine traffic stops frequently turn into criminal investigations. A broken taillight in Back of the Yards, a rolling stop in Lincoln Square, or a late‑night stop near the West Loop can become a full vehicle search within minutes. One of the most misunderstood issues I see as a Chicago criminal defense lawyer is what happens after a driver refuses consent to search the car.

Many people believe that refusing consent automatically prevents police from searching anything inside the vehicle. Others believe that even if officers can search the car, locked containers are off limits. Under Illinois and federal law, neither belief is fully correct.

January 29, 2026

Do Passengers Have the Right to Remain Silent During a Traffic Stop in Chicago?

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

What the Law Says About Passenger Rights in Illinois

As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer with decades of courtroom experience, I’ve had many clients arrested after doing little more than sitting in the passenger seat during a traffic stop. What surprises most people is how quickly a minor traffic stop can spiral into criminal charges for passengers—even if they didn’t say or do anything wrong. One of the most common questions I get is whether passengers can legally remain silent during a police stop in Illinois. The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it.

Under the Fifth Amendment, everyone has the right not to incriminate themselves. This includes passengers in vehicles stopped by law enforcement. However, what makes this tricky is how the courts interpret the encounter. While drivers are obligated to show a license, proof of insurance, and comply with the stop itself, passengers generally have fewer obligations—but they aren’t always treated that way by officers.

January 28, 2026

Do Federal Agents Conduct Traffic Stops in Chicago?

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

What You Need to Know from a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you live in or around Chicago, you’ve probably seen a range of law enforcement vehicles on city streets—from unmarked cars to heavily marked DEA or Homeland Security units. It’s no surprise. Chicago is a major hub for both local and federal investigations, including narcotics, weapons trafficking, fraud, and organized crime. As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer who has handled federal and state cases for decades, one question I occasionally hear from clients is this: Can federal agents pull someone over in a routine traffic stop in Illinois?

The short answer is no—federal agents are not traffic cops. But there are important exceptions. In some situations, federal agents may be involved in traffic stops when they’re working in collaboration with local law enforcement or when executing a targeted federal investigation. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony, what happens during that stop—and how evidence is collected—can shape the entire trajectory of your case.

January 27, 2026

Why You Should Never Sign a Statement Before You’re Arrested—And Why Chicago Agents Want You To

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

Signing a Statement Before You’re Charged? Think Twice

In Chicago, people are regularly contacted by law enforcement agencies conducting long-term investigations—federal, state, or hybrid task forces. You might be approached by DEA agents, FBI special agents, postal inspectors, or local officers working on a federal task force. If you haven’t been arrested yet, you might think you’re safe. They may even say you’re not the target. But if they’re asking you to sign a written statement, the reality is that you are already part of their investigation—and anything you sign can become the government’s exhibit in court.

I’ve been defending clients in federal and state courtrooms in Chicago for decades. Let me be clear: If law enforcement wants you to sign a statement, they already suspect something—and they want your own words to confirm it. Whether the case involves conspiracy, wire fraud, a drug offense, firearm possession, or financial crimes, that piece of paper can become the prosecutor’s favorite piece of evidence.

January 26, 2026

What Makes a Strong Criminal Defense Lawyer in DuPage County?

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

A Closer Look at DuPage County and Criminal Charges Under Illinois Law

DuPage County is one of the most populated counties in Illinois, home to cities such as Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, and Elmhurst. Its proximity to Chicago, strong law enforcement presence, and active court system mean criminal arrests occur daily. From DUI and drug charges to violent crimes, DuPage County sees a wide range of criminal offenses prosecuted under Illinois law.

As a longtime Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout DuPage County. Whether you’re dealing with allegations involving theft, aggravated battery, domestic violence, unlawful use of a weapon, or first-time DUI charges, every arrest here has serious consequences. Criminal cases in DuPage County start with an investigation and can quickly lead to formal charges, arraignment, and court dates before a judge at the DuPage County Judicial Center in Wheaton.

January 25, 2026

Understanding Police Questioning in Chicago and Across Illinois

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

Living in Chicago, you might encounter law enforcement in a variety of situations—on the street, during a traffic stop, or even in your own neighborhood, whether that’s Englewood, Lincoln Park, or South Shore. Regardless of the location or reason, one of the most common and misunderstood moments is when officers start asking questions without making an arrest.

It’s crucial to understand that in Illinois, you do not have to answer police questions unless you are under arrest—and even then, you have the right to remain silent and request a Chicago criminal defense lawyer immediately. The line between a casual interaction and a criminal investigation can blur quickly. What seems like a minor inconvenience could escalate into formal charges if you’re not careful.

Whether the potential charge is a misdemeanor like disorderly conduct or a felony like drug possession or aggravated battery, what you say to the police—even before an arrest—can be used against you in court.

January 24, 2026

Can Refusing to Speak with Police Lead to Obstruction Charges in Illinois?

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

Why Remaining Silent in Chicago Is Your Right—Not a Crime

In neighborhoods all over Chicago—whether it’s Albany Park, Hyde Park, or South Shore—people interact with police officers every day. These encounters often begin casually but can quickly escalate into tense, high-pressure situations where you’re expected to talk. Many people believe that refusing to answer police questions could get them charged with a crime like obstruction. But under Illinois law, that’s not how it works.

You have a constitutional right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Illinois Constitution both protect your right against self-incrimination. As a long-time Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I can tell you that this right is not conditional. You don’t have to wait to be arrested, and you don’t have to wait for a lawyer to be present. You can assert your right to remain silent at any time during a police interaction.

January 23, 2026

Police Say You’re “Not a Suspect” — Why That’s Often the Moment You Need a Lawyer Most

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

How Innocent Conversations Turn Into Criminal Cases in Chicago

In Chicago, some of the most damaging criminal cases don’t begin with an arrest. They begin with a conversation. A detective calls and says they want to ask a few questions. An officer stops by your home and says they are “just gathering information.” A federal agent tells you that you are “not a suspect” and that they are only trying to understand what happened. Those words are often carefully chosen, and they are rarely said for your benefit.

As a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I’ve seen this pattern repeat itself for decades. People who genuinely believe they have nothing to hide agree to talk. They assume honesty will protect them. Instead, their statements become the foundation of a criminal charge weeks or even months later. By the time they call a lawyer, the damage is already done.

January 22, 2026

What You Need to Know When Police or Federal Agents Show Up at Your Job or Home in Chicago

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

Can Law Enforcement Question You Without Arresting You?

This is a question I’ve answered hundreds of times over the years: Can police—or federal agents—question me at my job or home if I haven’t been arrested? In Chicago, the answer is yes, they can. But just because they can, doesn’t mean you have to answer them.

It’s common for people in the Chicago area to get approached by CPD detectives, FBI agents, or other investigators without warning. These encounters often happen at work, outside your house, or even inside your home if you allow them in. The officers may act polite, friendly, and make the conversation feel informal. But understand this: you may already be under investigation, and the goal of that “friendly conversation” is often to gather evidence before you lawyer up.