March 6, 2019

The Difference Between Homicide and Murder

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

A man involved in a bizarre love triangle was charged with murder after a shooting in Evanston. Sandoval Cobian, 38 years old, is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting his romantic rival in the north suburb. The Chicago native was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, as reported by Evanston police.

On Friday, March 15, officers found Angel Miranda, 33 years old, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and chest. He was located behind a residence in the 1800 block of Simpson Street and pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Miranda, who was a resident of the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, was visiting his girlfriend. She found him shot and called authorities. Investigators later learned Cobian and Miranda were romantically involved with the same woman. Police reported that Cobian shot Miranda because of jealousy and a “romantic rivalry.” Cobian was ordered held without bail. His next court date is set for the end of March.

March 1, 2019

What You May Not Know About Domestic Violence Laws in Illinois

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

Because domestic violence is a very real and pervasive threat in the U.S., the Illinois legislature has concentrated on making domestic violence laws more stringent. Law enforcement in the state has created dynamic new policies. Prosecutors are now responsible for enforcing new laws in addition to ones that are already on the books.

Many people do not realize that the state files the criminal charges for domestic violence, not the victims. It is important that you have a clear understanding of the laws governing domestic violence and what may be ahead if you are convicted of such a crime. A Chicago domestic violence attorney can help assess your case and guide you through building your defense.

What You May Not Know About Domestic Violence Laws in Illinois

February 27, 2019

How Society is Affected by White-Collar Crime

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

White-collar crime may consist of various charges at both the state and federal level. The stereotype of an individual engaging in white collar crime may be the high-level corporate executive in a tailored suit who sacrifices the future of his company for personal gain. But a crime of this nature could be perpetrated by anyone in the office, from a mailroom clerk all the way up to the C-suite.

Additionally, a white-collar crime does not have to be committed by a person in a corporation or even someone employed. The criminal may be a charming neighbor who cons an individual out of his or her retirement savings. Offenses like credit card theft or counterfeiting do not typically involve violence, but they do have a serious impact on individuals, society, and the economy.

A white-collar criminal defense attorney can provide a level of protection against the severity of the penalties associated with these types of charges.

February 20, 2019

How Chicago is Reducing the Rate of Violent Crime

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

Many residents of Chicago and the surrounding area view violent crime as something completely out of their control. Fighting violent crime in Chicago takes the coordinated effort of police and residents of the city.

So far this year, shootings and homicides have a downward trend according to police. To date, there have been 44 homicides compared to 80 at this point in 2018. That is a decrease of 55%. In January and February of this year, there were 214 shootings. The first two months of 2018 experienced 282. The number of people who were shot decreased to 253 in 2019 from 345 last year. There have been 40% fewer homicides compared to the same period last year.

Though the numbers have been dropping, Chicago is still plagued with a disproportionate amount of crime when compared to many other cities around the country. A violent crimes defense lawyer will be able to help with your case if you have been charged or arrested.

February 15, 2019

How Criminal Sexual Assault is Defined in Illinois

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

An employee from the Waukegan School District was charged in late February with grooming and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, as stated by Chicago police and district officials.

26-year-old Gabriel Valadez was arrested at the administrative offices of Waukegan District 60. According to police, Valadez would chat with the girl using FaceTime. Authorities do not know how the accused met the girl, but their conversations took place through the app and online. Chicago Police Department policy prohibits providing information about victims, so they declined to mention where the girl was from.

Since 2007, Valadez worked in the district offices as an administrative assistant. He submitted his resignation a week after his arrest. District officials were quick to point out that Valadez was never assigned to work in their schools and had no direct contract with students. As a result, they did not provide any information about the situation to parents.

February 13, 2019

Components of a Federal Drug Crime

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

A man from the northwest suburbs was recently charged with the illegal possession of guns and drugs. A judge denied bail for the 33-year-old for the crime. In a statement released by the Cook County Sheriff’s office, the Melrose Park resident has been charged with two counts for each of the following:

Unlawful use of a weapon by a felon
Drug possession and

February 8, 2019

Primary Defense Against Prostitution Charges

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

The owner of a massage parlor was arrested and charged with prostitution in an investigation launched by authorities in Wisconsin.

Undercover officers covertly investigated Asian Massage Reflexology in New Berlin, a city between Chicago and Milwaukee, after being informed that staff were engaging in sexual activity with clients in addition to the massages provided.

The owner, Jing Zhang, was charged with maintaining a place of prostitution. If convicted, she is facing a maximum sentence of six years in prison, according to court records.

February 6, 2019

Murder Rates in Chicago

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

On January 27, 2019, a man was charged with attempted murder after he shot a Chicago police officer. 32-year-old Swaleh Mohammed was arrested the night of January 26 and has been charged with six felonies. It is alleged that he shot a Chicago police officer in the officer’s protective vest when law enforcement was responding to a domestic dispute in the neighborhood of West Ridge.

Police were called to Swaleh’s home at approximately 6:45 p.m. and found him inside with a gun. He barricaded himself inside and, according to police, appeared to have some type of mental disability. He then shot at police who returned fire, but did not hit the suspect.

One of the responding officers was hit in his vest, but was unharmed. He was taken to the hospital and reported in good health.

February 1, 2019

Illinois Laws on Domestic Violence or Abuse

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

On January 21, an individual was arrested for allegedly kicking his girlfriend in the stomach and killing her unborn child.

A neighbor told police that she heard a woman screaming at approximately 3:30 in the morning on January 19 before calling authorities. A 19-year-old woman then informed law enforcement that she had severe pain in her stomach because her boyfriend kicked her multiple times after the two had an argument in their apartment.

After the altercation, the boyfriend, 22-year-old Kahlil Ellison, fled the scene but was swiftly apprehended and taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies. Authorities reported the argument was over a cell phone.

January 23, 2019

The Most Common Fraud Crimes in the United States

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

On January 17, a man from Winnetka was given a five-year federal prison sentence for fraud.

50-year-old Thomas Lindstrom led a scheme that cost his customers almost $14 million dollars in losses. As a result, the Northfield-based company that employed him was forced to close its doors.

The former options trader at the Chicago Board of Trade was given a prison term that was approximately half the recommended federal guideline. His lawyer argued that Lindstrom committed fraud because of his fear of failure and to maintain the lavish lifestyle he was living in the North Shore.