Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

March 31, 2025

Meth Possession Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

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

Charged with Meth Possession in Waukegan? Here’s How a Skilled Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been arrested for methamphetamine possession in Waukegan, you’re likely feeling anxious about what happens next. A felony drug charge is serious—especially when it involves meth, which Illinois prosecutors treat as one of the most dangerous controlled substances. But facing a charge doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With the right defense strategy and legal support, it’s possible to protect your rights and fight for your future.

This article explains how Illinois law handles meth possession cases, what you might be up against, and how a criminal defense lawyer can help you deal with the challenges ahead.

March 27, 2025

Do I Need An Attorney If Chicago Police Want To Question Me?

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

If the police ask to speak with you, it’s natural to feel nervous — even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Maybe they say you’re not a suspect, or that they just need a few minutes of your time. But before you agree to talk, ask yourself this: why are the police talking to you in the first place? Whether you’re being asked to come down to the station, answer a few questions at your home, or just “clear something up,” the safest response is to speak with a criminal defense attorney first.

In Chicago and across Illinois, you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. Those rights aren’t just for people under arrest. They apply the moment the police start asking questions about a crime. If officers want to question you, it’s because they’re looking for information that may help them build a case — and anything you say could be used against you later.

Why Police Want to Talk to You

March 26, 2025

What To Do When Stopped By Chicago Police

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

Being stopped by the police in Chicago is something that can happen quickly and without warning. Whether you’re walking in your neighborhood, driving through the city, or even standing outside a store, an encounter with law enforcement can turn serious fast. Understanding how to respond — calmly and legally — is key to protecting your rights and avoiding additional trouble.

Chicago police officers have a duty to protect the public, but they also have rules they must follow when they stop someone. Knowing your rights and how to handle yourself during these situations can prevent misunderstandings and put you in a stronger legal position if charges ever follow. What you do and say from the moment you’re approached can have a big impact on what happens next.

Keep Your Cool and Avoid Sudden Moves

March 25, 2025

How To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney For A Theft or Shoplifting Charge in Chicago

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

Being charged with theft or shoplifting in Chicago can leave you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a first offense or you’ve faced charges before, the impact of a criminal conviction on your record can be significant. Illinois prosecutors don’t take these cases lightly, especially when repeat offenses or larger dollar amounts are involved. That’s why one of the most important steps you can take is hiring the right criminal defense attorney — someone who understands how Cook County courts operate and knows how to defend your rights at every turn.

Here’s what you need to know about finding the right legal help when facing theft or shoplifting charges in Chicago.

Why You Should Never Face Theft Charges Alone

March 24, 2025

How Police Officer Fatigue Can Affect DUI Arrest Credibility

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

The Impact of Officer Fatigue on DUI Investigations

Law enforcement officers are responsible for upholding the law, including making DUI arrests based on observed impairment. However, many officers work long, demanding shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, leading to fatigue and impaired judgment. When an officer is exhausted, their ability to make accurate assessments, recall details, and properly administer field sobriety tests may be compromised.

Fatigue can affect a DUI case in several ways, including inconsistent observations, procedural errors, and unreliable testimony. These issues can raise doubts about the validity of the arrest and provide opportunities for defense attorneys to challenge the credibility of the case in court.

March 23, 2025

The Impact of Keto Diets on DUI Breath Test Accuracy

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

Understanding the Keto Diet and Its Effect on Breath Tests

The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as keto, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to put the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, producing ketones as a byproduct. One type of ketone, acetone, is released through the breath and can sometimes interfere with DUI breathalyzer tests. This has raised concerns about whether individuals on a ketogenic diet could register false-positive breath test results, leading to wrongful DUI charges.

How Breathalyzers Detect Alcohol

March 22, 2025

Are Emoji Threats Considered Real Threats Under Criminal Law?

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

The Legal Complexity of Emoji-Based Threats

In the digital age, communication has evolved beyond written words to include emojis—pictorial symbols that can express emotions, actions, and intentions. While emojis are often used to enhance digital conversations, they have also become the subject of legal scrutiny when used in threatening or criminal contexts. Courts across the United States and other jurisdictions have grappled with the question: Can an emoji constitute a criminal threat?

The Legal Definition of a Threat

March 21, 2025

Can You Be Charged With DUI in Illinois Without a Direct Witness?

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

Why Eyewitness Evidence is Essential in DUI Cases and How Its Absence Can Benefit Your Defense

Many people assume that once police respond to a car accident involving possible drunk driving, an arrest for DUI is almost certain. After all, the police might have video footage of you admitting fault, clear signs of intoxication, or even physical damage to the vehicles. Surprisingly, however, this isn’t always enough to justify a DUI arrest or conviction. The key factor often overlooked by most is whether someone actually saw you driving the vehicle at the time the incident occurred. Without such direct eyewitness testimony—often called a “wheel witness”—prosecutors might struggle to build a successful DUI case.

Let me clearly explain this point with a real-world example that illustrates how critical eyewitness testimony truly is. Recently, there was a situation involving a driver who collided with a parked car. Nearby residents heard the collision, immediately rushed outside, and saw the driver standing by the damaged vehicles. The driver admitted openly to neighbors and later on camera to responding police officers that they caused the crash after drinking alcohol. Yet, despite these clear statements and the evident damage, no DUI arrest occurred. Why? Simply put, no one had personally witnessed this individual actually operating the car at the moment the crash happened.

March 20, 2025

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

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

Protecting Your Rights: Criminal Defense in Waukegan, Illinois

As the county seat of Lake County, Illinois, Waukegan sees a significant number of criminal cases every year. Individuals charged with crimes in this area face serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can impact their future. The legal system in Waukegan is complex, requiring defendants to have a strong understanding of Illinois law and the importance of an aggressive defense.

Illinois classifies offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on their severity. Under 720 ILCS 5, misdemeanors carry penalties that include fines, probation, and up to one year in jail. Felonies, on the other hand, result in harsher punishments, including long-term imprisonment and restrictions on future employment and housing opportunities.

March 18, 2025

DUI Defense Lawyer in Waukegan, Illinois

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

Defending Against DUI Charges in Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan, located in Lake County, Illinois, is a vibrant city along the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its diverse population and rich history. As one of the largest cities in the county, Waukegan has a busy court system that regularly processes DUI cases. Illinois law takes driving under the influence seriously, and individuals charged with DUI in Waukegan face harsh consequences that can affect their freedom, finances, and future employment opportunities.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a person commits DUI when they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or controlled substances to the extent that their ability to drive is impaired. A DUI arrest can lead to immediate license suspension, criminal charges, and potential incarceration if convicted. The severity of penalties increases for repeat offenders or those involved in accidents causing injury.