Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog

March 17, 2025

DUI Reckless Homicide Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Legal Defense for DUI Reckless Homicide in Cook County, Illinois

DUI reckless homicide is one of the most severe criminal charges a person can face in Cook County. Prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and convictions lead to devastating consequences, including long prison sentences and permanent criminal records. Defendants accused of DUI reckless homicide need immediate legal representation to fight the charges and protect their rights.

Illinois law, under 720 ILCS 5/9-3, defines reckless homicide as the unintentional killing of another person while driving in a reckless manner. When intoxication is involved, the prosecution asserts that impairment alone demonstrates recklessness. Illinois law sets a 0.08% BAC limit for alcohol-related DUIs, but drivers may also be charged for impairment from marijuana or controlled substances, even if they are under the legal THC threshold.

March 16, 2025

4th DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Defending a Fourth DUI Charge in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County is one of the most heavily policed areas in Illinois when it comes to DUI enforcement. Law enforcement officers actively monitor highways, local roads, and major intersections for impaired drivers. If you are facing a fourth DUI charge in Cook County, the stakes could not be higher. Illinois has strict repeat offender laws, making a fourth DUI a Class 2 felony under 625 ILCS 5/11-501. This classification means that a conviction can result in years of imprisonment, permanent revocation of driving privileges, and long-term consequences that extend beyond the legal system.

Many DUI arrests in Cook County stem from routine traffic stops, roadside sobriety checkpoints, or accident investigations. Regardless of how the arrest occurred, prosecutors will aggressively pursue a conviction, relying on chemical test results, field sobriety test performance, and prior DUI convictions to strengthen their case. Defendants must act quickly to secure legal representation to explore all available defense strategies.

March 15, 2025

DUI Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Defending DUI Manslaughter Charges in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County, Illinois, has some of the busiest roadways in the state, and law enforcement remains aggressive in prosecuting DUI-related offenses, especially when an accident results in a fatality. A DUI manslaughter charge can change the course of a person’s life, leading to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one is facing this charge, it is critical to understand the legal implications and available defense strategies.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501(d)(1)(F), DUI manslaughter, legally referred to as aggravated DUI resulting in death, is a Class 2 felony in Illinois. A conviction carries a mandatory sentence of three to fourteen years in prison, with an extended sentence of up to twenty-eight years in cases involving multiple fatalities. Unlike standard DUI charges, these cases involve both impairment allegations and the assertion that intoxication directly caused the fatal accident.

March 14, 2025

3rd DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Facing a Third DUI Charge in Cook County? Here’s What You Need to Know

A third DUI offense in Cook County is not just another traffic violation—it is a felony charge that can lead to devastating consequences. Illinois takes repeat DUI offenses seriously, and individuals facing a third conviction are at risk of long-term penalties, including substantial fines, extended license revocation, and possible prison time. Law enforcement agencies in Cook County aggressively pursue DUI cases, and prosecutors are unlikely to offer leniency to repeat offenders.

Illinois law, specifically 625 ILCS 5/11-501, categorizes a third DUI as a Class 2 felony. The penalties for a conviction include three to seven years in prison, fines reaching $25,000, and a mandatory 10-year driver’s license revocation. Unlike first or second offenses, a third DUI conviction means no chance for court supervision, making it even more critical to have a strong legal defense.

March 13, 2025

Marijuana DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Marijuana DUI Defense in Cook County, Illinois: Protecting Your Rights

Illinois law treats driving under the influence of marijuana seriously, with law enforcement aggressively pursuing cases throughout Cook County. Since the state legalized recreational cannabis use, the number of marijuana DUI arrests has increased, with police officers using a variety of tactics to determine impairment.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a driver is legally impaired if they have a THC concentration of 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of another bodily substance within two hours of driving. However, these limits do not always accurately reflect impairment. Unlike alcohol, THC remains in the body long after its effects have subsided, leading to wrongful arrests and prosecutions.

March 12, 2025

How Soon After My Arrest Should I Hire A Chicago DUI Lawyer?

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

March 11, 2025

Drugged Driving Defense Lawyer on Cook County, Illinois

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

Defending Against Drugged Driving Charges in Cook County, Illinois

Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious criminal offense in Cook County, Illinois. With strict DUI laws in place, law enforcement officers actively look for drivers who may be impaired by controlled substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that impact driving ability. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a suspended driver’s license. For individuals facing drugged driving charges, understanding the law and securing strong legal representation is essential.

How Illinois Law Defines Drugged Driving

March 10, 2025

2nd DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois

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

Facing a Second DUI Charge in Cook County: What You Need to Know

A second DUI charge in Cook County carries severe consequences that can impact a person’s freedom, finances, and future. Illinois law treats repeat DUI offenses harshly, with mandatory jail time, prolonged license revocation, and significant fines. Given the seriousness of these charges, individuals facing a second DUI should seek legal representation to protect their rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

Cook County, home to Chicago and several surrounding cities, has strict DUI enforcement due to its busy roads and high traffic volume. Whether the arrest occurred in downtown Chicago, Oak Park, or another part of the county, prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions for repeat offenders. Understanding the legal process and available defenses is critical for anyone accused of a second DUI offense.

March 9, 2025

DUI with Property Damage Defense Attorney in Cook County, Illinois

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

Defending a DUI With Property Damage Charge in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois, encompassing Chicago and numerous suburbs. Given the county’s heavy traffic and active nightlife, DUI arrests are common, particularly when an accident leads to property damage. Being charged with DUI in Cook County can have serious legal consequences, especially if the prosecution alleges that a driver’s impairment caused damage to another vehicle, structure, or public property. Defendants facing such charges need to understand Illinois law, the criminal justice process, and the available defense strategies.

Illinois DUI Laws and Penalties for Property Damage Cases

March 8, 2025

First Time DUI Defense Lawyer in Cook County

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

Defending Against a First-Time DUI Charge in Cook County, Illinois

Cook County, home to Chicago and numerous surrounding communities, has some of the busiest roadways in Illinois. With its high population and active nightlife, DUI arrests are common in this jurisdiction. Being charged with a first-time DUI can be overwhelming, as Illinois imposes strict laws and penalties for driving under the influence. A conviction can lead to criminal penalties, loss of driving privileges, and long-term consequences that affect employment and insurance rates.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-501, a person is considered legally impaired if they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that affects their ability to drive safely, or have any amount of a controlled substance in their system. A first-time DUI offense is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Additionally, Illinois law mandates a driver’s license suspension for a minimum of one year upon conviction.