Arrested in Chicago? Why Waiting to Hire an Attorney Can Cost You Everything

Immediate Legal Support Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity

When someone is arrested in Chicago, they often think they have time to “figure things out.” They wait, hoping things might settle down or that the charges won’t stick. But in the world of Illinois criminal law, time is never on your side. From the moment of arrest, the legal system begins building a case against you. Without a skilled attorney by your side, critical opportunities to defend yourself can vanish before you even realize what’s happening.

In Cook County, misdemeanor and felony charges are handled quickly. Prosecutors are not required to wait before filing charges, and the police don’t need your consent to investigate further. Even if you think the case is “minor,” it can escalate fast. Something as seemingly simple as a domestic disturbance call could turn into felony domestic battery charges under 720 ILCS 5/12-3.2. If convicted, you could face up to three years in prison and lose your gun rights forever.

This isn’t just a criminal problem—it’s a life problem. That’s why you need legal protection immediately.

The Prosecutor Is Working—So Should Your Defense Attorney

When you’re arrested, the prosecutor begins evaluating the evidence right away. They’ll look at the arresting officer’s report, witness statements, videos, and any physical evidence to determine whether to charge you and how severely.

Let’s say you were arrested in Wicker Park for possession of a controlled substance. If charged under 720 ILCS 570/402, you could be facing a Class 4 felony for just a few grams of cocaine—up to 3 years in prison. But what if that evidence was obtained during an illegal stop or search? If you have an attorney involved early, they can file a motion to suppress that evidence and potentially get your case thrown out.

The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg has filed hundreds of successful motions to suppress evidence, often resulting in charges being dropped before trial. You can read about common defense strategies and case results on our Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog.

The key? We act quickly—and you need to, too.

Every Arrest Has Hidden Consequences—Even If It’s Your First

Many people underestimate how damaging a conviction can be. They assume a first-time offense won’t hurt their future. But even a misdemeanor conviction can affect your job, housing, and child custody rights.

For example, a Class A misdemeanor retail theft conviction under 720 ILCS 5/16-25 can lead to up to a year in jail and a criminal record that’s visible to employers and landlords. It’s not something you can just explain away later. In Illinois, certain records are permanent unless sealed or expunged—and not all charges qualify.

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance. At our firm, we’ve helped clients get into deferred prosecution or first-time offender programs—options they didn’t even know existed.

The Investigation Is Already Underway—Don’t Let It Go Unchallenged

Law enforcement is trained to start building a case from the moment of arrest. They gather statements, video footage, digital evidence, and anything else they can to strengthen their case. They’re not interested in your side of the story unless you have legal representation that forces them to consider it.

Your attorney can begin their own investigation: interviewing witnesses, obtaining video footage, gathering documents, and preserving evidence that supports your version of events. The earlier we begin, the stronger your defense can be.

One of our clients was arrested in the West Loop for aggravated battery. The police claimed he started the fight. We acted immediately, obtained surveillance footage from a nearby bar, and proved our client was attacked first. The case was dismissed before arraignment.

This kind of result only happens when your attorney is involved from the start.

Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Now—Before It’s Too Late

Hiring a lawyer after an arrest isn’t optional—it’s essential. Without counsel, you risk a conviction that could follow you for the rest of your life. We fight aggressively, but we also move fast. Every day that passes without a defense strategy in place is a day the prosecution gains the upper hand.

We defend clients across Chicago and the surrounding counties, including Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake. Whether you’re facing charges for a DUI, gun offense, violent crime, or theft, we’re here to help.

Call Now – The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Is Ready to Help

If you’ve been charged with a crime 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 a crime, 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.