Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

Being arrested is one of the most stressful and uncertain experiences a person can face. In Chicago and throughout Illinois, the moment you’re placed in handcuffs, the state’s criminal process begins—and it doesn’t slow down. Whether you’re arrested for a misdemeanor like public intoxication or a felony like burglary or unlawful possession of a weapon,…

Every arrest in Chicago begins somewhere—sometimes with flashing lights in your rearview mirror, other times with an officer’s question on a sidewalk. But no matter how it starts, the legal foundation behind your interaction with the police could determine whether the evidence they claim to have can even be used against you. If you’ve been…

Every year, thousands of immigrants in Chicago and throughout Illinois are arrested or charged with crimes. Whether you’ve lived in the United States for decades as a permanent resident or recently arrived on a visa, being accused of a crime can immediately put your immigration status at risk. That’s because Illinois criminal convictions, no matter…

When you’re facing criminal charges in Illinois, whether for DUI, theft, drug possession, or a violent felony, the thought of going to trial can be intimidating. But what most people don’t realize is that the trial process doesn’t start on your court date. It begins the moment you’re investigated, arrested, or even questioned. The prosecution…

When police encounters escalate, the charges that follow can be confusing, especially when the arrest involves tension, hesitation, or even basic questioning. In Chicago, and across the state of Illinois, two charges are frequently used to justify arrests in these situations: resisting arrest and obstruction. While both fall under the same statute, they carry different…

In Chicago, where law enforcement interactions happen every day—from CTA stops to neighborhood patrols—it’s not unusual for a police officer to approach someone and ask a few questions. If that happens to you, your first instinct might be to say nothing. You might think staying silent is the safest move. But the legal truth is…

In the summer months, boating in and around Chicago is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s beautiful lakefront. But what starts as a relaxing day on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River can quickly become a legal nightmare if you’re stopped and questioned for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). What many people…

In Chicago, even the most minor interaction with a police officer can quickly become complicated. Whether you’re pulled over for a broken tail light, witnessing an arrest outside a downtown bar, or filming a traffic stop on your phone, your behavior during that encounter may lead to criminal charges—even if you never touched anyone or…

Getting arrested in Chicago for obstruction might sound like a minor offense, but that charge carries serious consequences. It’s not unusual for people to be accused of obstruction after simply asking questions, refusing to provide information without a lawyer, or standing too close to an officer. In a city where law enforcement is under constant…

Chicago law enforcement conducts thousands of vehicle stops and street detentions each year, many of which quickly escalate into full-blown searches. If you’ve ever been pulled over or temporarily held by police and questioned, you’ve likely wondered: Do they have the legal right to go through your belongings? At The Law Offices of David L.…