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If you were pulled over in Chicago and told the officer you do not consent to a search, it might surprise you when a K‑9 unit still shows up and walks around your car. I get this question often: “Can the police do that legally?” The short answer is, it depends on what they already know, how…

Traffic Stops, Dog Sniffs, and Criminal Charges in Chicago Chicago sees thousands of traffic stops each month. Whether it’s on Lake Shore Drive, the Dan Ryan, or residential streets in Englewood, Logan Square, or Back of the Yards, many of these stops are initiated for speeding, improper lane use, or minor equipment issues. But what…

Wire fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted federal crimes in Chicago and throughout Illinois. In a city as large and complex as Chicago—with a dense network of financial institutions, businesses, and digital communications—federal prosecutors are quick to charge wire fraud when they suspect any misuse of phone calls, emails, text messages, or electronic…

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we defend people in Chicago and across Illinois who are accused of serious federal drug crimes, including conspiracy charges under 21 U.S.C. § 846. These are not minor state cases. A federal drug conspiracy charge can lead to decades in federal prison, with no opportunity for parole,…

Chicago Traffic Stops, Police Authority, and the Reality of Refusing a Search Chicago drivers are stopped every day across neighborhoods like River North, Logan Square, Hyde Park, and the West Loop. Some stops begin with a minor traffic issue and quickly shift into something far more serious. When an officer asks for consent to search…

Chicago Traffic Stops as the Starting Point for Illinois Criminal Prosecutions In Chicago, a traffic stop is rarely just a traffic stop. For many people charged with crimes in Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, or Lake County, the case began on the side of the road with flashing lights and a short conversation that…

Many people arrested for DUI in Chicago believe jail only happens when someone is injured or property is damaged. That assumption is incorrect under Illinois law. While accidents and injuries significantly increase sentencing exposure, a DUI does not require a crash for jail to be legally imposed. In Chicago courts, jail is a real possibility…

Why Miranda Confusion Leads to Criminal Charges in Chicago In Chicago, police encounters happen every day in neighborhoods like Bridgeport, Uptown, Bronzeville, and Jefferson Park. Many people believe they understand their Miranda rights, but in reality, misunderstanding when those rights apply is one of the most common reasons defendants damage their own cases. As a…

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late to Choose the Right Attorney DUI arrests in Chicago can happen quickly—often during a routine traffic stop that suddenly escalates. What follows can be even more confusing: police station processing, court dates, license suspension notices, and court appearances in crowded Cook County courtrooms. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But…

What Every Defendant in Chicago Should Know Silence Isn’t Guilt—But Prosecutors Hope You Don’t Know That The moment you’re arrested in Chicago, whether for DUI, drug possession, theft, or something more serious, the pressure begins. Police ask questions. Detectives want your “side of the story.” Prosecutors may claim they’re just trying to “clear a few…