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Under Investigation in Chicago? Here’s What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late
You might not have been charged with a crime, but something feels off. Maybe a police officer knocked on your door and asked to speak with you. Maybe someone you know was questioned about your activities. Maybe you received a subpoena for records you didn’t even know you had. Whatever the reason, if you think you’re being investigated in Chicago, don’t ignore it. Your instincts are probably right—and you need to act now to protect yourself.
Chicago is no stranger to aggressive law enforcement tactics. With multiple agencies operating across the city, from the Chicago Police Department to federal investigators, criminal investigations can begin quietly and develop quickly. The fact that you haven’t been arrested yet doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. In fact, it could mean they’re building a case against you behind closed doors.
The most common mistake people make when they suspect they’re under investigation is doing nothing. They wait, hoping it will pass. That’s almost never how it works. By the time you’re formally charged, the government may already have surveillance, witness statements, digital evidence, or other materials that they believe support their case. The only way to protect yourself is to get ahead of the process with help from a defense attorney who knows how to intervene early and effectively.
Why You Might Be Under Investigation—Even If You Haven’t Done Anything Wrong
You don’t have to commit a crime to end up under investigation. Law enforcement can open an inquiry based on a phone tip, a mistaken identity, an anonymous report, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you live or work in a high-surveillance area, if you’re associated with someone under investigation, or if your financial or internet records show activity they find suspicious, that’s sometimes all it takes.
In Chicago, people are commonly investigated for a wide range of offenses. Drug crimes, financial fraud, gun possession, assault, and internet-based offenses are some of the most frequently investigated. Each of these offenses carries serious penalties under Illinois law if formal charges are brought. Drug possession under 720 ILCS 570/402 is usually a felony. Theft and fraud under 720 ILCS 5/16 and 5/17 can range from misdemeanors to major felonies, depending on the amount and intent.
Even something that seems minor—like an allegation of sending threatening messages or failing to report income—can trigger a larger criminal investigation. The line between suspicion and prosecution is thin. And once prosecutors have invested time and resources into an investigation, they are much less likely to walk away from it.
Early Warning Signs You’re Being Investigated
Sometimes the signs are obvious. A detective may leave their card at your door or ask your employer about you. Other times, it’s subtle. You might notice unusual calls from unknown numbers. You may be followed, see increased online monitoring, or find out that someone close to you was approached by law enforcement.
Subpoenas, especially from a grand jury or state’s attorney, are another red flag. If you receive one, you are either a witness or a potential target. In either case, your words—and your silence—can both be used against you. It’s never safe to assume you’re just a “witness” until you’ve spoken to an attorney who can make that determination on your behalf.
Remember: law enforcement may already have access to bank records, text messages, phone location data, or search histories. They may even have spoken to someone who’s willing to testify against you in exchange for their own deal. The only person you can safely talk to is your lawyer.
What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do If You Suspect You’re Being Investigated
The most important thing to understand is that you are under no obligation to speak to the police. Politely declining to answer questions is not a crime. In fact, it may be the smartest legal move you ever make.
Do not attempt to explain yourself, offer an alibi, or “clear things up.” These conversations are often recorded, even if you’re not in custody. Investigators may try to trick you into admitting something incriminating or misleading. Even a single misplaced word can turn into evidence later.
Don’t destroy or alter records. Don’t coach potential witnesses. Don’t post anything about the situation on social media. Don’t text friends asking what they’ve said to police. Every one of those actions could be used to build a case of obstruction or consciousness of guilt.
What should you do instead? Contact a criminal defense lawyer with real experience handling investigations before charges are filed. A seasoned attorney can speak to law enforcement on your behalf, protect your rights, and potentially prevent charges altogether.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Before You’re Charged
Many people think hiring a lawyer makes them look guilty. That’s a myth—and a dangerous one. The truth is that prosecutors take cases more seriously when a suspect doesn’t have legal counsel. They assume that person won’t know how to fight back.
A criminal defense lawyer’s role during an investigation is to manage communication, assess risk, and apply pressure in the right places. Your attorney can find out whether you are truly a target, a witness, or a person of interest. They can communicate with investigators without giving up any information that could hurt your case.
In some cases, a lawyer can persuade the state’s attorney or federal prosecutor not to pursue charges at all. This might be because the evidence is weak, your rights were violated during the investigation, or because your involvement was exaggerated. But this can only happen if the lawyer gets involved early—before formal charges are filed.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
By the time you’re arrested, it may already be too late to prevent charges. That doesn’t mean your case is hopeless, but it does mean the defense strategy becomes more reactive. You’re now trying to challenge evidence already collected rather than trying to prevent its collection in the first place.
Worse, if you’ve already spoken to police or made statements, those are now part of the case against you. If you’ve deleted texts, wiped your hard drive, or told others to lie, those actions may now be used to support charges of obstruction or tampering.
Waiting too long to hire a lawyer also limits your options. Prosecutors are less likely to negotiate or listen to alternative explanations once charges are filed. Getting ahead of the case is often your best chance at avoiding it altogether.
Don’t Assume You Can Handle It on Your Own
Even if you know you didn’t commit a crime, that doesn’t mean you’ll be treated fairly. Innocent people get charged all the time because they thought honesty would protect them. But prosecutors and police are not your allies. Their job is to build a case, and everything you say can be used against you.
This is especially true if the case involves complicated evidence like digital records, financial documents, forensic tests, or multiple parties. Once you’re in their system, you’re up against a machine that’s designed to convict, not understand. You need someone fighting for you just as forcefully.
Hiring a lawyer isn’t a sign of guilt. It’s a sign of intelligence, preparedness, and self-preservation.
When You Call a Lawyer, What Should You Ask?
If you suspect you’re under investigation, your first conversation with a criminal defense attorney should be strategic. Be ready to discuss what contact you’ve had with police or anyone connected to the case. Then ask the lawyer:
- Have you represented clients under investigation who avoided charges?
- How do you handle communications with law enforcement?
- Will you be the one handling my case, or will it be someone else?
- What are the first steps we’ll take to protect me?
You should leave the consultation with a plan of action and a clear understanding of how the lawyer intends to protect your interests.
Why The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Should Be Your First Call
At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we’ve spent decades defending clients before, during, and after criminal charges are filed. We understand the Chicago court system, the investigative tactics used by law enforcement, and how to intervene when someone is at risk of arrest or indictment.
We believe that the best defense starts before charges are ever filed. We’ve successfully helped clients avoid prosecution by stepping in early, protecting their rights, and demonstrating why a case shouldn’t go forward. Our phones are answered 24/7, and we don’t wait until you’re booked into custody to fight for you.
If you’re worried that you’re under investigation in Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, or Will County, don’t delay. Call us today.
Call (312) 560-7100 or (800) 803-1442 for a free, confidential consultation now.
We’re here to protect your rights—before the charges change your life.
Call Us Now for a Free Consultation – Available 24/7
Don’t wait to be charged before getting help. If you think you’re under investigation, call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg right now. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7 to protect your rights.
If you are being investigate for a crime in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, protect your future by contacting The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg. We have decades of experience handling criminal 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.