What Should I Do if DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Want to Question Me?

Why You Should Think Twice Before Talking to Police in DuPage County

Chicago residents face frequent contact with law enforcement. Whether you’re pulled over it’s critical to know your rights. I’ve spent decades defending clients throughout DuPage County and the surrounding suburbs, and I can tell you one thing for certain—talking to the police without a lawyer rarely helps and often leads to prosecution.

If the Chicago Police Department wants to question you, it’s usually because you’re already a suspect—or soon will be. Even if the officers say you’re not under arrest or that they “just want to get your side of the story,” you are entering dangerous legal territory. Once you speak, your statements can be recorded, twisted, or taken out of context and used against you in court.

In Illinois, crimes are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, simple battery, and retail theft can still carry up to a year in jail. Felony charges such as drug possession, weapons violations, and financial crimes can lead to prison sentences, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record. The moment police want to question you, you are already exposed to criminal liability—whether or not charges have been filed.

Far too often, clients contact me after they’ve already spoken to law enforcement. By then, the damage is done. Their statements have given prosecutors a head start, and now we’re left cleaning up avoidable problems. The best time to call a criminal defense attorney is before saying a single word.

If you’re approached by Chicago police—whether in person, by phone, or through a detective—it’s time to exercise your rights. You do not have to answer questions. You do not have to go to the station. And you certainly do not have to give a statement without a lawyer present. Politely but firmly say, “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to an attorney.”

That decision alone could save you from prosecution.

The Criminal Investigation Process in Illinois: What Police Are Really Doing

Most people underestimate the seriousness of a “voluntary” police interview. What they think is a casual conversation is actually the middle of a carefully staged criminal investigation. Chicago police and Cook County prosecutors don’t file charges until they’ve built a strong case. One of the easiest ways for them to do that is to get you to talk before your rights are protected.

Here’s how it usually plays out. A Chicago detective leaves a voicemail saying they want to talk. They’re polite. They say you’re not under arrest. They tell you that you’re not in trouble, but they just need “your version” to close the case. In reality, they already suspect you of a crime. They want to lock in your story, get you on the record, and use your words to fill the gaps in their evidence.

Under Illinois law, police are allowed to lie during questioning. They can tell you a co-defendant already confessed. They can claim they have video footage when they don’t. They can act like they’re giving you a chance to explain yourself, but in fact they are trained to extract incriminating statements.

Illinois courts recognize that custodial interrogation triggers your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. But many of these interviews occur before an arrest. That means Miranda rights don’t apply, and anything you say voluntarily can—and will—be used in court.

Even if you haven’t been charged, the moment you answer police questions, you are giving up valuable defenses. You may unintentionally contradict evidence you didn’t know existed. You may admit to facts that seem harmless but end up supporting criminal charges. I’ve seen people walk into the police station thinking they’ll be out in 10 minutes—and walk out in handcuffs.

That’s why your first step should be calling a Chicago criminal defense lawyer. Once I’m involved, police must go through me. I can find out whether there’s an active investigation, whether you’re a target or a witness, and whether there’s any benefit to giving a statement. In most cases, we assert your right to remain silent and stop the questioning before it ever starts.

You can’t talk your way out of an investigation. You can only talk your way into being charged.

Arrest, Charges, Evidence Collection, and the Criminal Trial Process in Illinois

When the Chicago Police Department gathers enough evidence, they can make an arrest or refer the case to the Cook County State’s Attorney for charges. An arrest can happen immediately after questioning or later by warrant. If you’re arrested after giving a statement, your own words will likely be a key part of the evidence against you.

At that point, the formal criminal process begins. You’ll be taken into custody, booked, fingerprinted, and held until a bond hearing. If you haven’t already hired an attorney, you’ll be at the mercy of the system. That’s a dangerous place to be.

The bond court process in Chicago moves quickly. A judge will decide whether you’ll be released, held on bond, or kept in jail without bond. Your prior criminal history, the nature of the charges, and your behavior during the investigation all come into play. If you spoke to police and admitted even a small part of the offense, the judge may treat you as more of a threat.

After bond is set, the case proceeds to arraignment and then to pretrial hearings. Prosecutors turn over discovery—police reports, witness statements, video footage, and any interviews. If you gave a statement, it will be included. From there, the case moves toward trial or plea negotiations.

At every stage of this process, I look for opportunities to weaken the case. Did the police violate your rights during questioning? Did they fail to give Miranda warnings when required? Did they coerce a confession? Did they misrepresent the evidence to trick you into talking?

In one case from the Gage Park neighborhood, a client was contacted by detectives investigating a robbery. They asked him to “come down and clear things up.” He agreed, hoping his cooperation would help. They recorded a two-hour interview. He admitted to being near the scene but denied committing any crime. Still, his statement was enough to link him to the suspect description. He was arrested on the spot.

When I took the case, I reviewed the footage and found the interrogation had crossed the line into coercion. I filed a motion to suppress the statement and successfully excluded it from trial. With that piece gone, the rest of the evidence fell apart. The case was dismissed.

These defenses only work when you have a lawyer who knows how to use them. Police don’t protect your rights—you do. And the best way to do that is by staying silent and calling an attorney the moment police want to talk.

Why You Need an Attorney—and How to Choose the Right One in Chicago

The moment the police contact you, your criminal defense has already started. Whether you’re the subject of an investigation or just someone they want to “interview,” your words can and will be used against you. Once charges are filed, it’s too late to take those words back.

The best defense starts before you’re ever arrested.

Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Chicago ensures that your rights are enforced from the beginning. I step in immediately, communicate with detectives or federal agents, and find out whether you’re under investigation. I stop police from contacting you directly. I assess the evidence and protect you from saying anything that could be used to support a felony or misdemeanor charge.

If charges are filed, I defend you throughout every stage—bond court, preliminary hearing, discovery, motions, trial, or plea negotiations. I’ve defended clients against theft, weapons charges, drug crimes, DUIs, federal indictments, and violent felonies throughout Cook County and in federal court.

When you’re choosing a defense lawyer, don’t just look at credentials. Ask the right questions during your consultation:

Have you handled cases like mine in Cook County or federal court?
Do you take cases all the way to trial?
Can you handle both state and federal investigations?
How do you respond when police want to question your client?

The right attorney will give you direct, practical answers—not vague promises. You want someone who will act quickly, stand between you and law enforcement, and prepare your defense before the case gains momentum.

If you’re being questioned by police, the most dangerous thing you can do is speak before consulting a lawyer. The second most dangerous thing is hiring the wrong one.

Chicago Criminal Defense FAQs—What to Do When Police Want to Talk

Do I have to talk to police if I’m not under arrest?
No. You are never required to answer police questions, even if you haven’t been arrested. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. A Chicago criminal defense lawyer can assert those rights on your behalf and prevent further contact.

Can I get in trouble for refusing to talk?
No. Silence cannot be used as evidence of guilt. You have every legal right to decline an interview or questioning session. Police may try to pressure you, but saying “I want a lawyer” is legally protected. That one statement can shut down an entire interrogation.

What if police say they just want to get my side of the story?
That’s one of the oldest tactics in the book. Police often act like they’re trying to help, but their real goal is to gather evidence. If they want your side of the story, tell them you’ll have your attorney respond. That way, your rights are preserved, and your defense stays intact.

Do I have to go to the station if they ask me to?
No. If you’re not under arrest, you don’t have to go anywhere. Police may say it’s voluntary, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. A voluntary interview often leads to an arrest. Always call a criminal defense lawyer first.

Will it look bad if I ask for a lawyer?
Not at all. Police may try to guilt you into talking, but the courts will not hold it against you. In fact, invoking your rights often shows the court that you understand the law and are acting responsibly.

What if I already gave a statement—can it be used against me?
Yes, unless your attorney can prove it was illegally obtained. We can still file a motion to suppress the statement if your rights were violated, but it’s much harder than stopping the interview before it begins.

What if federal agents or detectives contact me instead of Chicago police?
It doesn’t matter. Whether it’s CPD, the FBI, DEA, or ATF, the same advice applies—do not speak without a lawyer. Federal investigations are serious, and the earlier we get involved, the better your chances.

Why Clients Choose The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg

Clients across Chicago choose The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg because they understand that early defense matters. If police are trying to question you, you’re already on their radar. You need someone who has defended thousands of clients, challenged unlawful statements, and taken cases all the way through trial in both state and federal court.

We’re available 24/7 to act fast. We know how police operate. We know how prosecutors file charges. And we know how to shut down questioning before it leads to charges.

Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg 24/7

Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. The sooner we talk, the sooner we begin building your defense. Your future is too important to leave unprotected. Speak with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer who understands the federal system and is prepared to defend your case.

You only get one chance to protect your rights before charges are filed. Let us be the first call you make.