Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal defense lawyer David L. Freidberg recognizes that experiencing the cold steel of handcuffs around your wrist can be one of the most disturbing and disruptive experiences you can face. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense, your liberty, reputation, financial security and driving privileges may be placed in immediate jeopardy. The impact of the terms of sentencing on your life can be compounded by adverse effects on your career, family, education and immigration status.

Successfully Defending People Charged with Serious Crimes in Chicago for Two Decades

Cook County criminal defense attorney David L. Freidberg provides extensive legal expertise and skill in challenging prosecutors in state and federal courts based on defending those charged with serious criminal offenses for over two decades. Mr. Freidberg’s success in obtaining positive results for his clients while demystifying the criminal process has earned our law firm a wide range of accolades that including the following designations by AVVO, which rates every attorney across the nation:

Rating of “Superb”
“Clients Choice” in 2017
“Criminal Defense Featured Attorney”

Chicago criminal attorney David L. Freidberg is firmly committed to the principle that every person deserves the most tenacious defense of his or her rights and liberty. He carefully scrutinizes every aspect of his clients’ cases from the initial contact with law enforcement, so he can identify violations of his clients’ constitutional rights and exculpatory evidence.

Mr. Freidberg also understands that people typically have a barrage of questions when they are dealing with the criminal justice system. While the criminal process can be daunting, our goal is to explain your rights, potential penalties, defenses and the process in clear straightforward language. A greater understanding of the criminal justice system can demystify the court process and minimize an accused’s apprehension and confusion. Mr. Freidberg provides the information you need to make you an effective partner in the legal process and enable you to make informed decisions.

Innovative and Proven Defense Strategies

While there are many factors that must be considered when determining the best defense strategies in your case, Mr. Freidberg often uses private investigators, forensic experts and other resources to conduct a thorough investigation of the underlying facts. This careful scrutiny of the evidence, law enforcement procedures and facts ensures that our law firm can build an effective defense whether it is in pursuit of the dismissal of charges, an acquittal or a favorable plea agreement. Although many criminal cases ultimately are resolved by a plea agreement that keeps clients out of jail or prison and even prevents a permanent record of conviction, Mr. Freidberg diligently investigates the facts and researches applicable legal issues in preparation for a criminal trial. Our philosophy is that the best plea negotiations are based on preparing a winning trial strategy that will increase the risk for the prosecutor to take the case to a jury. Our law firm carefully crafts our approach to the unique facts of a case, but some of the defenses we might utilize when fighting for your freedom include:

• Seeking suppression of evidence seized during an unlawful search or detention
• Moving for exclusion of illegally obtained confessions or incriminating statements
• Challenging suggestive lineups
• Attacking the credibility or reliability of government witnesses
• Exposing racial bias and inappropriate racial and ethnic profiling
• Establishing the prosecutor failed to prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt
• Exposing contamination of forensic evidence
• Revealing shoddy lab work
• Proving a break in the chain of custody
• Revealing stops based on insufficient evidence
• Arguing that the accused did not have the requisite intent

Whether you are facing your first criminal prosecution or potential status as a habitual offender, an experienced Chicago criminal lawyer can make the difference between going home to your family and spending months or years in jail or the penitentiary. Although some people consider working with a public defender, Mr. Freidberg’s defense of your case is not compromised by the limits in public funding and heavy caseloads that can hinder a court appointed criminal defense attorney serving Chicago. While public defenders might be skilled and conscientious, they are often burdened by massive caseloads that make it difficult to meet and discuss your case. They might also have more limited financial resources to devote to forensic experts and expensive testing.

Persuasive Criminal Defense to the Full Spectrum of Criminal Offenses

Because criminal defense attorney David L. Freidberg has over 25 years of experience, he handles the full spectrum of misdemeanor and felony offenses in Chicago and throughout DuPage and Cook Counties. Some of the criminal cases we handle include the following:

Drug Offenses

Drug Possession – Possession offenses within the state fall into two categories: (1) possession of marijuana (720 ILCS 550/4) and (2) possession of controlled substances (720 ILCS 570/402). While the penalties for possession offenses in Illinois are tough, the penalties become even harsherif you are charged with intent to deliver. Mr. Freidberg investigates and analyzes the evidence to identify the best defenses, such as a lack of ability to exercise control over the drugs. Mr. Freidberg will also seek to get the charges reduced to simple possession when this offers the best outcome in your case.

Drug Conspiracy – While any drug offense can lead to serious penalties, state and federal prosecutors often use the power of a drug conspiracy charge to ensnare more parties with exposure to stringent penalties. The prosecutor can charge a conspiracy under 720 ILCS 570/405 if the accused: (1) possesses, distributes, delivers, manufacturers, or possesses a controlled substance; (2) the unlawful conduct is part of a conspiracy involving at least two people; and (3) receives anything worth $500 or more or directs, organizes, or finances the act involved in the conspiracy. Drug conspiracy constitutes an X felony carrying a penalty of 6 to 30 years, a fine up to $500,000, and forfeiture of property that constitutes be proceeds of the offense.

Federal Crimes

Whether you are charged with narcotics trafficking, child pornography, or fraud against a government agency, federal criminal charges pose special challenges. Federal prosecutors are exceptionally skilled and have access to powerful law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA. Mr. Freidberg’s experience handling cases in federal court provides a distinct advantage when dealing with tough federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences.

Federal Child Pornography – Federal law makes the possession, distribution, receipt, or production of child pornography that impacts or uses interstate commerce a federal crime. 18 U.S.C. Section 2251 makes it a crime to entice or induce a minor to participate in sexually explicit conduct to create depictions of such acts. While there are many other federal statutes that criminalize other conduct related to child porn, the penalties will depend on the precise nature of the illegal acts. Sentences for child pornography have increased dramatically in recent years. When you are charged with a sex offense, especially ones involving children, the consequences of a conviction can devastate your life. We strive to make sure our clients are seen as human beings because the prosecutor will try to label them as “perverts.” Mr. Freidberg will also explore other defenses like challenging an unlawful search that led to the discovery of the images.

Federal Drug Charges – Although both state and federal pornography charges can involve harsh penalties, federal drug crimes expose individuals to harsh sentencing under the federal sentencing guidelines, as well as mandatory minimum sentences. These cases usually involve large quantities of drugs which typically means exposure to lengthy terms of imprisonment.

DUI Charges – Mr. Freidberg has successfully defended clients charged with a broad range of alcohol and drug-related driving offenses. If you are arrested for DUI, you can be convicted of DUI if a breath, blood, or urine test reveals you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, or you have any detectable amount of marijuana or methamphetamine in your system. Without an effective defense to the charges, you could face a Class A misdemeanor, maximum of a year in jail, and a fine up to $2,500 for a first offense. Whether we are exposing errors in the administration of field sobriety tests, challenging an unlawful stop, or exposing a failure to calibrate the breath testing device, we provide a tenacious defense.

Violent Crimes

The Illinois Compiled Statutes Criminal Code defines violent crimes as offenses where the accused employs force or the threat of force against another person. Examples of these offenses include murder, manslaughter, robbery, rape, sexual assault and assault and battery. These crimes are considered some of the most serious offenses because physical harm often is inflicted on a victim. Conviction of this category of offense results in exposure to lengthy terms in the state penitentiary, including the risk of life in prison. Mr. Freidberg tailors his defense strategy to the specific charges, circumstances, and facts, but he understands the high stakes when his clients are accused of a violent offense. His defense might include seeking suppression of evidence obtained in an unlawful search, attacking forensic evidence like tainted DNA samples, or exposing false or inaccurate witness testimony.

Domestic Violence/Stalking No Contact Orders of Protection – If you are accused of abuse against a member of your family or household, you could face jail time, fines, protective orders and more. Domestic violence orders of protection could result in your being forced out of your home and adversely impact your job, custody of your children, promotions, immigration status, and more. If you do not have a relationship with the alleged victim based on living in the same home or a family connection, you can suffer criminal penalties for violating a stalking no contact order. We know that false allegations of domestic violence can be used as a sword rather than a shield, so our law firm investigates to uncover the basis for distorting the facts and other potential defense strategies.

White Collar Offenses

Although white collar crimes run the gambit of offenses, such as insurance fraud, bribery, embezzlement, forgery, check fraud, and counterfeiting just to name a few examples. Mr. Freidberg recognizes that many of the professionals charged with these offenses have no familiarity with the criminal justice system. We explain the process, your options, possible defenses, and potential outcomes. Our goal is to demystify the process while aggressively pursuing the best resolution of your criminal charges. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your reputation, career, and future.

Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago Today!

These are just a few of the criminal offenses for which Chicago criminal defense attorney Mr. Freidberg provides effective criminal defense. Regardless of whether you elect to contact our criminal defense law firm, you should not discuss your criminal case with anyone other than your criminal defense attorney. Mr. Freidberg understands your concerns, and he is prepared to ferociously fight for you liberty and future. If you have been charged with any type of offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a violent felony, we invite you to talk to us to learn how we can help. Attorney David Freidberg is prepared to seek the best possible outcome for his clients whether pursuing a diversion option like deferred prosecution or trying a case to a jury. The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, P.C., takes pride in being available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us at 312-560-7100 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.