Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

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.…

Immediate Legal Support Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity When someone is arrested in Chicago, they often think they have time to “figure things out.” They wait, hoping things might settle down or that the charges won’t stick. But in the world of Illinois criminal law, time is never on your side. From the moment of…

Most people never see it coming. A phone call from a detective. A knock at the door. An employer suddenly asking questions about missing property. One moment you’re living your life, and the next, you’re under investigation. In Chicago, investigations often begin quietly—but they never stay that way. What you do next may shape your…

In the heart of Cook County, where criminal courts see a relentless flow of cases each day, the consequences of stepping into a courtroom without a criminal defense attorney are both immediate and long-lasting. From misdemeanor offenses like retail theft or public indecency to serious felonies such as aggravated assault or drug trafficking, the legal…