Articles Posted in Criminal Defense

When an Underage Drinking Incident Turns Into a Criminal Case in Chicago In many parts of Chicago, what begins as a social gathering, family celebration, or retail transaction can quickly become a criminal matter when alcohol and minors are involved. Illinois law does not treat furnishing alcohol to someone under 21 as a minor technical…

When Federal Prosecutors Identify You as a Target in Chicago Receiving a federal target letter in Chicago is often the first clear sign that the United States Attorney’s Office believes you may be connected to a federal offense. Many people are caught off guard because federal investigations usually develop quietly. By the time a target…

Why Early Contact From Federal Agents Should Never Be Taken Lightly When federal agents contact someone in Chicago, the situation is usually far more developed than it appears on the surface. Many people assume the outreach is routine or that they are simply being asked to help investigators understand a situation. In reality, federal agencies…

Federal Authorities Continue to Scrutinize PPP Loans Across Illinois Across Chicago and the surrounding counties, federal investigators remain highly active in reviewing Paycheck Protection Program loans issued during the COVID-19 emergency. Many business owners believed the program was a straightforward form of relief, but the government has since devoted extensive resources to identifying what it…

Why PPP Loan Cases in Chicago Are Receiving Intense Federal Attention In the years following the Paycheck Protection Program rollout, federal investigators dramatically increased scrutiny of loan applications submitted by businesses across Chicago and the surrounding counties. What began as emergency pandemic relief has now become a major enforcement priority for the U.S. Department of…

Why the Lawyer You Hire in Chicago Matters More Than Most People Realize When someone is arrested or learns they are under investigation in Chicago, the first instinct is often to find any available lawyer quickly. Speed matters, but the quality of the attorney you select can shape the entire trajectory of the case. In…

Why Your First Conversation With a Defense Lawyer in Chicago Is So Important Many people begin looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Chicago during one of the most stressful moments of their lives. An arrest, a subpoena, or notice of an investigation can create immediate pressure to hire someone quickly. While speed can matter,…

Federal Investigations in Chicago Are Not Accidental and They Are Not Random When a person in Chicago learns they are being investigated by federal authorities, the situation is already serious. Federal agencies do not casually open investigations, and they do not pursue cases without a defined theory of criminal liability. By the time agents make…

When you’re pulled over in Chicago or anywhere in Cook County, an officer’s request to search your car may seem straightforward. But the rules under Illinois law, especially concerning locked containers in your vehicle, are far more complex. As a seasoned Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I’ve represented many clients who assumed their refusal to a search would fully protect them, only…

As a seasoned Chicago criminal defense lawyer, I’ve represented clients in every part of Cook County and surrounding areas who had no idea they could be arrested simply for what happened during a traffic stop—even as a passenger. In neighborhoods like Englewood, Humboldt Park, or even the Near North Side, law enforcement frequently escalates simple…