Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer

An Experienced, Aggressive Defense Attorney Who Understands What You’re Facing

Not all defense attorneys are the same. When you are facing serious criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who has handled cases like yours and understands how to navigate the Cook County court system.

Andrew M. Weisberg has extensive experience representing clients charged with:

• Felony charges and serious criminal cases
• Violent crimes such as aggravated battery, attempted murder, and armed robbery
• Sex crimes and sex offenses, including sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and other similar offense
• Drug crimes and narcotics offenses, including possession and possession with intent to deliver
• White collar crimes, including fraud, employee theft and other financial crimes
• Retail theft both misdemeanor and felony level

Each criminal case requires a unique defense strategy. A strong defense is built through careful review of police reports, witness statements, and the prosecution’s case. Mr. Weisberg works to identify weaknesses in the evidence and develop an aggressive and proactive approach tailored to each client. He believes that the relationship between client and attorney is critical and seeks to work as a team with the client to bring about the best possible results.

A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How the Other Side Thinks

One of the most important advantages in any criminal case is understanding how the prosecution approaches the case.

Before becoming a criminal defense lawyer, Andrew M. Weisberg served as a Cook County felony prosecutor. Among other stops, he worked in:

• The Felony Review Unit, where he investigated violent crimes including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault as well taking statements from suspects and making charging decisions
• The Grand Jury Division, securing indictments in cases of murder and sex crimes
• The felony trial division at 26th and California, handling hundreds of felony cases in court, including numerous jury and bench trials

This experience provides a deep understanding of how the criminal justice system operates. He knows what prosecutors look for, how they evaluate criminal charges, and what strategies they use to secure convictions. He has spent decades building relationships with the various court personnel, including judges and prosecutors.

That insight allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s case and build an effective defense designed to challenge it at every stage. He will work with you to learn every aspect of your case so that he may build the best possible defense in your case. In certain cases, Mr. Weisberg will suggest the employment of an investigator or expert witness. All such decisions are made together with the client after he carefully explains the pros and cons of each move along the way.

Strategic Criminal Defense for Every Stage of the Case

Criminal defense is not just about what happens in court. It begins the moment a person becomes aware of an investigation or is placed under arrest.

Early involvement of a criminal defense attorney allows for:

• Protection of constitutional rights during police questioning
• Review of police officer conduct and arrest procedures
• Analysis of whether probable cause exists and whether it can be challenged at a preliminary hearing
• Early development of a defense strategy
• Communication with prosecutors before charges are finalized or in an effort to get charges reduced or dismissed
• Whether the client may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program or deferred prosecution such as Branch 9 which leads to the dismissal and eventual expungement of the charges.

In many criminal cases, the first decisions made can have a lasting impact. Whether you are dealing with a DUI arrest, felony charges, or other criminal lega matters, having an attorney present early can help protect your rights and improve your position.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense in Chicago and Cook County

Andrew M. Weisberg provides legal representation for clients throughout Chicago and all of Cook County. He handles a wide range of criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felony cases. In his 30 years handling criminal cases in court, he has seen just about everything a lawyer can see and is therefore prepared to defend clients in every situation.

Violent Crimes Defense

Violent crimes carry some of the most serious penalties under Illinois law. These cases often involve allegations of force, weapons, or bodily harm. Mr. Weisberg has extensive experience handling violent crimes such as aggravated battery, murder, armed robbery and other serious offenses.

Sex Crimes and Sex Offenses

Allegations involving sexual assault, child abuse, or other sex offenses require immediate and careful legal representation. These cases can carry severe penalties and long-term consequences, including damage to reputation and permanent criminal records. Those convicted of felony sex crimes required to register as a sex offender, often for life. In these cases, getting the charges reduced to non-sex related charges can keep a person out of prison and off the sex offender list.

Drug Crimes and Narcotics Cases

Drug crimes can range from simple possession to more serious felony charges involving distribution. A strong defense strategy focuses on the legality of the search, the handling of evidence, and potential constitutional rights violations. Drug cases are still treated seriously in Cook County and its important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney at the early stages of your case.

DUI Defense and License Issues

A DUI arrest can result in license suspension, loss of driving privileges, and other penalties. Effective DUI defense requires an understanding of both the criminal case and the administrative issues affecting your driver’s license. A good DUI attorney can find errors made by police or other weaknesses in the case which can often lead to reduced charges our dismissal or acquittal in your case.

White Collar Crimes and Financial Offenses

White collar crimes such as bank fraud, wire fraud, employee theft and money laundering are often prosecuted in Cook County courts. These cases require a detailed understanding of financial records, investigations, and federal procedures.

Theft-Related Crimes and Retail Theft Defense

Theft-related offenses are among the most commonly charged criminal cases in Chicago and throughout Cook County. While some theft cases involve relatively small amounts of property, others can quickly escalate into serious felony charges depending on the value involved and the surrounding circumstances.

Retail theft, sometimes referred to as shoplifting, is one of the most frequent theft-related charges. These cases often arise from incidents at department stores, grocery stores, or other retail locations, where loss prevention officers detain individuals and contact law enforcement. What may seem like a minor situation can result in criminal charges that carry lasting consequences.

Under Illinois law, retail theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A first-time offense involving a lower dollar amount is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which can still carry penalties including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. However, when the value of the alleged theft exceeds certain thresholds, or when there are prior offenses, the charge may be elevated to a felony. Felony retail theft charges can result in significant penalties, including potential prison time.

The distinction between misdemeanor and felony retail theft is critical. A felony conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, and future background checks. For that reason, it is important to treat any theft-related charge seriously from the outset.

In many retail theft cases, there may be opportunities to pursue alternatives to a conviction. Depending on the facts of the case and the individual’s background, pretrial diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements may be available. These options can allow a case to be resolved without a conviction if certain conditions are met, such as completing community service, attending classes, or remaining arrest-free for a period of time.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate whether a diversion program is appropriate and advocate for a resolution that protects your record whenever possible. Early intervention is often key in securing these types of outcomes.

Andrew M. Weisberg has extensive experience representing clients in theft-related cases, including retail theft and other property offenses. He understands how these cases are handled in Cook County courts and works to identify the best strategy for each client—whether that involves challenging the evidence, negotiating reduced charges, or pursuing a resolution that avoids a conviction altogether.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

One of the most critical roles of a criminal defense attorney is protecting your constitutional rights at every stage of the case.

Many individuals do not fully understand what law enforcement officers are permitted to do. Police officers must follow strict legal procedures when conducting searches, making arrests, and questioning suspects.

Andrew M. Weisberg works to ensure:

• Your rights are protected during police encounters
• Evidence obtained illegally is challenged
• The prosecution’s case is carefully examined
• Any violations of your rights are addressed immediately

Even small errors by law enforcement can significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

A strong defense requires more than just responding to the prosecution’s case. It involves building a comprehensive defense strategy that addresses every aspect of the evidence.

This includes:

• Reviewing police reports and investigative materials
• Locating and interviewing witnesses
• Working with expert witnesses when necessary
• Analyzing forensic and digital evidence
• Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case

In every case, the goal is to demonstrate that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Trial Experience That Makes a Difference

Not every defense attorney is a trial lawyer. When a case cannot be resolved through negotiation, it is critical to have an attorney with real courtroom experience.

Andrew M. Weisberg is an experienced trial attorney who has handled cases before judges and juries. His background as a prosecutor and defense lawyer gives him a unique perspective on how cases are presented and how juries evaluate evidence.

This experience is essential when defending serious criminal charges.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make when facing criminal charges.

An experienced criminal defense attorney should provide:

• Clear and honest communication
• Realistic expectations about the case
• A well-developed defense strategy
• Personal attention from start to finish

Andrew M. Weisberg works directly with his clients, providing guidance throughout the legal process and ensuring that each client understands their options.

Your Future Is at Stake

A criminal conviction can result in:

• Jail time or prison sentences
• A permanent criminal record
• Loss of employment opportunities
• Financial penalties and community service
• Long-term damage to your reputation

Because the stakes are so high, it is critical to have strong legal representation.

Contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges, under investigation, or dealing with any legal matters involving the criminal justice system, do not wait.

Andrew M. Weisberg provides experienced criminal defense representation throughout Chicago, Cook County, and the surrounding counties.

Contact Andrew M. Weisberg for a free consultation at (773) 908-9811 or complete the online case review form.

He will respond promptly and begin working to protect your rights and your future.