Episode Summary:

In this episode, Attorney David Drwencke sheds light on the aftermath of a domestic violence arrest in Illinois. From the immediate consequences of arrest to navigating protective orders and bond hearings, David provides insights into effectively defending domestic violence cases in Chicago.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:30 – Arrest Procedure and First Court Appearance

04:15 – Differentiating Emergency and Plenary Orders of Protection

07:20 – Evidence Presentation by Prosecutors in Domestic Violence Cases

10:45 – Handling Credibility Issues in Conflicting Narratives

13:30 – Compliance with Bond Conditions and Orders of Protection

15:45 – Circumstances Leading to Dismissal of Domestic Violence Charges

18:10 – Resolving Domestic Violence Cases in Cook County

21:05 – Realistic Outcomes and Case Resolution Strategies

About the Show:

Defending the Windy City is a podcast series hosted by a leading criminal defense attorney, focusing on legal insights and strategies for navigating complex legal challenges in Chicago and beyond.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, David Drwencke delves into Illinois weapons charges, shedding light on common misconceptions and types of offenses. From unlawful use of a weapon to concealed carry complexities, David unravels the legal nuances and offers strategies for fighting back against overreaching prosecutors.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:30 – Types of weapon charges in Illinois

03:45 – Understanding unlawful use of a weapon (UUW)

05:20 – Common scenarios leading to weapon charges

07:10 – Importance of FOID card and concealed carry license (CCL)

09:45 – Arrests for weapons offenses despite compliance with the law

12:30 – Evidence used by prosecutors in weapons cases

14:15 – Recent shifts in public policy affecting prosecution of gun cases

16:40 – Defense strategies in weapons cases

18:55 – Success story: Mitigation leading to reduced sentence

21:10 – Closing remarks on avoiding escalation from minor offenses to serious charges

About the Show:

Defending the Windy City is a legal podcast hosted by a seasoned criminal defense attorney, focusing on navigating complex legal issues with expertise and insights. Join us to explore various legal topics and learn how to protect your rights in the legal system.

In this episode of Defending the Windy City, criminal defense attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, explores how technology is transforming criminal defense. From digital discovery tools to secure client communication portals and AI-powered evidence analysis, Drwencke explains how these innovations give his firm a competitive advantage in and out of the courtroom. He also shares how technology helps clients feel informed, supported, and connected throughout their legal journey while ensuring the human, personal touch of defense remains at the forefront.

00:55 – The role of technology in criminal defense cases

Defending the Windy City with attorney David Drwencke takes listeners inside the courtroom battles and legal strategies shaping criminal defense in Chicago and beyond. With years of experience as a judicial law clerk and criminal defense attorney, David shares real-world insight into protecting defendants’ rights, exposing flaws in prosecutions, and fighting for fairness in the justice system.

In this episode of Defending the Windy City, criminal defense attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, concludes his three-part series inspired by Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle. Having explored his “why” and “how” in earlier episodes, David now turns to the “what”—the real work DRD Law performs every day in courtrooms across Chicago and beyond.

David outlines the types of cases his firm handles, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and shares how DRD Law builds trust, manages expectations, and guides clients through the intimidating criminal justice process. He explains why every case, no matter how small, is treated with equal seriousness, and how his team measures success not only by verdicts but also by the long-term impact on clients’ lives.

This episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the scope of criminal defense work, the strategies behind effective representation, and the mission that drives DRD Law to deliver life-changing results for its clients.

1:00 – The range of criminal cases DRD Law takes on

Defending the Windy City with attorney David Drwencke takes listeners inside the courtroom battles and legal strategies shaping criminal defense in Chicago and beyond. With years of experience as a judicial law clerk and criminal defense attorney, David shares real-world insight into protecting defendants’ rights, exposing flaws in prosecutions, and fighting for fairness in the justice system.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Defending the Windy City, criminal defense attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, continues his three-part series inspired by Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle. After exploring his “why” in Episode 18, David now reveals the “how”—the practical strategies, tools, and values that drive his courtroom success.

From leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI to maintaining client trust through communication and empathy, David explains how DRD Law blends innovation with personal dedication to deliver results. He shares how cases are analyzed, how defenses are built, and how outcomes are pursued with precision and purpose.

Whether fighting in trial, negotiating a reduced charge, or guiding clients through the most difficult times of their lives, David shows exactly how his firm stands apart in the criminal defense field.

0:45 – How technology fuels modern criminal defense

Defending the Windy City with attorney David Drwencke takes listeners inside the courtroom battles and legal strategies shaping criminal defense in Chicago and beyond. With years of experience as a judicial law clerk and criminal defense attorney, David shares real-world insight into protecting defendants’ rights, exposing flaws in prosecutions, and fighting for fairness in the justice system.

In this first installment of a three-part series inspired by Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle, attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, shares the deeper purpose that drives his criminal defense practice. From childhood aspirations to a calling shaped by family values and years of courtroom experience, David explains why defending the accused is more than a profession—it’s a mission rooted in dignity, justice, and standing up against overwhelming odds.

00:00 – Why DRD Law Exists: David reflects on his lifelong calling to be an attorney and the personal values that fuel his passion for criminal defense.

Defending the Windy City with attorney David Drwencke takes listeners inside the courtroom battles and legal strategies shaping criminal defense in Chicago and beyond. With years of experience as a judicial law clerk and criminal defense attorney, David shares real-world insight into protecting defendants’ rights, exposing flaws in prosecutions, and fighting for fairness in the justice system.

In this episode of Defending the Windy City, Chicago criminal defense attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, unpacks one of the most common tactics used by prosecutors: overcharging. David explains how prosecutors often stack charges beyond what the facts support in order to intimidate defendants into plea deals or create leverage in negotiations.

Drawing on years of courtroom experience, David outlines why overcharging happens, how it affects defendants facing serious felony charges in Illinois, and what defense attorneys can do to push back. He shares real-world examples, including a case where a client charged with attempted murder ultimately pled to a far lesser offense after strong advocacy and negotiation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing criminal charges or supporting a loved one through the process. David provides clarity on what overcharging really looks like in practice, the role of judges, and why having a fearless defense attorney is critical to ensuring fairness when the state overreaches.

0:09 – 2:11 — Introduction to overcharging and why prosecutors use it as leverage.

Prosecutors often charge defendants with the most serious crimes possible, not because the evidence supports it, but to create fear and leverage in negotiations. In this episode, criminal defense attorney David Drwencke explains how overcharging works in Cook County, what charges are most often inflated, and why it’s essential to have the right defense attorney to push back.

Drawing from real-life cases, David breaks down how prosecutors use aggravated charges like attempted murder or aggravated battery and why defendants shouldn’t assume their future will be determined by the initial charging document. Listeners will gain valuable insight into how strong advocacy, trial readiness, and strategic negotiation can counter prosecutorial overreach.

In this episode of Defending the Windy City, criminal defense attorney David Drwencke, founding partner of DRD Law, discusses the hidden problems in police investigations. David explains what a thorough and unbiased investigation should look like, and contrasts it with the reality of investigative shortcuts, blinders, and confirmation bias that often lead to wrongful charges. He discusses how defense attorneys identify flaws in police work, from ignored witnesses to missing video evidence, and why body cams, surveillance footage, and even Ring doorbells can make or break a case. David also addresses the trust juries place in police testimony, how that perception has shifted in recent years, and shares real-world cases where pointing out investigative weaknesses turned the tide in favor of his clients.

00:01 – Show introduction

Defending the Windy City with attorney David Drwencke takes listeners inside the courtroom battles and legal strategies shaping criminal defense in Chicago and beyond. With years of experience as a judicial law clerk and criminal defense attorney, David shares real-world insight into protecting defendants’ rights, exposing flaws in prosecutions, and fighting for fairness in the justice system.

Episode Summary:

Attorney David R. Drwencke discusses common misconceptions about marijuana legalization in Illinois, covering possession restrictions, transportation requirements, DUI implications, and expungement opportunities. He provides practical advice for avoiding legal issues and insights into how law enforcement handles marijuana-related cases.

Key Timestamps:

00:09 - Introduction and episode overview

01:02 - Common misconceptions about marijuana legality

06:09 - Marijuana-related convictions and expungement opportunities

09:18 - Mistaken arrests and how to avoid legal pitfalls

12:57 - Law enforcement handling of marijuana-impaired driving

15:34 - Future of marijuana legislation and testing methods

About the Show:

Defending the Windy City features experienced criminal defense attorney David R. Drwencke, who is committed to defending individuals accused of crimes in a passionate and non-judgmental way. Hosted by Abigail Vaca, the show provides valuable legal insights and practical advice for navigating the criminal justice system.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, experienced criminal defense attorney David R. Drwencke discusses the complexities of drug charges in Illinois, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He explains defense strategies, recent changes in drug laws, and how the legal system approaches different types of drug cases.

Key Timestamps:

00:09 - Introduction and episode overview

00:36 - Types of drug charges and their severity levels in Illinois

03:20 - How prosecution builds drug cases and defense strategies

08:40 - Impact of changing local and state laws on drug defense

12:17 - Approach to drug trafficking and distribution cases

16:08 - Effects of evolving drug laws and marijuana legalization

About the Show:

"Defending the Windy City" features experienced attorney David R. Drwencke, who has dedicated his career to criminal defense. The show explores various aspects of criminal defense law, with David sharing his expertise and insights in a passionate and non-judgmental way. Hosted by Abigail Vaca.