Arrested or Charged? Available 24/7 — Call 312-778-6035 Now

Facing a
Homicide Charge
in Chicago?

First-degree murder is the most serious charge in Illinois. Every hour matters. You need a battle-tested trial lawyer who has been in this exact fight — and won.

DRD Law, LLC handles criminal defense exclusively. 10+ years. Numerous homicide trials. Cook County focused.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All consultations are strictly confidential.

David R. Drwencke — DRD Law, LLC

Contact Us Now — We Respond Within the Hour

All communications are strictly confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

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Years of Experience

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Jury & Bench Trials

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Practice Area: Criminal Defense

24/7

Available Around the Clock

Chicago's Dedicated
Homicide Defense Firm

When the charge is first-degree murder, you cannot afford to gamble on a generalist. DRD Law handles criminal defense — and only criminal defense — with a singular focus on winning.

Homicide Trial Experience

Numerous successful homicide trials across Cook County courthouses — including acquittals, self-defense verdicts, and reductions from first-degree to lesser charges. This is not a firm that dabbles in serious felonies.

Criminal Defense Only

For 10+ years, DRD Law has handled one thing: criminal defense. No divorces, no contracts, no personal injury. Every resource, every tool, and every hour of experience is focused exclusively on defending people charged with crimes.

Cook County Focus

Deep familiarity with Cook County courts, procedures, and practices. DRD Law operates where your case will be decided — in the courtrooms and hallways where outcomes are shaped long before trial.

Advanced Legal Technology

DRD Law uses tools most attorneys have never heard of: an internal AI-assisted research system, automated discovery parsing to find inconsistencies, and a secure client portal for direct communication. Technology is a competitive edge in the courtroom.

Immediate Response

When someone is arrested on a homicide charge, the first hours are critical. DRD Law responds immediately — beginning investigation, preserving evidence, and establishing a defense strategy from day one.

Results-Driven Representation

The entire point of hiring an attorney is getting results. DRD Law has a proven track record of delivering real outcomes in the most serious cases — acquittals, dismissals, and charge reductions that change lives.

What We Do
The Moment You Call

In a homicide case, the defense begins immediately — not at the next court date. Here is exactly what DRD Law does from the first contact:

01

Begin Investigation Immediately

We start gathering facts, identifying witnesses, and building a timeline before evidence disappears or memories fade.

02

Speak Directly With You

You speak with David Drwencke directly — not a paralegal or intake coordinator. He listens to your situation, understands what you are most worried about, and answers your questions honestly.

03

Preserve Crucial Evidence

Early preservation of surveillance footage, phone records, physical evidence, and witness statements can be the difference between acquittal and conviction.

04

Establish a Defense Strategy

From day one, we begin evaluating every potential defense — self-defense, sufficiency of the evidence, witness credibility, and more.

05

Deploy Advanced Technology

Our AI-assisted research and discovery parsing tools begin working immediately — finding inconsistencies, flagging issues, and ensuring nothing is missed.

David R. Drwencke — DRD Law

Real Results in
Serious Cases

The following are representative outcomes from DRD Law's practice. Each case is unique; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Confidential details have been omitted.

Not Guilty

First-Degree Murder — Cook County

Jury acquittal following a self-defense defense. Client faced a mandatory life sentence. Verdict returned after a full jury trial.

Not Guilty

First-Degree Murder — Cook County

Bench trial acquittal based on sufficiency of the evidence. The prosecution's case could not meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Charge Reduced

First-Degree → Second-Degree Murder

Charge reduced from first-degree to second-degree murder, significantly reducing the potential sentence and preserving the client's future.

Acquittal

Attempted Murder — Cook County

Client acquitted at jury trial on attempted murder charges. Defense successfully challenged witness identification and physical evidence.

Case Dismissed

Felony Charge — Cook County

Charges dismissed prior to trial following successful pre-trial motions. Case dismissed before the preliminary hearing.

Both Cases Won

Armed Robbery & UUW — Cook County

Client faced 24–45 years on an armed robbery charge. David Drwencke secured freedom on both the armed robbery and a separate UUW case.

Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Discuss Your Case Now

What Clients &
Families Are Saying

"I can not speak highly enough about my experience working with DRD Law. I hired David Drwencke as my lawyer when I was arrested for a felony charge. He went above and beyond to guide me through every step of the process. Within two weeks of working with him, David was able to get my entire case dismissed before the preliminary trial. He is the most knowledgeable and strategic lawyer I could have ever asked for. David is hands down the best defense attorney in Chicago."

Amanda Bailey

Felony Charge — Case Dismissed

"I had David Drwencke on two separate cases — a UUW and an Armed Robbery case. With the arm robbery case I was scared they were offering 24–45 years. He was so patient and understanding with me and gave me my freedom on both cases. I'm super blessed to come out on top on both cases."

Joseph McCoy

Armed Robbery & UUW — Both Cases Won

"David from the first time on the phone gave me peace of mind! I will summarize him as GOD MADE, simple."

Jonah Elekwachi

Criminal Defense Client

"David was amazing as an attorney. I had issues even after my case closed and he followed up with those issues and handled them for me. He was patient with me, kind and answered all of my questions and concerns in a timely manner. I never thought I would need a criminal defense attorney but I am blessed that God sent me David. He really is for his client."

DaShontae Braboy

Criminal Defense Client

"I contacted David Drwencke on a Sunday afternoon and he returned my call within an hour — basically unheard of. He was extremely helpful through the entire process and was always available to answer any and all questions I had. He went through everything step by step and made sure all parties understood everything going on. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for representation."

Charles Terry

Criminal Defense Client

"David was professional, respectful, and most importantly, very well prepared. The judge ultimately ruled in my favor and I could not have done this without David. Having him on my side made a stressful situation, relatively stress free. I HIGHLY recommend him!"

Jeffrey Ma

Criminal Defense Client

National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40Martindale-Hubbell AV PreeminentSuper Lawyers Rising Stars — David DrwenckeElite LawyerLead Counsel Verified
David R. Drwencke — Founding Partner, DRD Law, LLC

David R. Drwencke

Attorney at Law — Illinois · Michigan · Washington D.C.

Dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, David Drwencke measures innocence by what can be proven in court, not by allegations. His insight into judicial decision-making was forged as a Judicial Law Clerk, where he observed hundreds of trials and arguments — experience that now informs his sophisticated defense strategies.

In the courtroom, Drwencke is commanding — a tenacious litigator with masterful knowledge of evidentiary procedure who refuses to concede any point in even the most challenging cases.

Beyond his practice, his passion for athletics and integration of cutting-edge technology reflects his commitment to precision and excellence — in his life as well as his courtroom advocacy.

Clients and their families have even called David "the law genie" for making what feel like miracles happen in court. That reputation was earned one case at a time, in the most serious situations imaginable.

Education

  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
  • M.A. Applied Economics — U of Detroit Mercy
  • Albion College

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Illinois
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Washington D.C. Bar
  • E.D. Michigan (Federal)
  • N.D. Illinois (Federal)

Serious Defense.
Transparent Fees.

A homicide charge demands a serious, well-resourced defense. DRD Law is committed to providing exactly that — and to being transparent and straightforward about what it costs.

We understand that families facing these situations are dealing with enormous stress on every level. DRD Law works with families on payment plans and clear fee structures so that a strong defense is within reach.

There are no hidden fees, no vague billing, and no surprises. From the first conversation, you will know exactly what to expect.

Clear, upfront fee structures

Payment plans available for families

Direct communication about costs at every stage

No hidden fees or surprise billing

Start With a Free Consultation

The first step is a confidential conversation. Call now or fill out the form and we will contact you within the hour.

All communications are strictly confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

Chicago & Cook County
This Is Our Courtroom

This page exists for one reason: to help people facing homicide and first-degree murder charges in Chicago and Cook County find the right defense attorney immediately.

DRD Law operates in Cook County courts — from the Leighton Criminal Court Building to suburban courthouses throughout the county. David Drwencke's deep familiarity with local procedures, practices, and the pace of Cook County criminal cases is a direct advantage for every client.

Homicide cases in Cook County are complex, high-stakes, and move quickly. Having an attorney who knows this system — not just the law — can make a critical difference.

If you or a loved one is facing a homicide charge anywhere in Cook County, DRD Law is ready to help now.

David R. Drwencke — Cook County Criminal Defense

Cook County Courts

Leighton Criminal Court Building · Markham Courthouse · Bridgeview Courthouse · Rolling Meadows Courthouse · Skokie Courthouse · Maywood Courthouse

Your Questions,
Answered Honestly

Every Hour Matters.
Call Now.

If you or someone you love is facing a homicide or first-degree murder charge in Chicago or Cook County, do not wait. The defense begins the moment you call David Drwencke.

Available 24/7 · Free Confidential Consultation · All Communications Protected by Attorney-Client Privilege

DRD Law, LLC

DRD Law, LLC is a Chicago criminal defense firm exclusively dedicated to defending people charged with serious crimes in Cook County and throughout Illinois.

Top 40 Under 40Super Lawyers Rising StarsLead Counsel Verified

Practice Areas

  • Homicide / First-Degree Murder
  • Second-Degree Murder
  • Attempted Murder
  • Aggravated Battery
  • Serious Felonies
  • Cook County Criminal Defense

Contact

312-778-6035

332 S. Michigan Ave. #900
Chicago, IL 60604

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

© 2026 DRD Law, LLC. All rights reserved. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case. Attorney advertising.