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
01:15 – What a complete and unbiased police investigation should look like
04:20 – The most common investigative flaw: blinders and confirmation bias
08:05 – How defense attorneys spot red flags in discovery and reports
12:10 – The role of body cams, pod cameras, and license plate readers
16:30 – When missing or unpreserved video becomes a powerful defense argument
20:15 – Do juries automatically trust police testimony? The reality today
25:40 – Case example: a flawed sexual assault investigation and missing verification
31:10 – Case example: body cam footage contradicts officer testimony in a gun case
36:20 – Why defense attorneys must challenge investigative shortcuts at trial
39:00 – Closing thoughts and where to connect with David Drwencke

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.