On April 4, 2004, Jesse Smith wrote Attorney Michael J. Petro a letter of thanks. Excerpted with permission of Jesse Smith the letter goes on to state:
Mr. Petro:
I received the brief that you have filed and its' perfect from my point of view. I'm just a layman, but I think it's directly to the heart of the questions we have to answer.
I know that you have other cases, and I really do appreciate everything you have done and are still doing.
I just wish I could've known about you before I dealt with all of those other attorneys. I know I wouldn't even be here going through any of this right now. You have done more for me, and listened more to what I have to say than all of them attorneys combined. For all that you have done, I'm deeply indebted to you.
In closing, I thank you again for all you're doing and I couldn't ask for more. This is the definition of "Effective Counsel" I wish the others knew this method.
Sincerely,
Jesse Smith
As an update to the case, the Illinois Attorney Generals Office has responded to Jesse Smith's brief. On June 9, 2004, Attorney Michael J. Petro fired back his final reply brief. Jesse Smith and Attorney Michael J. Petro anxiously await oral arguments on the briefs in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Update October 6, 2004: On October 5, 2004, Attorney Michael J. Petro argued in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of Jesse Smith. Presiding over the oral argument were Honorable Judges Richard A. Posner, Michael S. Kanne and Diane P. Wood. The government was well represented by Assistant Illinois Attorney General Russell K. Benton.
In a spirited argument, Attorney Michael J. Petro was aggressively questioned first by Judge Posner and then by Judge Wood. The fight continues. Stay tuned.
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