Federal Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted
A federal court in Tampa recently granted a motion to suppress evidence after finding that police lacked probable cause to arrest a driver and search his vehicle.
The case involved a very narrow Fourth Amendment...
Attorney Petro Talks On BayNews9 About Florida’s New Open Carry Law
Florida's open carry law changed significantly in September 2025, creating important questions for gun owners about where firearms may legally be carried and when lawful possession can result in criminal charges.
Florida firearms defense attorney...
Federal Defense Attorney for Child Sex Abuse Material Charges
Federal charges involving child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM, are among the most serious criminal charges prosecuted in federal court. An investigation can involve the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, local...
Chicago’s Most Dangerous ‘L’ Stops
According to the news, Chicago is a dangerous place. So dangerous that an outsider could easily envision a massive free-for-all, with bullets flying everywhere. But anyone who’s spent any amount of time in the Windy City knows a far different reality.
Map of Chicago Homicides 2006 – 2016
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro provides a useful map for analyzing murders in Chicago neighborhoods in 2016. In the chart below, Mike analyzes how Chicago neighborhood gun crime correlates with murders committed in the City of Chicago.
Summer is a bittersweet time for Chicago. The city celebrates...
“God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t.” Federal Criminal Forfeiture 101
Federal criminal forfeiture can reach far beyond cash found in a defendant's possession. The government may seek forfeiture of real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, businesses, firearms, jewelry, and other property allegedly connected to criminal activity.
But...
Government’s Pretrial Seizure of Defendant’s Untainted Assets NOT Allowed
The federal government has powerful tools to freeze bank accounts, real estate, investments, and other property before a criminal case ever reaches trial.
In federal fraud, health care fraud, money laundering, drug,...
Chicago Police Officer’s Firing Leads to NOT GUILTY
A criminal case can turn on the credibility of a single police officer.
Police officers often testify as important government witnesses. Jurors may naturally give significant weight to an officer's testimony because of the officer's...
18 USC 1001: False Statements Must Be Material to the Federal Government
Federal investigators frequently interview people before any criminal charges have been filed. What may appear to be an informal conversation with the FBI, IRS, DEA, Department of Homeland Security, or another federal agency can create a...
Winning Ugly: Persistence Leads to Not Guilty
Winning Ugly: Persistence Leads to Not Guilty
Not every criminal defense victory comes from a dramatic jury verdict or a single brilliant argument.
Sometimes winning requires persistence.
In one of my cases, the defense required seven court dates, three legal briefs, and appearances...