DEA’s Use of “Stingray” Device Without a Warrant is Illegal
In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”) conducted an
investigation into an international drug-trafficking organization.
As a part of that investigation, the DEA sought a warrant for pen register information and cell site location information (“CSLI”) for a...
Residential Drug Abuse Program – BOP Changes Make Allow Greater Inmate Participation
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) revised the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP) regulations to allow greater inmate participation in the program and positively impact recidivism rates.
DATES: This rule is effective on May 26, 2016.
550.55(b) Inmates not Eligible for Early Release. As an...
Eyewitness Identification – Watershed Decision Identifies Fallibility of Eyewitness Identifications
Editor’s Note – This is an Illinois Supreme Court Opinion.
The issue is whether, in light of the specific facts and circumstances of this case, the circuit court of Cook County abused its discretion...
Eyewitness Identification – Watershed Decision Identifies Fallibility of Eyewitness Identifications
Editor’s Note – This is an Illinois Supreme Court Opinion.
The issue is whether, in light of the specific facts and circumstances of this case, the circuit court of Cook County abused its discretion...
U.S.S.G. Section 3C1.1 Obstruction of Justice – 7th Circuit Brief Filed
PRESS RELEASE (Chicago). On December 9, 2015 Chicago Federal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro filed a brief in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of his client Charles Thomas. US v. Charles Thomas, 15-1142. In sum, Mr. Thomas states that the district court erred in applying the United States Sentencing Guidelines...
Chicago Police Officer’s Firing Leads to NOT GUILTY
PRESS RELEASE (Chicago). On December 4, 2015, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro won a trial in a Bridgeview court room. Before trial, the Cook County State’s Attorneys’ Office was forced to admit that a key Chicago Police Officer witness was fired because the officer was convicted of a crime! Despite this...
Illegal Traffic Stop by CPD Leads to Dismissal of Charges
PRESS RELEASE (Chicago). On December 15, 2015, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro won a Fourth Amendment Motion to Suppress Evidence in a Chicago courtroom. At the hearing, Mr. Petro proved that the Chicago Police illegally stopped and search his clients vehicle. At the hearing, a passenger in the vehicle testified that there was no reason...
Michael J. Petro Argues in Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
PRESS RELEASE (Chicago) – On November 18, 2015, Chicago Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro will argue in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. US v. Acasio Sanchez, 15-1356. In his brief, Mr. Petro argues that the district court improperly sentenced Mr. Sanchez by applying the “stash house” enhancement in the United States Sentencing Guidelines. ...
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro Successfully Suppresses Evidence
On November 21, 2015, Chicago criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro successfully suppressed the admission of a gun in a Chicago courtroom. Mr. Petro presented one witness and cross examined a ten year veteran Chicago Police Officer. Mr. Petro expects this will lead to the dismissal of all eight criminal charges by the...
Michael J. Petro argues in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on November 17, 2015
PRESS RELEASE (Chicago) – On November 18, 2015, Chicago Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro will argue in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. US v. Acasio Sanchez, 15-1356. In his brief, Mr. Petro argues that the district court improperly sentenced Mr. Sanchez by applying the “stash house” enhancement in the United States Sentencing Guidelines. ...