Category: Press Releases

USA v. Drake, 04-4240.  A jury found James Drake guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  Drake appeals arguing that the gun should have been suppressed. 

Drake’s case involves a 911 call which leads to a traffic stop and the finding of the gun...

USA v. Tony Warren, 05-2791.  Tony Warren was convicted of various charges related to a fraudulent check scheme. What makes Warren’s convictions unusual is his insistence that the fraud was authorized by the United States Secret Service. Warren stipulated that he sent several altered checks purportedly made out to "A&B Electrical" to an...

USA v. Marvin Smith, 04-3581.  In 1990, Smith was found guilty at trial of conspiracy to distribute in excess of 5 kilos of cocaine.  After trial, Smith was on bond and did not show up for sentencing for 14 years.  Smith appeals his 30 year sentence.  7th Circuit affirms Smith’s conviction but remands...

USA v. Karl Bullock, 05-2655.  Yikes!  Karl Bullock is sentenced to 1200 months for five counts of distributing heroin.  The USA dismisses Bullock’s conspiracy count but argues relevant conduct for the conspiracy at sentencing. 

In short, the government asks for 30 years for Bullock’s crimes.  The district court disagrees and...

No criminal law decisions this week.  Have a Happy Holiday!

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com.

USA v. Laura and Bruce Wasz, 05-1463 and 1464.  Laura and Larry and their "thieving co-defendants" engage in a scheme to sell stolen goods on E-Bay.  Laura and Larry are upset with the District Court’s loss calculation.  The District Court’s loss calculation is consistent with the government’s and US Probation.  Laura and Larry...

USA v. Spence, 05-1848.  Spence appeals his criminal contempt conviction alledging ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal.  The 7th Circuit does not like inneffective assistance on direct appeal.

In short, Spence was convicted for failing to comply with a court order requiring Spence’s hand writing and fingerprints.  Spence’s attorney...

Hello everybody.  I am Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro.  To see more about me, visit my web site at www.mjpetro.com.

Every week I will be summarizing all the latest criminal law cases decided by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.  The summaries will be short and sweet.  For...