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. ...
How to make the Federal Speedy Trial Clock Start Ticking
In this case, due to a federal detainer the defendant was indicted on a felony charge of being in possession of both firearms and illegal possession of a submachine gun following receiving time served on state charges. United States v. Richardson, 780 F.3d...
How to make the Federal Speedy Trial Clock Start Ticking
In this case, due to a federal detainer the defendant was indicted on a felony charge of being in possession of both firearms and illegal possession of a submachine gun following receiving time served on state charges. United States v. Richardson, 780 F.3d...
Medical Marijuana in Illinois: Qualifying Conditions
The following have been approved as qualifying conditions under Illinois’ Medical Marijuana Law:
Alzheimer’s disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Arnold Chiari malformation Cachexia/wasting syndrome Cancer Causalgia Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating...Drug Conspiracy: Buyer/Seller Arrangement Alone is NOT Enough
Drug-distribution conspiracies hold a unique position in our legal sufficiency jurisprudence. In these special cases, we will overturn a conviction when the plausibility of a mere buyer-seller arrangement is the same as the plausibility of a drug-distribution conspiracy. See United States v. Johnson, 592...
Automobile Search and Seizure: Police NOT Allowed to Prolong Traffic Stop to Search for Illegal Contraband
Decided April 21, 2015
Facts:
Officer Struble, a K–9 officer, stopped petitioner Rodriguez for driving on a highway shoulder, a violation of Nebraska law. After...
Rod Blagojevich: Political Logrolling Is Not Illegal
DECIDED JULY 21, 2015
EASTERBROOK, Circuit Judge. Rod Blagojevich was convicted of 18 crimes after two jury trials. The crimes include attempted extortion from campaign contributors, corrupt solicitation of funds, wire fraud, and lying to federal investigators. The first...