Recent Blog Posts

Police Locate Kidnapping Victim with Heart Condition

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Thanks to the quick efforts of two police departments, a little boy with a serious heart problem was found in Chicago, Illinois. His own father kidnapped him, for reasons unknown, and absconded with him across the country without even packing his medication. The little boy, P.S., has congenitive heart failure. News sources say he is a top priority candidate for a heart transplant, which makes his physical condition fragile, certainly much too weak to be traveling without medication. He was taken from St. Louis and brought to a hotel in Chicago, from which the suspect, J.S., 33, proceeded to call his ex-wife and send her taunting text messages.

After locating the little boy, the father was taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping, interference with child custody and child endangerment. The boy's grandmother and aunt were also arrested since they were part of the kidnapping scheme. All three traveled from California to Chicago. Police are still investigating the incident at this time. If you are facing federal crime charges, don't wait to contact a Chicago federal crime attorney from our law office. With help from a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, it is possible to contest your charges and move on with your life!

Father Accused of Sex Offenses against His Children

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:15:00 GMT

Chicago police caught a man last week that is believed to have molested at least one of his own children. The 400-pound man was discovered hiding out in an apartment complex and detained on multiple charges of sexual assault on a child. Last year police received a tip that the man, who has fathered nine children, was having sexual relations with one of them. The authorities opened up an investigation into the allegations that took nine months. Based on evidence gathered by investigators, police were able to obtain an arrest warrant for J.B., 36.

The Chicago Police Department was working with the Des Moines P.D. from which the warrant originated. When the Des Moines' officers discovered that their suspect had fled the state, the Federal Marshals were called in to assist with the nationwide search. He faces multiple charges of committing a sex crime with a child and could possibly face more charges pending an ongoing investigation. Are you facing sex crime charges? If so, contact the Law Office of Michael P. Schmiege today to arrange an in-person consultation with a Chicago criminal defense attorney from our office.

DUI Offender Hits Two Women on Horseback

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:40:00 GMT

A man will have to spend several years behind bars for the accident that took the life of a young woman last year. The defendant, 42-year-old A.L., was given nine years in prison for the DUI accident that killed the victim, 25-year-old M.E. According to the police report, M.E. had been drinking for several hours one night when she decided to go for a ride on her horse. She, along with a friend of hers, was riding a retired racehorse when the defendant chased after them in his pickup truck. A.L. is believed to have been driving around 50 mph, twice the posted speed limit, on the unlit road where the two women were riding.

News sources say that at some point A.L. hit the horse, sending the M.E. flying. While the second woman broke several bones, she survived the accident. The judge sentenced the defendant to nine years after he was found guilty. When asked if he would like substance abuse counseling while in jail, A.L. turned down the offer. Have you been arrested for drunk driving in the Chicago area? If so, contact the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege today to discuss your case with an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney from our firm.

Driver Facing Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Police are investigating a car accident that took the life of one person and injured several more in Brighton Park, Illinois. So far, one man has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter. The accident took place last weekend around 2 a.m. Eyewitness reports state that one vehicle was speeding in the northbound lanes when it tried to make a left turn. It did not yield to oncoming traffic, however, and struck a vehicle heading in the opposite direction. The driver of the second vehicle, A.M.K., 28, sustained multiple injuries that led to death.

As for the driver of the first vehicle, he was brought to a local hospital and is being held under arrest until he can be released. Four more people were injured in the two-vehicle accident, none of which are believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries. Did you cause a DUI accident that took the life of another person? If so, you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter which is a very serious criminal offense. In order to protect yourself throughout your case, contact now the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege to enlist the help of a Chicago criminal defense lawyer from our team!

Police Arrest 45 Individuals and Obtain $1.5 Million Worth of Narcotics

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:10:00 GMT

In order to tackle gang activity in Chicago, Illinois, area police have been working overtime conducting covert operations. Two street gangs were targeted last week, leading to the arrest of 45 people believed to be involved with either the Four Corner Hustlers or the Traveling Vice Lords. The gangs are reportedly supplied by an international cartel that has been operating out of Chicago for years. As a result, the drug industry in Chicago, particularly in areas dominated by gang activity, has thrived. After several months of investigative work, police were able to detain 45 people along with $1.5 million worth of narcotics, $1 million in cash and several firearms.

One of the gangs is believed to make as much as $7,000 per day as a result of drug crimes. The mayor has spoken about the arrests, saying that they give the community a chance to stand up and make itself stronger once again. Were you recently arrested by police for committing a drug offense? Are you wondering what actions you need to take to protect yourself throughout your case? If so, know that a Chicago criminal defense lawyer from our team can be of great assistance to you. Take the time to contact a Chicago drug crime attorney now so you have appropriate legal counsel.

Police Launch Drug Crime Operation in Chicago

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The west side of Chicago has gained a notorious reputation over the past few decades. Recently, police targeted a specific area of the west side and were successful in detaining twelve people for a variety of drug crimes. Officers with a special task force conducted a two-month investigation into gang activity dubbed "Operation Triple Threat". Officers say a total of thirty five people were being targeted for their suspected roles in drug crime activities and other illegal acts. Based on their investigation, police were able to arrest fifteen people and collect eight illegal firearms during a raid last week.. A total of $1.65 million in weapons and narcotics were confiscated by the task force.

This is just the first of many such operations the police chief told the press last week. The department is using a new comprehensive method of attacking gang activity that is allegedly responsible for daily drug sales estimated at $7,000. If you were recently arrested for a drug-related offense in the state of Illinois now is the right time to contact a Chicago drug crime attorney. By enlisting the services of a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, you will have a legal advocate on your side that is committed to helping you get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Judge May Lose Position after Outburst

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:50:00 GMT

It is rare to remove a judge from a bench on short notice. However, that is exactly what happened in Cook County, Illinois earlier this month. The judge in question is set to undergo a medical examination to determine whether or not she is fit to continue on in her current judicial role. Judge C.B., 55, was removed from the courthouse after she started shouting in the courtroom and shoving a court deputy. An emergency panel meeting was called to order following the incident, the result of which led to her temporary disrobement.

The seventeen judges on the panel agreed that a medical test should be conducted. They said that the result of the test would determine whether Judge C.B. should be removed from her position. In addition to being barred from the courthouse, she was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. Judge C.B. was working at the Daley Center hearing traffic court cases when she became irate. She was witnessed going into a 45 minute tirade about various topics before the presiding judge ordered her to be removed from the court. If you have been accused of a violent offense, it is important that you contact a Chicago violent crime attorney who can provide insight and representation throughout the duration of your case. When you're ready to have a legal advocate on your side as you confront your charges, consult a Chicago criminal defense lawyer from our team.

State Representative Arrested For Accepting Cash Bribe

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:30:00 GMT

In the state of Illinois, news sources say that a local politician is facing criminal charges. Allegedly, a state representative was caught accepting a large cash bribe, which is a white collar offense. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was tipped off to the illegal activities of Representative Derrick Smith earlier this year. He was caught accepting a cash bribe of $7,000 to write a letter. This document was intended to show his support for a daycare center that was seeking a state grant. Suspicion was first raised when the FBI received information from a campaign worker that agreed to cooperate with the agency.

His arrest came just a few weeks before former state Governor Rod Blagojevich is scheduled to report to a federal prison. Smith joins a long list of Illinois government employees that have been accused and found guilty of white collar crimes. White collar offenses can result in jail time and if funds were involved, conviction can also result in restitution to victims. With the penalties being physically and financially demanding, defendants will want to fight their charges by enlisting the services of an aggressive Chicago criminal defense lawyer. Take the time to contact a Chicago white collar crime attorney from our office if you'd like to fight your charges in Illinois.

1996 Murder Suspect Caught by Police

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Although the incident had been placed into a cold-case file, Chicago police are now actively working on a lead for a 1996 murder. Reports indicate that the suspect has been located in Los Angeles, California and is awaiting a transfer to Illinois. The defendant, 65-year-old G.S., is believed to have killed R.C., 53, outside of a pool hall in Chicago. He was identified as the killer shortly after the murder took place, but he fled the area. Allegedly, the two had been friends for years before they got into an argument at a local bar. Their relationship made it easy for police to identify their primary suspect and officers also received eyewitness testimony from a bar regular.

After fleeing Chicago, an arrest warrant was issued for G.S. For years, police searched across America and abroad but could not locate him. Officers in Los Angeles finally discovered G.S. and tipped off Chicago law enforcement. At this time, G.S. is being held at a Riverside jail until his transfer back to Chicago, Illinois. If you stand accused of murder, you will want to obtain the help of a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as possible as a conviction can result in lifetime imprisonment. When you are ready to hire a litigator, contact a Chicago murder attorney from our law firm.

Murder Case Involving Jennifer Hudson's Family Still Ongoing

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 04:47:00 GMT

The case involving singer Jennifer Hudson's family is still ongoing despite happening several years ago. Hudson's family was found murdered in their home in the south side of Chicago in 2008. The primary suspect in the case, W.B., is the estranged husband of the singer's sister. Based on evidence gathered at the murder scene, including a cell phone that ultimately led to his arrest, police were able to track down W.B.

His attorneys have presented a case to the judge that the officers did not have probable cause to arrest him at his girlfriend's house just a few blocks away from the crime scene. After hearing from both sides, however, the judge ruled that Chicago police acted in accordance with state laws. He denied the defense's motion to have the case dropped since there was overwhelming evidence that the victim's husband had been threatening her for some time before the murder took place. Are you facing charges for a violent crime that could lead to jail time if you are convicted? If so, contact a Chicago violent crime lawyer immediately to make sure your rights are protected. With help from a Chicago criminal defense attorney, it is possible to fight your charges both in and out of court.

Son of Mike Ditka has DUI Charges Dismissed

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Several news sources have reported that Mike Ditka's son had his felony DUI charges dismissed last week in Illinois. Michael P. Ditka was arrested last April when police found him behind the wheel in a strip mall. At that time he failed the field sobriety test and was found to have a blood-alcohol level of 0.189 percent, well above the state legal limit of 0.08 percent. His attorneys argued that the police were "targeting a specific vehicle," and that his arrest would not normally have taken place.

When police found him in the parking lot, he was intoxicated but the keys were not even in the ignition at the time. A judge in Lake County overturned the arrest and suppressed evidence collected by the arresting police officer last year. If Ditka had been found guilty of the charges against him, he could have spent up to 7 years behind bars due to having prior offenses. Were you pulled over for DUI in Chicago? Are you now facing DUI charges? If so, contact a Chicago DUI lawyer from our office as soon as possible. With help from a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, it is possible to fight your charges and in some cases, even have them reduced or dropped entirely.

Defendant may be Responsible for 10 Chicago Robberies

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 04:30:00 GMT

Local authorities worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to capture the man believed to be responsible for robbing ten banks in Chicago, Illinois. The young man was detained outside his home last week without incident. The suspect, 27-year-old S.H., is believed to have targeted 10 banks in the Wicker Park section of Chicago. He was officially named in a criminal complaint last week after a witness provided information that linked him to the latest robbery. The car that the witness saw leaving the robbery was impounded by Chicago police a few days later.

Although S.H. has only been charged with one robbery, police and FBI agents believe that he is likely to be linked to nine more. In each case, the robber worked alone and gave a teller a hand-written note demanding cash. At no time did he brandish a weapon or make threats against the teller. If the young man is found guilty of all the charges against him, he could spend up to 20 years behind bars. Robbery is a serious theft crime that can lead to years of imprisonment. For this reason, if you've been arrested for committing this type of offense, you'll want to contact the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege to enlist the help of a Chicago criminal defense attorney.

Robber Jumps Out of Window to Avoid Capture

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:15:00 GMT

One man tried desperately to escape U.S. Marshals that were trying to arrest him. He jumped out of a third-story window and instead of making a quick get-away, he was transported to a Chicago hospital with a broken hip. The suspect, 40-year-old A.M., is believed to have been involved in the robbery of a jewelry courier in DeWitt County. When he realized that the officers were in the building to arrest him, he attempted to jump out of the window. Now, he remains in the hospital and will be transported to a county jail when he is well enough to be discharged.

Police believe there are two more suspects involved in the robbery that have yet to be arrested. They also say a fourth person is already behind bars for her involvement in the theft crime. The robbers somehow coordinated a raid on the jewelry courier who was transporting over $750,000 worth of ornaments. As the courier stopped for gas, the robbers attacked. Have you been arrested for a theft offense? Contact a Chicago theft crime lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. With help from a Chicago criminal defense lawyer, you can fight your charges and assert your innocence.

College Student Caught with Child Pornography on His Computer

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:55:00 GMT

Fellow classmates at a Connecticut University recently learned that a student was being charged with child pornography. The former football player and Chicago native was found to have dozens of pictures and videos of children engaging in sexual acts on his computer. G.M., 19, was arrested last week on charges of third-degree larceny, third-degree computer crimes, and first-degree possession of child pornography.

Once police caught wind of G.M.'s actions, they conducted an investigation and found 96 still pictures in addition to 26 videos of children on the suspect's hard drive. Police in Connecticut worked with the Center for Missing and Exploited Children on this case. The center was able to identify 70 of the children shown in the images thanks to their extensive database. It was the center that first alerted police in Connecticut that a user was uploading graphic pictures of young children. When you have been accused of committing a sex crime in Illinois, it is imperative that you seek legal help as soon as possible. If you're facing charges if this nature, contact the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege today to discuss your case with a Chicago criminal defense lawyer.

Online Video Leads Officers to Suspects Involved in Violent Beating

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:14:00 GMT

Chicago's head of police is trying to mitigate the press surrounding a very brutal and public beating that took place earlier this month. He claims that although the attack was undeniably brutal, it is not unique to the Chicago area. He went on to say that teenage violence is a national epidemic that has been seen in cities big and small across the nation. The most recent incident he is referring to involved the beating o f a 17-year-old high school student by seven teenagers. Not only was the victim horribly injured in the incident, but it was all captured on video and posted online.

The video, which showed three minutes of the attack, garnered national attention almost immediately. Since then, just one of the attackers has been charged as an adult. The rest have been categorized as juveniles. However, all of suspects have been charged with aggravated battery and robbery. Police say that it was the video that ultimately led them to their suspects. If you have been charged with a violent crime in Illinois, now is the time to seek legal help from a Chicago criminal defense lawyer. Contact a Chicago violent crime attorney from our firm now so you are aware of your rights and defense options.