Monday, March 8, 2010

Chicago DUI lawyer believes in the justice system, win, loose, or draw


This Chicago DUI lawyer has posted here, here, and here on DUI decisions. Some of the decisions I thought were correct, others I disagreed with, still it's our justice system and sometimes it isn't perfect. That said, I was shocked by what a MADD spokesperson had to say about the jury process.

February 22, Belleville, IL
Illinois State Police charged James L. Griesbaum, 32, with driving under the influence after a stop on July 12, 2008, near Joliet, but when the case went to trial in November 2008 in Will County, a jury found Griesbaum not guilty, according to court records.

"A not-guilty verdict by a jury often shows the community sees drinking and driving as an acceptable behavior," said Kristi Hosea, spokeswoman for Illinois Mother's Against Drunk Driving. "It could also be a refusal where the defendant was not compelled to do a breathalyzer or provide a blood test to check for alcohol. Without that, it may be a difficult charge to prove."
Yikes! Talk about frightening. She has the audacity to challenge a jury because she thinks the result wasn't correct. Looks like she should be lobbying to prohibit anyone charged with a DUI having a trial. In fact, clearly her idea of justice is guilty once charged with a DUI. No need for a judge, a DUI lawyer, a prosecutor, let alone those 12 plus citizens who are away from work and family, listening to all of the evidence, deliberating, and then rendering a verdict. I know the police operate as judge and jury in some countries, but hopefully that view of justice isn't coming here, despite Ms. Hosea's thoughts to the contrary.

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Comments are welcome but please do not leave personal information or specific legal questions in the comment field. If you need legal assistance, the best way to get in touch with me is to call my office at 312.944.3973

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Comments are welcome but please do not leave personal information or specific legal questions in the comment field. If you need legal assistance, the best way to get in touch with me is to call my office at 312.944.3973