Comments on: Prosecutors ‘cherry-picking’ judges for sex offense cases.

By: Detroit

Detroit — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:25:20 +0000

Good article. It sounds like a lot of Cook County victims of this misconduct have good grounds for appeal. Cortez Foster sure does.

By: CherokeeJack

CherokeeJack — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 21:36:29 +0000

In reply to Entrapped. Entrapped I was shocked to see Justice Alan Lawson on the list. After the courts denied my early release of probation 3 different times, on appeal HE treated me with respect and dignity. He spoke to me as a human being, not a sex offender. He immediately ruled to end my probation 6 years early.

By: Dustin

Dustin — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 18:46:29 +0000

It sounds to me like the judge simply reduced ad hominem jury verdicts to charges that were actually legally proven in the proceedings. Pretty sure that’s exactly what judges are supposed to do, and it’s a bit depressing that so few judges are willing to do that, particularly in state superior/criminal courts.

Sex cases are particularly problematic in that regard. Juries often convict based on the horror story told by the DA (often overstated) rather than whether or not the evidence presented proves the allegations actually happened.

Aside, “judge shopping” is illegal in many states, and at least unethical (bar violation) where it isn’t. At the very least someone should submit a formal grievance to the bar association against the county DAs office.

By: Entrapped

Entrapped — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:20:55 +0000

Interesting find:

https://www.kjnewswire.com/4536/book-release-people-v-money-corruption-scandal-rocks-florida-court-system

Book Release: People v Money- Corruption Scandal Rocks the Florida Court System

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:54:41 +0000

Color me surprised.

So they got “caught” in this county and someone actually cared enough to write a story. THAT is the surprising part.

By: John

John — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 15:36:51 +0000

So, in each case, they are denying defendants equal access to the law and courts. Isn’t that a basis for appeal? Sounds like a constitutional violation – maybe of due process?

By: Concerned

Concerned — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:40:51 +0000

This is action from a prosecutor who touts herself as a champion for criminal justice reform. See her link:

https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/about/kimberly-foxx

By: KEVIN R HILL

KEVIN R HILL — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:38:25 +0000

Why is this a surprise? Cook County Illinois (ie Chicago) is one of the most infamously corrupt government entities in our nation. Let’s not forget, Illinois had THREE former Governors go to federal prison one after the other.

By: Gerald

Gerald — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 14:23:16 +0000

I was incarcerated in Michigan, and I had the opportunity to help several inmates in their appeals while I was locked up. I got to read a lot of transcripts. It is shocking how the judges here simply ignore the Rules of Court while steamrolling over defendants. Most of those men were represented by public defenders who do little to help other than simply being present in the courtroom. When these judges run for the office bragging about being “tough on crime,” they have already violated the judicial oath to be impartial and fair to ALL of the parties.

By: CherokeeJack

CherokeeJack — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:25:00 +0000

I went through this with my case. I had a hanging judge and she did hang me. I went back on two appeals and both times she sent my lawyer away in tears.
When they rotated out the judges, the new judge, Justice Alan Lawson had great compassion and agreed that I was sentenced with great malice and personal feelings the judge should not have bestowed against me.
I was immediately removed from probation, striking down the remaining 6 years I had left. Some lawyers call this “Judge shopping”.
By the way, juries are picked that way as well. Both sides get to pick or dismiss a juror and that is why it can take so long to seat a jury.