Chicago DUI Lawyer Blog

Vernon Hills Teacher's Aide Charged with Fatal Aggravated DUI

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:34:33 -0600

Christine Ahn, 29, turned herself into police on May 1 for the fatal alcohol-related crash that occurred this past Christmas Eve in Chicago. Ahn, who is charged with aggravated DUI, has resigned from her position as a teacher's aide at Hawthorn Elementary District 73 in Vernon Hills. She was been employed by that school district since 2008.

Chicago Police spokesman Officer Laura Kubiak stated that Ahn was driving north on Western Ave in Chicago in the early morning on Christmas Eve when she struck 30 year old Enrique Lituma. Lituma, 30, was pronounced dead a short time after being rushed to a nearby hospital. Ahn submitted to a blood test at the time of the accident. Police received results in February, and resulted in the above charges this week. A spokesman for the Cook County States Attorneys Office said Ahn could spend up to 14 years in prison of found guilty. Conklin said bond was set at $25,000.

Vernon Hills teacher aide charged with DUI in death of Chicago pedestrian www.dailyherald.com, May 4, 2012

Man Charged in DUI Crash that Injured Chicago Police Sergeant

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:46:56 -0600

Rolando Robledo, 33, of Chicago is facing felony aggravated DUI and misdemeanor DUI charges after a crash involving a Chicago police sergeant. Around 2:22 a.m. on Wednesday, Robledo allegedly ran a red light and struck the Chicago squad car. The on-duty officer was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in serious to critical condition after it was later found he had extensive internal injuries. Robledo only suffered minor injuries and was taken to Holy Cross Hospital.

According to police, Robledo was also charged with driving with an open container of alcohol, criminal damage to government property, failure to reduce speed, driving on a suspended license, driving without insurance, failure to carry a valid ID and disobeying a traffic signal.

SW Side man charged in crash that injured cop, www.chicagotribune.com, May 3, 2012

Man charged with DUI in crash that injured police sergeant, www.suntimes.com, May 2, 2012

DUI Driver Befriends Paralyzed Victim

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:10:24 -0600

Leeslyee Huerta was 18 years old when the crash occurred in the early year of 2007. Nick Chodzko, then 21, had been drinking at a party and ended up driving the wrong way on an expressway near Harlem Avenue when he crashed head-on into a van driven by Huerta's aunt. Huerta, who was asleep in the back seat of the car awoke more than a week later in a hospital bed where she learned her back was broken in two and that she likely would not walk again. As for Chodzko, he was in a coma for more than a month. When he regained consciousness, he learned of his many injuries. He also had a traumatic brain injury that would require months of therapy and rehabilitation. Chodzko plkeaded guilty to aggravated DUI, receiving four years of probation and 480 hours of community service.

The burden began to ease for Huerta and Chodzko borrowed her money to buy her a specially equipped van to get around. Chodzko and Huerta recently met at Huerta's request and discussed what they had experienced in the accident. The bond between Huerta and Chodzko got around to others and an Aurora school decided to treat Huerta and her boyfriend to the prom they never had. "I'm so thrilled to be going because we never got to go to mine," Huerta said. Chodzko is now in his second year of giving speeches about the dangers of drinking and driving, which is what brought him to meet with Huerta. Chodzko said giving speeches brings him peace because "I know at least one person out of the group will listen to me. If I get more, that's absolutely amazing." As for prom, he is happy that Huerta gets to go. "I want her to enjoy it and for it to be memorable," he said.

DUI driver sends paralyzed victim to Metea Valley prom, www.dailyherald.com, April 27, 2012

Update: Balmoral Park DUI Death Results in 9-years Imprisonment

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:30:28 -0600

A Michigan horse trainer, Angus D. Lake, 42, convicted of DUI, was sentenced to nine years in prison for causing the death of his girlfriend, Michelle Eustis, as she went for a horse ride on Backstretch Road at Balmoral with one of her good friends. Eustis was riding a retired racehorse named Reendezvous bareback with Heather France. After a night of drinking at the racetrack, Lake got into his white Dodge Ram pickup and went after them speeding about 50 mph, more then twice the speed limit. The truck struck the horse, causing Eutis to be thrown and suffer fatal injuries. Eustis, who was riding on the back of the horse, died a few hours later. France suffered a broken leg and other injuries. The horse was gashed in its hindquarter, but survived. Lake's blood-alcohol level was reported to be .147 shortly after the accident. The legal limit in Illinois is .08.

Michelle Eustis is survived by a seven-year-old daughter, Haley. A Will County judge had lectured Lake for failing to learn anything from his three prior alcohol-related arrests. Lake stated in court "I replay it over and over in my head almost every night. I wish I would've stopped myself from getting behind that wheel. I wish I could go back and change everything. All I can do is take responsibility and tell everyone how sorry I am."

For more information please view: Boyfriend Charged in Horse Trainer's Death After DUI Crash in Crete

Michigan man gets 9 years in DUI fatality at Balmoral Park, www.chicagotribune.com, April 13, 2012

Balmoral DUI death brings 9-years in prison, www.daily-journal.com, April 14, 2012

FBI Hunts for Illegal Immigrant Facing Aggravated DUI Charges

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:47:10 -0600

On June 8, 2011, Saul Chavez allegedly hit and killed a 66-year-old man, William McCann in Chicago. McCann was walking along Kedzie Avenue in Logan Square when he was struck by a vehicle. He was reportedly thrown into the air and landed on the hood of the car. Chavez was allegedly observed accelerating the vehicle, running over McCann, and dragging his body nearly 300 ft. Witnesses stated that Chavez exited the vehicle and tried to flee on foot, but was apprehended by an off-duty Chicago Police officer. Chavez's blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.29, nearly four times the legal limit. He was charged with aggravated DUI causing death, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Chavez had just completed two years on probation for a previous aggravated DUI charge. When he was booked into Cook County Jail, there was an immigration detainer placed on him, to keep him from being released. However, in November 2011, Chavez was released from jail after his brother posted bond. It's unknown why the detainer was ignored. Chavez was last seen in the Chicago area on the northwest side near Wilson and Kedzie. Chicago Police have failed to locate him thus far. The FBI are still on the look out for Saul Chavez. They ask that anyone with any information contact their office.

FBI Searches for Illegal Immigrant Charged with Aggravated DUI, www.myfoxchicago.com, April 13, 2012

Grayslake Police Chief Charged with DUI in Wisconsin

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:03:48 -0600

Grayslake police chief, Matt McCutcheon, was charged with DUI in Wisconsin. The charges came about after his involvement in a car accident while returning from a restaurant just over the state line with his wife. McCutcheon was turning onto Route 46 in Silver Lake when he allegedly struck a car on the highway around 10 p.m. on March 30, 2012. No one was injured in either vehicle.

McCutcheon was found by responding officers standing on the road when they arrived. The officers reported he appeared "dazed and confused." McCutcheon was allegedly swaying and almost lost his balance as he pulled out his wallet, and showed his badge. McCutcheon lifted up his shirt and revealed to officers he was carrying a 9mm handgun with seven rounds in it, one of them in the chamber. Kenosha County deputy, William Soppe, reportedly could smell a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his breath. McCutcheons speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot and very glossy. McCutcheon told officers he had a few beers with dinner. However, he and his wife later admitted he had three vodka martinis.

Witnesses claim McCutcheon had been driving erratically before the accident, they could hear the tires of his car squeal as he made a sharp turn onto the highway. Another witness stated "the driver of the Honda was speeding up and slowing down multiple times." Other witnesses said "it appeared the Honda made a last-minute decision to make the turn."

McCutcheon refused a sobriety tests, was taken to Aurora Hospital where a blood sample was drawn, and later taken to Kenosha County Jail. McCutcheon was named the permanent replacement for the former Grayslake police chief just two months ago after a nationwide search drew 120 applications.

Grayslake police chief placed on paid leave after DUI charge, www.chicagotribune.com, April 6, 2012

Grayslake Police Chief Cited for DUI in Wisconsin, www.nbcchicago.com, April 4, 2012

21-Year-Old Charged for Fatal DUI Hit-and-Run in Downtown Chicago

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:16:32 -0600

Innocent pedestrian, Jesse Bradley, 32, stepped out for a late night snack around 2:30 a.m. near LaSalle and Division, when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Bianca Garcia, 21, had allegedly been driving in her Jeep Liberty two blocks the wrong way down a one-way street. Chicago Police stopped her a few blocks away shortly after the accident when they noticed her vehicle had front-end damage, was missing a headlight, and smoke was rising from the engine. Garcia refused to take a breath test. She and a 20-year-old woman, who was a backseat passenger, also declined medical attention. She was later charged for misdemeanor DUI, reckless driving, and driving without insurance or a driver's license. She was arrested and her bond was set at $400,000. Bradley was taken to Northwestern and was pronounced dead at 2:54 a.m.

Bradley studied philosophy at Northwestern law school. His younger sister, Laura, who came to Chicago to help her mother with the funeral arrangements stated, "It's just bizarre. It really shows you how life can change in an instant. He was healthy. He was living. And he died. He should not have died at 32." His mother stated "He was a wonderful son. He was not suppose to be taken away. Not by somebody who was driving too fast and drinking. He didn't stand a chance. He was just going to get something to eat across the street."

Woman Charged in Old Town Fatal Hit-and-Run
www.myfoxchicago.com, March 26, 2012

DUI charges following fatal Near North hit-and-run
www.chicagotribune.com, March 26, 2012

Chicago Woman Charged with DUI Crash After Street Fight

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:34:53 -0600

A party in the Gresham neighborhood over the weekend reportedly ended with a fight in the street. Denise Carter, of Chicago, allegedly jumped in her car, pulled a U-Turn, accelerated, and drove straight into the crowd that had gathered. The impact broke a woman's shoulder and knee according to prosecutors, the rest of the group was able to get out of the way.

Carter's BAC content allegedly registered .175 percent when she was arrested early Saturday morning. She was held on a $125,000 bond early Sunday morning by a Cook County judge. She is charged with aggravated DUI along with various traffic offenses. Carter already has a driving under the influence case pending against her from an incident in August.

Carter allegedly told officers that she was trying to escape the fight when the injured woman jumped in front of her vehicle. She was pulled from her vehicle and attacked by bystanders after the crash according to police.

Prosecutors: Driver charged with DUI hit woman trying to end street fight, www.chicagotribune.com, March 18, 2012

Former Chicago Cop Gets 3 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Crash

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:49:27 -0600

Last Tuesday, a Chicago police officer was sentenced to 3 years in prison for a fatal DUI crash. Officer Richard Bolling, 43, was off-duty when he struck Trenton Booker, 13, with his Dodge Charger in May of 2009. One of the two officers that stopped Bolling after he left the scene testified that her watch commander ordered her to "hold off" on conducting field-sobriety tests. The tests were eventually administered 2 hours after the crash. Both officers had claimed that Bolling passed the tests at the time of the crash but changed their opinion during their testimony at trial claiming he failed various parts of the sobriety tests. Bolling was finally given an breath test by an internal affairs sergeant 4 1/2 hours after the crash. His BAC registered below .08. A forensic toxicologist estimated Bolling's BAC was as much as twice the legal limit (.16) at the time of the crash.

In January, Bolling was found guilty of aggravated DUI, reckless homicide, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Bolling could have been sentenced to probation or up to 15 years in prison. He had no prior DUI charges or criminal record. Seven current and former cops as well as two retired judges asked the Judge for mercy during Bolling's sentencing hearing. Bolling also gave an apology to the boy's family. Ultimately, a Cook County judge sentenced Bolling to 3 years in prison. He will be placed upon 2 years of probation after his prison term. Also, he is required to speak about his experience at high schools and talk to recruits at the Chicago Police Academy about how to properly handle an investigation of another officer.

Chicago cop gets 3 years in DUI death of boy, 13, www.chicagotribune.com, March 6, 2012

Former Cop Gets 3 Years in Prison, www.nbcchicago.com, March 7, 2012

Chicago Cop Allegedly Makes Phony 911 Call to Avoid DUI Stop

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:01:02 -0600

Sean Patrick Dailey, 33, a Chicago police officer was stopped for speeding and running a red light in November of 2010 in Niles. The Niles officer believed Dailey could be intoxicated and tried to cut the off-duty officer a break by letting him call a taxi for a ride home. Instead of calling a taxi, Dailey allegedly called 911 from a nearby motel and falsely reported a bar fight involving 50 people at a local bar. The Niles officer, who was watching from outside the motel, was dispatched to the bar. However, while en route to the bar, he learned on his radio that there was no such altercation at the bar. Upon returning to the motel, the officer found that Dailey and his car were gone. Reportedly, the calls to 911 were later traced to Dailey's cell phone.

Over 10 months after this initial incident, Dailey was arrested for DUI in Niles. With a reported BAC of .14, he was sentenced to court supervision after pleading guilty. Niles police reported the 2010 incident to the Chicago police last March and an investigation was conducted. Dailey was relieved of his police powers and assigned to an administrative position. He is now charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false police report. Dailey was releassed on $10,000 bond and faces up to 3 years in prison if convicted.

Cop accused of calling in fake bar fight to get police off his tail, www.suntimes.com, February 29, 2012

Cop charged with phony 911 call, www.chicagotribune.com, March 1, 2012

Blue Island Man Charged with DUI after Fatal Crash with CTA Bus

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:32:33 -0600

Walter Thompson, 30, of Blue Island was charged with driving under the influence after his SUV allegedly caused a chain reaction accident that hit a man unloading a beer truck. A vehicle pinned the worker against a CTA bus Monday in the Morgan Park neighborhood.

Charles Kimbrough, 45, and a co-worker were unloading the beer truck around 3 p.m. when a vehicle struck and pinned him up against a CTA bus that was stopped to pick up passengers. Reportedly, five vehicles were involved in the crash. The driver of the SUV allegedly attempted to flee but was was arrested. Three people, including the CTA bus driver and a passenger were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Thompson received several traffic tickets including DUI, driving on a revoked or suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. Police claim they will seek felony charges.

Worker Fatally Pinned in Crash with Bus, Beer Truck; Driver Charged with DUI, www.myfoxchicago.com, February 21, 2012

Driver cited with DUI after fatal crash with CTA bus, www.chicagotribune.com, February 21, 2012

$1 Million Bond in Fatal Eisenhower DUI Crash Involving Squad Car

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:58:37 -0600

Frank Caruso, of Westchester, was involved in a minor accident on the Eisenhower Expressway on Saturday at about 1 a.m.. A state trooper arrived on the scene and positioned his vehicle with his emergency lights activated to warn other motorists of the accident. Caruso sat in the back of the squad to keep warm while waiting for a tow truck to arrive. At approximately 1:20 a.m., the squad car was rear-ended by a Chevy Impala. Caruso was taken to Elmhurst hospital where he was pronounced dead. The trooper sustained a concussion.

Daniel Clark, 32, of Chicago, was behind the wheel of the Impala and was charged with aggravated DUI involving death and aggravated DUI involving great bodily harm. He was also charged with failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving too fast for conditions, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident according to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. Clark was taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. He was ordered to be held on a $1 million bond Sunday in DuPage County.

Man waiting in squad car dies after vehicle rear-ended, www.chicagotribune.com, February 12, 2012

$1M Bond In DUI Crash That Killed Passenger, Hurt Trooper, www.cbslocal.com, February 12, 2012

Chicago Man Charged with DUI after Wrong Way Crash on Stevenson

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:38:05 -0600

Rakesh J. Baker, 23, is alleged to have driven his SUV the wrong way for over five miles on the outbound Stevenson Expressway early Friday morning. The incident ended with Baker's vehicle crashing head-on into a small car on a ramp to Lake Shore Drive. Both drivers were seriously injured according to police. Baker, has been charged with DUI, driving the wrong way, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and driving without insurance. He was placed into custody at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

A 24-year-old South Side woman was driving the other vehicle and was also taken to Northwestern with serious injuries. Police say that that luckily neither driver experienced life-threatening injuries. Illinois State Police began receiving calls around 3 a.m. reporting that an SUV was traveling the wrong way on the Stevenson. The crash occured at approximately 3:15 a.m. According to court records, Baker recieved more than a half-dozen Cook County traffic tickets over the last five years. He was released upon bond after his arrest.

DUI charges for wrong-way driver after collision on Stevenson ramp, www.chicagotribune.com, February 3, 2012

Wrong-Way Driver Slams Head-On Into Car On Stevenson Ramp, www.cbslocal.com, February 3, 2012

Chicago Man Found Sleeping in SUV, Charged with DUI, Urinates on Police Station Floor

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:36:20 -0600

Santa Ana Zuloaga-Compuzano, 30, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and additional traffic offenses after Chicago police allegedly found him sleeping behind the while of his SUV.

Early Sunday, police reportedly found Compuzano's SUV stopped in the median of 115th Street at South Doty Avenue in the Riverdale neighborhood. He allegedly admitted to drinking eight beers, three shots of tequila and three shorts of cognac. Empty beer cans were also found in the vehicle according to police reports. When approached by police officers, Campuzano allegedly stared into space, belched, laughed and slurred incoherently.

Compuzano refused the breath test at the Columet District police station where according to prosecutors he urinated on the floor, sang loudly and played an imaginary piano. He was held Sunday on $10,000 bail.

Chicago man urinated on police station floor and played air piano after alleged DUI, police say, www.chicagotribune.com, January 30, 2012

Drunk Man Urinated on Floor of Police Station, Found Sleeping in SUV: Cops, www.myfoxchicago.com, January 30, 2012

Chicago Man Wearing Underwear Charged with DUI, Striking Squad Car

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:22:16 -0600

Arsenio Garcia, 24, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor DUI Saturday morning after allegedly striking a Chicago Police squad car. Police say Garcia was wearing only his underwear and socks when he was arrested.

Police were contacted by a concerned citizen around 11 a.m. when the vehicle in question was driving through an alley on the 2800 block of North Kostner Avenue on the city's Northwest Side. The vehicle eventually drove the wrong way on a one-way street and collided with a squad car that was responding to the area.

Police officials say that after the crash, the man opened the door and fell out of the car wearing only his underwear and socks. He was transported to a hospital for minor scrapes. The Chicago officer driving the squad car was also taken to a local hospital for minor injuries.

Garcia was charged with misdemeanor DUI, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, using an alley as a through street, driving without a license, no insurance, failure to reduce speed, and damage to public property. His first court date is scheduled for March 6th at the Daley Center.

Cops: Man wearing underwear, socks charged with DUI after striking squad car, www.chicagotribune.com, January 15, 2012

Drunk Driver Wearing Only Socks & Underwear Hits Cop Car, www.chicago.cbslocal.com, January 15, 2012