Press Releases

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro Argues Again For Jesse Smith In 7th Circuit Court of Appeals

On December , 2008, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro argued again on behalf of of his client Jesse Smith. Mr. Petro has been representing Mr. Smith in his Illinois State Court federal habeas corpus complaint since 1998. This is the second time that Mr. Petro has addressed the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Mr. Smith's behalf. 

To hear Mr. Petro argue on Mr. Smith's behalf click link:  http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fdocs/docs.fwx?submit=showbr&shofile=07-2713_033.mp3 

To send words of support to Jesse Smith, please write him at:  Jesse Smith N64163, PO Box 711, Menard, IL 62259-0711.

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Congratulates President Elect Obama!

 

Best Wishes,

mjpetro

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Michael J. Petro Becomes Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

In August 2008, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro became a life member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys ("NACDL").  According to Mike, "This life membership serves as testament to my commitment and dedication as a criminal defense attorney.  The membership also shows my thanks to the great value and work that the NACDL and their members have performed since forming in 1958." 

QM 082608

For more information, please go to www.mjpetro.com .

A Letter of Support For Citizen Jesse Smith. Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Asks For Your Help

On May 12, 2008, Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Micahael J. Petro received the following letter on behalf of Jesse Smith:

Hello Mr Petro,

I'm Jesse Smith's sister.  I haven't spoken to you in years, but I can see your still on Jesse's case.

I just wanted to thank you for your loyalty and your continued commitment and ability that you have displayed throughout the years in proving my brothers innocence.

May God bless you and everything pertaining to you, much success.

Idella.

To send words of hope and support to Jesse Smith, please write him at:  Jesse Smith N64163, PO Box 711, Menard, IL 62259-0711.

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro and Citizen Jesse Smith Need Your Help

Since 1998, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro has been representing citizen Jesse Smith in a 28 USC 2254 petition in federal court.  In 1994, Jesse Smith was wrongfully convicted and ordered to serve 105 years in prison.

In a long and complex litigation, on April 7, 2008, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro filed his brief on behalf of Jesse Smith in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.  To see Jesse's brief  click link Download smith_jesse_040708_final.pdf.

To send words of hope and support to Jesse Smith, please write him at:  Jesse Smith N64163, PO Box 711, Menard, IL 62259-0711.

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Helps Set Honest Businessman Free

On December 2, 2007, honest man and his employee were confronted by some drunk thugs.  One drunk thug assaulted honest man and he defended himself.  In defending himself, the drunk thug fell and injured his nose causing his nose to bleed. 

In the upside world that we live in, the drunk thug went to the police and honest man was arrested for battery.

On February 21, 2008, honest man went to trial.  Honest man was represented by Chicago criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro at trial. 

After cross-examining two of the State's witnesses, Honorable Judge William O'Malley had heard enough.  Attorney Petro's cross-examination of the two witnesses had so discredited them that the judge directed a finding of not guilty for honest man.

Congratulations honest man!  Your reputation remains!

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Michael J. Petro Argues Federal Rule of Criminal Proceducre 11 in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

On January 16, 2008, Chicago criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro argued in front of the 7th Circuit court of Appeals in the matter of USA v. Michael Linder, 06-4414.  To hear live audio of the argument click the link below. 

http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fdocs/docs.fwx?caseno=06-4414&submit=showdkt&yr=&num

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Files Brief in 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Regarding Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11

On July 24, 2007, attorney Michael J. Petro filed his brief in USA v. Michael G. Linder, 06-4414 & 4415.  In his brief, Mr. Petro asks the 7th Circuit to review the plea and sentencing hearing of Mr. Linder.  Mr. Petro argues that Mr. Linder's sentencing hearing must be remanded because the district court violated FRCP 11 by involving itself in the plea negotiation process.  The government has 30 days to file their brief.

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Argues Against Judge's Wrong Decision in Illinois Appellate Court

On June 15, 2007, in the Appellate Court of Illinois, First Judicial District, attorney Michael J. Petro filed his brief in People of the State of Illinois v. Florence Espiritu, 1-06-0903.  In his brief, Mr. Petro argues that the Circuit Court's decision was "so unreasonable and unsatisfactory as to justify a reasonable doubt of defendant's guilt."  The State of Illinois has thirty days to respond to this brief.

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com .

Girls Girls Girls: Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael J. Petro Proves Client Not Guilty of Battery

On On November 2, 2006,  K, a female was charged with battery to T, another female. 

On May 8, 2007, a trial was held on these charges in front of the Honorable Jim Ryan in the Bridgeview Courthouse.   At trial, T and three other witnesses attempted to implicate K in this battery.

Attorney Michael J. Petro represented K at trial.

At trial, the witnesses stuck with their case until the cross examination by attorney Michael J. Petro.  His questioning of the witnesses created substantial discrepancies in the witnesses stories. 

The result, Judge Ryan found K not guilty of the charges of battery.  Congratulations K!

For more information, please go to www.mjpetro.com .