Light the tree, set off the fireworks and pass out the candy… it’s Columbus Day in America! Today is more than just the day we get to watch Bears/Lions on Monday Night Football. In Canada, of course, they mistakenly call today Canadian Thanksgiving. Although, we don’t really care what they’re doing up in America’s Hat. As I’ve already explained, Canada is backwards. I guess this Thanksgiving/Columbus day mix-up is just Exhibit #2 to that effect. Continue reading “Honoring Columbus Day: Can I get a mug shot?”
Author: matthaiduk
Matt Haiduk is a criminal defense lawyer in Illinois. He loves his dog. And pizza.
When Dying is Outlawed Only Outlaws Will Die in Peace.
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Update: 10/30/14- Brittany has a new video out. You can find it here with less commentary than appears in this post. Although, there is still some commentary… because Illinois’ regulation of death is still nonsense.
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Isn’t there some sort of saying about how dreams do come true? Maybe not right away, but eventually? Sadly, I think that today is “eventually.”
Back in 2011 I wrote a moderately sarcastic (for me) post about what I wanted to see out of the world in 2012. Titled, “A look ahead to 2012: How about less Lindsay Lohan (or Sam Hurd) and more physician assisted suicide.” The post was aimed at mocking the recent crime news and wishing for a return to when there were more pressing news stories of public concern. It was a smashing success that earned three “likes” on facebook and one twitter mention. The crush of publicity was hard to live with, but I managed. Continue reading “When Dying is Outlawed Only Outlaws Will Die in Peace.”
…But The Problem Isn’t Plea Bargaining.
Earlier this week somebody forwarded me the Economist article on eliminating plea bargaining. Like most mainstream suggestions on how to “fix” the system I ignored it because… well, because I don’t care what the Economist has to say about criminal law. I don’t think that’s unreasonable. Continue reading “…But The Problem Isn’t Plea Bargaining.”
The Kane County Sheriff’s “Candidate Forum” That Should Have Happened.
Look like I missed a great opportunity to learn a little about the next Kane County Sheriff last night. According to the Kane County Chronicle, there was a “forum” that covered all sorts of interesting stuff. Compelling topics like who was hired by who’s dad to be a deputy in the Sheriff’s Office in the 1970’s, and how many degrees everybody has:
Each touted their advanced degrees and extensive experience as reasons why they should be sheriff – but also exchanged a few barbs.
Kramer’s father George Kramer was sheriff from 1978 to 1986 and hired him in 1979, giving him his start at the sheriff’s office.
Kramer said he was one of 12 who passed the test and all were hired.
“We both talked about our fathers who were previously in law enforcement. At the end of the day, they are not running for Kane County Sheriff,” Mayes said.
“We talk about master’s degrees – I could make as compelling an argument about experience,” he said. “A degree without experience is nothing. But experience with a degree really allows you be able to work and continue moving forward.”
Continue reading “The Kane County Sheriff’s “Candidate Forum” That Should Have Happened.”
Come on, Daily Herald. You can do better.
When I think of local papers who don’t care about actually “reporting” local court news but would rather cut-and-paste from State’s Attorney press releases, I don’t normally think of the Daily Herald. They’re doing everything they can to change that, though. When catching up on my local crime news today, I first came across this article about a man in Geneva who, the paper says, admit to some fairly serious sex crimes and underage porn charges:
The Daily Herald article:
A Geneva man admitted Friday to videotaping sexual acts between him and a minor during a six-month period starting in late 2012.
Robert R. Schamne, 23, of the 1000 block of Manchester Course, pleaded guilty to child pornography and criminal sexual assault, according to the Kane County state’s attorney’s office.
Judge John A. Barsanti accepted the plea.
Schamne, who must register for life as a sex offender, faces up to 45 years in prison. His next court date is Nov. 14, but it is not known if he will be sentenced then.
Schamne videotaped sexual acts between himself and the victim between November 2012 and April 2013, according to the state’s attorney.
Schamne remains in Kane County jail on $300,000 bail.
The Kane County Prosecutor’s press release:
Continue reading “Come on, Daily Herald. You can do better.”