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Chicago Criminal Lawyer Resources

Case Archives

The case examples listed below include older client cases handled by our Chicago criminal defense law firm. More recent cases are available on our Recent Criminal Defense Cases page.

The sole intent of these case descriptions is to provide information about the activities and experience of our criminal defense law firm. They should not be viewed as a guarantee or assurance of future success in any criminal defense matter.

Please be aware that the outcome of a particular case cannot be determined based on a criminal defense attorney's past results. Rather, the outcome of a particular matter depends on a variety of factors specific to the case a hand. As such, you should not assume that a similar result or outcome can be obtained by our criminal defense law firm in your legal matter.

Representative Criminal Defense Cases Handled By Our Law Firm

December 3, 2014 - Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. The client was accused of selling drugs outside of a CHA residence. The police claimed they saw him put a magnetic key holder on a mailbox and that the keyholder contained narcotics. Due to the amount of drugs, he would have been sentenced as a Class X felon, with a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years, if he had been convicted as charged. However, Attorney Steven R. Hunter conducted legal research, and then wrote and filed a Motion to Quash Arrest and Suppress Evidence based on an illegal search. The State, after having reviewed the motion, offered to reduce the charge to a Class 4 felony and recommend 18 months of probation, despite the fact that the client was a convicted felon who had served time in prison in the past. The defendant accepted the offer and received the probation. Sometimes having a good motion can cause the prosecution to come up with a very favorable plea agreement.

November 28, 2014 - Aggravated Assault. The client was accused of threatening to kill a conductor on a Metra Train. The client admitted to an argument with several people but denied making threats. The case was set for trial. On the day of trial, after creating an opening statement, direct examination of the client, preparing the client to testify, writing cross-examinations of the prosecution witnesses, and drafting a closing argument, Attorney Steven R. Hunter was prepared to fight. The prosecution agreed to reduce the charges and the client decided to accept 6 months of Supervision.

November 18, 2014 - Retail Theft. The client was arrested outside of a grocery store with a bag full of merchandise that had not been purchased. Case dismissed.

July 28, 2014 - Violation of Order of Protection. Our client's wife obtained an Order of Protection against our client and then persuaded the Glenview police to arrest him. Based on our defense of the husband, the Judge called the wife a liar and granted a Motion for Directed Finding of Acquittal at the close of the State's evidence. Not Guilty.
More case details: Not Guilty Verdict for Arrest After Order of Protection

July 18, 2014 - Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver. The defendant was a college student. Attorney Steven R. Hunter obtained a security video showing that the police arrested a co-defendant in the hallway of the dorm, walked the other defendant down the hall and into the defendant's room. Once inside, the police searched the room and found a large bag of cannabis. The co-defendant did not live in that room, there was no warrant, and the entire search was illegal. However, Mr. Hunter asked for and received a deferred prosecution and admission to the State's Attorney's drug school program for his client. Because he did not have to litigate the motion, the client saved thousands of dollars in legal fees. After successfully completing the drug school program, the case was dismissed.

July 10, 2014 - Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver. The defendant was arrested at the Greyhound bus terminal carrying a backpack containing a large bag of marijuana. Attorney Steven R. Hunter investigated the scene and was prepared to litigate a Search and Seizure motion. However, due to the claim by Greyhound Security personnel that they searched the defendant first, not the police, there was doubt that the defense could prove state action. This is a requirement in order to win a suppression motion. The defense negotiated with the prosecution and the defendant received probation under 720 ILCS 550/10, which is a deferred judgment and not a final disposition of guilt.

July 8, 2014 - Domestic Battery. The defendant's wife called the police during an argument. The police arrested the defendant, signed the complaint in the wife's name, and insisted on a prosecution. The wife told the police that she did not want her husband arrested. Nevertheless, charges were filed and an Order of Protection was entered that barred the husband from seeing his wife or child. Attorney Steven R. Hunter was contacted by the wife and obtained documentation from her in which she denied any battery ever took place. He used that documentation to persuade the court to deny the prosecution's request for a continuance. The case was then stricken off the call.

June 16, 2014 - Petition for Order of Protection. Attorney Steven R. Hunter represented the Petitioner who sought an Order of Protection. The Respondent had embarrassing photographs of the Petitioner that he obtained when they had dated. After she broke up with him, he threatened to publish the photos to her children and extended family unless she continued to see him. He made other threats as well. After a hearing, the petition was granted and an Order of Protection was entered.

June 13, 2014 - Petition for Order of Protection. The Respondent had been in a relationship with a Chicago Police Officer. During a bitter break up the Officer filed a Petition for an Order of Protection and obtained an Emergency Order of Protection based on some text messages and emails. The Respondent also filed a petition for an Order of Protection but it was not docketed because of the competing petition. The Respondent had the permission of the court to remove her belongings from the residence they had previously shared. However, the Petitioner filed for a Contempt citation based on the claim that the Respondent made comments to her as she packed and that she had supposedly threatened their dog to a third party. The Petitioner also filed criminal charges claiming that violated the Order of Protection. The Respondent was prepared to show that she never threatened the dog or violated the Emergency Order. In this case negotiations between the attorneys proved useful. In the end all parties agreed to drop their litigation. Petition dismissed.

June 10, 2014 - Petition for a No Stalking Order of Protection. The Respondent was the landlord for a deadbeat tenant who did not pay all of his rent. During a heated exchange of texts the Respondent made a few statements in anger that she regretted, but all in the context of rent collection. The Petitioner also fought against eviction proceedings by calling the police when the landlord attempted to serve the eviction notice, and calling the police when her realtor tried to show the building to a potential buyer, claiming he was stalking her. No arrests were ever made. At the hearing, Attorney Steven R. Hunter presented evidence proving that the Petitioner had not paid his rent and was attempting to obtain an Order of Protection in order to avoid paying rent or eviction. The judge agreed. Petition for Order of Protection denied.

May 16, 2014 - Theft. Defendant was accused of taking another traveler's iPhone out of the gray plastic container used by the TSA when property goes through the scanner at airport. The defendant insisted it was a mistake. The investigation revealed that the complaining witness was from out of state and the incident occurred at the O'Hare International terminal. This made it likely that the complaining witness would not appear in court. However, the Judge indicated she would continue the case, which would have been a hardship for the defendant, who flew to Chicago from Texas to fight the charges. The judge was unmoved by that fact. However, Attorney Steven R. Hunter persuaded the judge to instruct the prosecutor to call the complaining witness to see if he was willing to return to Illinois. The complaining witness was not willing to travel to Chicago, and fifteen minutes later the case was dismissed.

April 17, 2014 - Petition for Order of Protection. Client's step-daughter accused him of attacking her when she and her mother, who is going through a divorce with the client, appeared at the home of his new girlfriend. At the hearing, attorney Steven R. Hunter effectively cross-examined the petitioner, proving that the police came to the scene but did not arrest anyone. In addition, the petitioner claimed she was thrown down a stairs and knocked unconscious, yet there was no proof of injuries. The client and his girlfriend testified that the petitioner and her mother attacked them. Petition for an Order of Protection denied.

April 3, 2014 - Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon. Client was the passenger in an automobile that was stopped due to an allegedly broken side-view mirror. Client was ordered out of the vehicle and a gun was recovered. Attorney Steven R. Hunter filed and litigated a Motion to Suppress. The motion, in which the burden of proof rested on the defense, was denied. However the motion testimony laid the ground work for attacking the officer's creditability at the trial, where the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt was on the prosecution. Not Guilty.

April 1, 2014 - Mail Fraud and Identity Theft. Client charged with several mail fraud schemes. At his sentencing hearing, the client's Sentencing Guidelines range was 41-51 months of imprisonment. Attorney Steven R. Hunter presented mitigation evidence and arguments specific to this client that persuaded the judge to impose a sentence of 18 months in the Bureau of Prisons.

March 24, 2014 - Domestic Battery. Client accused by roommate of punching and beating him over a dispute about missing property. Case dismissed.

March 19, 2014 - DUI. Client alleged to have swerved all over road for several miles by police officer. Petition to rescind summary suspension was granted and the client's driver's license was reinstated.
More case details: Cook County DUI Attorney Gets Drivers License Reinstated

March 11, 2014 - Battery. Client punched an emergency room nurse during treatment. Attorney Steven R. Hunter negotiated a sentence of 1 year court Supervision.

February 24, 2014 - Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis. Client, mistakenly believing that Cannabis was legal in Illinois, was arrested. Our Chicago criminal defense attorneys demonstrated an illegal stop of the vehicle and all evidence was suppressed. Charges Dismissed.
More case details: Charges Dismissed and Evidence Suppressed in Marijuana Drug Case

February 21, 2014 - Disorderly Conduct. Client was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Attorney Steven R. Hunter established that client's actions did not "provoke a breach of the peace." Not Guilty.
More case details: Attorney Secures Not Guilty Verdict in Disorderly Conduct Case

January 27, 2014 - Client Being Stalked by Neighbor. Police refused to make an arrest. Attorney Steven R. Hunter successfully wrote, filed and litigated a Petition for a No Contact Order on behalf of the Client. Order entered.

January 15, 2014 - Client on Supervised Release from Federal Court. Case had been transferred from Iowa. Attorney Steven R. Hunter crafted a Motion for Early Termination, which the court granted.

January 8, 2014 - Felony Possession of Cannabis. Client stopped by police after they ran his license plate through their mobile computer. The police claim they received a cryptic message stating "possible hit, verify driver." Attorney Steven R. Hunter subpoenaed records that did not reflect any warrant or stop order for the Client. Court granted motion to suppress the evidence and the case was dismissed.

December 20, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Client got in a fistfight with roommate. Attorney Steven R. Hunter interviewed the complaining witness and developed a mutual combat defense. Case dismissed.

December 20, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. Shortly after break up Client and friends go to ex-girlfriend's home to retrieve property. Client discovers her in bed with another man and becomes angry. Later tells mutual friends. In a quest for revenge the Ex files a Petition for an Order of Protection claiming the Client vandalized her property and sent threatening texts, tried to break into apartment in the middle of the night. Attorney Steven R. Hunter called one of the friends helping Client move to refute ex-girlfriend's claims, also proved she never called the police and had no evidence to support her accusations. Petition denied.

December 18, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. Ex-girlfriend comes to Client's home shortly after break up and insists on being let in to retrieve property. Once inside she strikes him across the face with a vase. The next day she seeks an Order of Protection. Attorney Steven R. Hunter introduces texts in which she threatens to have him arrested, as well as other threats. Photos of Clients injuries introduced. Ex caught in false statements. Request for Petition denied.

December 11, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Police called by a neighbor to an argument between Client and his girlfriend. Police claimed that girlfriend told them he hit her. Attorney Steven R. Hunter interviewed the girlfriend and she gave Attorney Steven R. Hunter a written statement indicating that the Client never hit her and she asked the police not to arrest him. Case dismissed.

December 11, 2013 - Unlawful Use of Weapon. Client convicted of Unlawful Use of Weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6(a) in 2008. That section of the Unlawful Use of Weapon statute was found unconstitutional under People v. Aguliar, 2013 IL 112116, 2013 Ill. Lexis 853. Motion to vacate the judgment granted and conviction reversed. The client now has one less felony conviction on his record.

December 5, 2013 - Prostitution. Client from out of state, arrested for prostitution. No prior record. Attorney Steven R. Hunter obtained mitigation from the client proving she was working, supporting a special needs child, and had turned her life around. Prosecutors agree to recall warrant and dismiss case.

November 20, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Client was charged with of battery in a hotel room by his girlfriend. The police had photos of injuries and a 911 call from the complaining witness. Attorney Steven R. Hunter obtained police reports, including a Detective's Supplemental Report. These documents indicated that at first the complaining witness claimed she was raped, but later refused to cooperate with the police and refused medical attention. The complaining witness had come to court multiple times, but on the day of trial she failed to appear and the case was dismissed. At first this looked like a bad case. However, a thorough investigation revealed that the complaining witness was less cooperative than she appeared at first, making the decision to set the case for trial a sound strategy.

November 19, 2013 - Criminal Trespass to Vehicle. Client was loaned a rental car by a friend who worked for a rental car company. The car was reported stolen. The police approached the car when it was parked on the street. The client asked the police what the problem was, he agreed he was possessing the car, and the police promptly arrested him. (Another example of why you should not talk to the police, even if you have done nothing wrong.) He told the police that his friend from the rental car company loaned him the car and she had the apparent authority to do so. The police then filed a complaint for Criminal Trespass to Vehicle. Attorney Steven R. Hunter acquired documents from the rental car company showing that the friend the Client named did work at the rental car company but was fired just about the same time the car came up missing. He then conducted legal research and found case law showing that having apparent permission from a lawful possessor of a vehicle is a complete defense to Criminal Trespass. Finally, Steven R. Hunter showed that information and case law to the prosecutors, and they dismissed the case on the day of trial because they could not meet their burden of proof and knew they would lose.

October 30, 2013 - Possession of a Controlled Substance. Client was arrested walking down the street with two friends. All three were searched by the Police. The police claimed that they found an extremely small bag of drugs on the defendant. Finding of no probable cause.

October 25, 2013 - Possession of Cannabis. Charges Dismissed. The client was arrested outside of a nightclub with cannabis and a pipe. Attorney Steven R. Hunter persuaded the prosecution to dismiss the charges.

October 15, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. The client's ex-girlfriend claimed that he harassed her and obtained an Emergency Order of Protection. This resulted in his loss of his Firearm Owner's Identification Card and his suspension from work, which required a firearm. Steven R. Hunter negotiated agreement with opposing counsel which included dismissal of the petition. This allowed his client to avoid a hearing and a potential Order of Protection and loss of his F.O.I.D. card and job.

October 9, 2013 - Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer. Case Dismissed. The client was on videotape punching a man in plain clothes at a diner. The man grabbed the client by the shoulder and spun him around because the client was being very loud. The man turned out to be an off-duty Chicago police officer. He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery. The video showed numerous friends and family nearby, all of whom were prepared to testify that the man in plain clothes never identified himself as a police officer. The case was dismissed.

October 9, 2013 - Federal Bank Fraud. Client was indicted in a multi-defendant case for bank fraud involving dummy corporations and stolen checks. By the time Steven R. Hunter filed his appearance, the client had confessed, and bank and corporate records made a trial unwise. At sentencing, Steven R. Hunter prepared and presented mitigation which persuaded the judge to impose a sentence of one year and one day, well below his United States Sentencing Guidelines range of 21 to 27 months.

October 3, 2013 - Battery. Not Guilty. The client was accused by a co-worker of committing a battery by pushing against her with her body. The Dupage County prosecutor's office refused to dismiss the case. A bench trial was held, and attorney Steven R. Hunter exposed contradictions in the witnesses' statements, as well as a longstanding bias against the client by the complaining witness. The finding was not guilty.

September 25, 2013 - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. Case Dismissed. Client was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of drugs after the police stopped the car, supposedly because of a very small crack in the windshield. After the stop the police detected a strong odor of burnt cannabis. The client was given field sobriety tests for cannabis. The client admitted to smoking cannabis early in the day, and cannabis was recovered. He also agreed to take a urine test which was positive for the presence of cannabis. Attorney Steven R. Hunter filed and litigated a motion to suppress evidence based on an illegal stop of the vehicle. He presented evidence showing that the crack in the windshield was unobservable from behind, which was the officer's viewpoint before stopping the car. The photos also showed that the crack would not obscure the driver's vision. The motion was granted, the evidence was suppressed, and the case was dismissed.

September 16, 2013 - Battery. Case Dismissed. Client was accused of a battery outside of a local nightclub. Attorney Steven R. Hunter made a motion to dismiss the case and demanded trial once the case was dismissed.

September 13, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. The client's ex-girlfriend claimed that harassed her. Once he was served with a copy of the Emergency Order of Protection he hired attorney Steven R. Hunter. Mr. Hunter persuaded the court to dismiss the petition due to want of prosecution.

September 12, 2013 - Food Stamp Fraud. The client was accused of food stamps fraud in federal court. He elected to go to trial, despite the existence of multiple videotapes showing him exchange cash for Link card charges, and witnesses who testified this is what he did. The client was convicted. However, at sentencing attorney Steven R. Hunter presented evidence showing that the client had changed his life, obtained a new job, provided for his family, etc. The client was sentenced to 6 months in the Bureau of Prisons, well below the United States Sentencing Guidelines range of 18 to 24 months in prison.

August 5, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. The petitioner was being threatened by a relative over a several month period of time. Steven R. Hunter drafted and filed a Petition for Order of Protection for Petitioner, appeared in court and obtained an Emergency Order of Protection for the Petitioner. At the hearing, our criminal defense law firm negotiated settlement with opposing counsel that included payment of legal fees.

July 30, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. Petition withdrawn. Client was served with an Emergency Order of Protection which had been entered against him. This resulted in his loss of his Firearm Owner's Identification Card and his suspension from work, which required a firearm. Steven R. Hunter negotiated agreement with opposing counsel which included dismissal of the petition. This allowed his client to avoid hearing and potential Order of Protection and loss of his F.O.I.D. card and job.

July 12, 2013 - Possession of Firearm with Defaced Serial Number. Finding of No Probable Cause. The Law Office of Steven R. Hunter was hired by the client to defend him at the preliminary hearing stage of the proceedings. An in-depth interview with the client and a review of the documents which the client provided revealed that the client's home was searched by the police after they had obtained a search warrant for his home. Several adults were present during the search, including the target of the search warrant, who was not the client. A gun was found in a bedroom. Research into the target's background revealed that he had prior convictions for gun possession and drug dealing. Steven R. Hunter successfully argued that the target of the search warrant was the likely possessor of the gun, not his client.

July 12, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Charges dismissed. Defendant pled guilty while represented by the Public Defender's office. Steven R. Hunter successfully argued a motion to withdraw the client's guilty plea. The complaining witness refused to cooperate with the second prosecution and the State dismissed the charges.

June 27, 2013 - Obstruction of Justice. Charges Dismissed. In this case, the client was charged with obstructing justice by withholding a cell phone allegedly containing child pornography from authorities. Attorney Steven R. Hunter filed pretrial motions and fought for this defendant at preliminary hearings. Shortly after, the government dropped all charges against this client.

June 27, 2013 - Petition for Order of Protection. Petition denied. Client's girlfriend claimed that he had beaten her up and was a threat to her safety. However, immediately after the alleged incident, the client left the state, no longer posing any threat. Client's girlfriend also insisted that he sell the car given to him by her mother and give her the money, showing an ulterior motive. Based on the petitioner's shaky grounds, the order was not granted.

June 17, 2013 - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. The client in this case was driving down a residential street when he was pulled over by the police for speeding. The arresting officer alleged that there was an odor of cannabis in the vehicle and that it could be smelled on the defendants breath. The police also claimed that the defendant made a statement admitting to smoking earlier that day. These allegations against the defendant, who was represented by Steven R. Hunter, did not hold up in trial. Mr. Hunter argued that the officer's claim of an odor of cannabis, as well as the alleged statements by the defendant, did not rise to the level required for a DUI conviction. He also argued that the police neglected to perform any field sobriety tests, nor any blood or urine evaluations. With these holes poked in the State's argument, the police's testimony did not hold up for a conviction. Not Guilty.

April 4, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Client's ex-girlfriend ran from their apartment to a neighboring church in the middle of the night in her pajamas, claiming the client had attacked her. In preparation for trial, Steven R. Hunter discovered that she had a felony conviction and multiple arrests, including one for domestic battery, that she refused all medical treatment, and that neither the police nor the prosecutor had taken photos of any injuries, which is customary. In addition, the client had three character witnesses testify as to his truthfulness and honesty. At trial, Steven R. Hunter questioned the complaining witness about the "attack" and got her to claim that she was choked, beaten, thrown over a table, etc. Since the description of the attack was inconsistent with the lack of injuries, the Judge found her not to be credible. Not Guilty.

March 6, 2013 - Domestic Battery. Client's wife called the police in the south suburban community where they lived and claimed that the client pushed her against a wall during an argument. There were no injuries. When she changed her mind about wanting to prosecute, attorney Steven R. Hunter persuaded the prosecutors to drop the charges.

February 13, 2013 - Aggravated Assault. Clients, a husband and wife, charged by ex-landlady with threatening to shoot her. After losing trial against the wife on January 7, landlady fails to appear, but calls prosecutors and requests a continuance. Prosecutor's motion for a continuance is denied. Case dismissed.

February 8, 2013 - Felony Retail Theft, Battery. Client charged in what is becoming a trend in Cook County with felony retail theft based on one prior. Attorney Steven R. Hunter persuaded the prosecution to dismiss the felony in exchange for a plea of guilty to misdemeanor battery .

February 7, 2013 - Criminal Trespass, Battery to Police Officer, Resisting Arrest. Client was a truck driver from out of state. Arrested after a dispute with a cab driver over a fare and refusing to leave areas when ordered by police to do so. Options limited because client did not want to return to Illinois and admitted to being highly intoxicated. Negotiated plea for a sentence of 2 days time considered served to Count 3. Counts one and two dismissed.

February 6, 2013 - Possession of Marijuana. Case dismissed, order entered for return of seized money.

February 4, 2013 - Order of Protection. Client's ex-boyfriend claimed client was harassing him by sending multiple texts and emails. Attorney Steven R. Hunter obtained proof that he sent just as many texts and emails, and also discovered that the Petitioner had a felony conviction under another name. Rather than face this evidence, the petitioner dismissed his petition for an Order of Protection.

February 1, 2013 - Pre-Trial Diversion Program. Client successfully completed pre-trial diversion program obtained for him by attorney Steven R. Hunter. Case dismissed.

January 18, 2013 - Criminal Trespass. Client accused of Criminal Trespass at a municipal airport. Arrested while waiting for his charter plane by police. Steven R. Hunter obtained a letter from the airport operator stating that defendant was a good customer who was not trespassing. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the charges.

January 16, 2013 - Domestic Battery, Aggravated Assault, Order of Protection. Client shared an apartment with his ex-girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend attempted to get new girlfriend to dump him. Client brought his new girlfriend to the apartment to confront his ex-girlfriend. When he returned from driving his ex-girlfriend home, she called the police and claimed that he was threatening to shoot her and had choked her the previous day. Steven R. Hunter exploited the time delay by showing that the ex texted and emailed the client, including inviting him to lunch, after he supposedly put a gun to her head. The lessons to draw from this case are, (1) never live with your ex-girlfriend, and (2) hire attorney Steven R. Hunter if you are arrested.

January 7, 2013 - Aggravated Assault. Client was accused of pointing a shotgun at her landlady. Steven R. Hunter established that the landlady was evicting the client and was angry about unpaid rent. In addition, Mr. Hunter obtained police testimony that contradicted the landlady about when she called the police and what she said to the police. Not Guilty.

January 7, 2013 - Felony Retail Theft, Robbery. Client accused of leaving a Michigan Avenue retailer wearing a $600.00 jacket, and then fighting with store security. Steven R. Hunter sought the Cook County State's Attorney Diversion Program, but that request was refused. Mr. Hunter appealed to prosecutors with more authority, presented transcripts, proof of employment and other positive information, and persuaded the prosecution to reduce the charges to misdemeanors.

December 20, 2012 - Theft. Client was accused of failing to pay a cab driver. Steven R. Hunter explained to prosecution that client was intoxicated and had lost her purse. Case dismissed after restitution.

November 14, 2012 - Retail Theft. Client was accused of stealing merchandise from downtown department store. Client stopped prior to leaving store. Case dismissed.

November 2, 2012 - Public Indecency. Client accused of exposing himself in a men's washroom in Macys. Case dismissed day of trial.

October 29, 2012 - Armed Habitual Criminal. Client had two separate cases charging him with Armed Habitual Criminal. Mr. Hunter won the first case by winning a Motion to Suppress Evidence based on an illegal search of the client. A similar Motion was filed in the second case, but the prosecution, after losing the first case, dismissed the charges in the second case before the hearing on the motion.

October 26, 2012 - Battery. Client accused of striking a bouncer during a concert at local music venue. Case dismissed.

October 3, 2012 - Disorderly Conduct. Client accused of being disorderly, but no witnesses could corroborate the accusation. Case dismissed.

September 24, 2012 - Felony Possession of Cannabis. Client was stopped for an alleged traffic violation, driving no seat belt. Police claimed that they could see a small bag of cannabis in the vehicle's cup holder. During the stop the police searched his vehicle, using tools to tear up the trunk. The search revealed one large bag of cannabis. Steven R. Hunter wrote and filed a Motion to Quash Arrest and Suppress Evidence. At the hearing, he established that the police could not have seen whether or night the client was wearing a seatbelt in the middle of the night. Mr. Hunter further proved through photographs that the police could not have seen the bottom of the cup holder from outside the car. Finally, Mr. Hunter successfully argued that a minor traffic violation would not give the police probably cause to tear apart the vehicle. Motion to Suppress granted, case dismissed.

September 24, 2012 - Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. The police searched a house with a Search Warrant. They recovered various drugs and drug paraphernalia in the house. Client was found in the upstairs bedroom, in which there were drugs in a closet and inside a dresser. Documents belonging to the client were found by the police, but the documents bore a different address. Police claimed that the client admitted to ownership of the drugs. Motion to Suppress the Statement granted. At trial, Steven R. Hunter established that the client lived at a different address and that no proof of residency for the house that was searched was ever recovered. Defense witness testifies that the bedroom belonged to another individual.

The court originally found the client not guilty of possessing drugs found outside of the bedroom and not guilty of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, but guilty of simple Possession. Mr. Hunter researched and wrote an extensive Motion to Reconsider the Finding of Guilt, citing numerous cases about constructive possession. Constructive Possession is the legal doctrine that says you can be deemed to possess an item if it is under your "dominion and control" such as when it is in your house, car, etc. Dominion and control can be established through residency, or through a form of control, such as having a key. However, the law referred to by Mr. Hunter clearly showed the court that mere presence near drugs is not enough to establish possession. The court set aside the finding of guilt and acquitted the client after 17 months of fighting the case by Mr. Hunter.

September 19, 2012 - Battery. No witnesses appeared and the defense answered ready for trial. Case dismissed.

September 14, 2012 - Client had previously received TASC probation, (drug treatment probation). Restitution paid and all conditions of probation met. Motion to terminate probation filed and granted. Motion to vacate judgment granted. Client now eligible for expungement.

September 7, 2012 - Felony Fraud. Client was a foreign national accused of committing a fraud by using a phony website to induce a victim to purchase a car. The victim sent a wire transfer to the perpetrator of the fraud. The perpetrator used the client's identity when he picked up the money. The law office of Steven R. Hunter reviewed the surveillance video from the store where the wire transfer was picked up, which showed a different individual receiving the money. In addition, Mr. Hunter presented proof to the prosecution that the client was in a different state attending college at the time of the fraud. The prosecution agreed that the client was the wrong person, moved to dismiss the charges, and agreed to a full refund of the client's bond, due to his innocence.

August 16, 2012 - Aggravated Battery. Client originally arrested for battery. Charges upgraded to felony Aggravated Battery due to the serious nature of the victim's injuries. Police charged four other defendants. At trial, Steven R. Hunter questioned prosecution witnesses and obtained contradictory testimony. Mr. Hunter's cross-examination caused two witnesses to agree that his client was merely present, and to identify dark figures in a surveillance video as other suspects. He established that a key prosecution witness changed her description of the assailant, and that she was directly contradicted by other witnesses. Preparation and an in-depth knowledge of hundreds of pages of discovery were key to the victory. Not Guilty.

August 16, 2012 - DUI charge. Petition to Rescind the driver's license suspension is granted and driving privileges reinstated. Client receives Supervision sentence.

August 10, 2012 - Possession of Cannabis. Client stopped and searched by police without a legal basis. Police allege that the client made an admission. Motions to Suppress filed. State dismisses the charges.

August 7, 2012 - Downward Variance from the U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines. After a guilty plea to charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, the future looked bleak for this defendant. But thanks to criminal defense attorney Steven R. Hunter, this client will be sent home to his family nearly three years earlier than the prosecution recommended.
More case details: Downward Variance from Sentencing Guidelines

August 3, 2012 - Petition for Order of Protection. After the petitioner chose not to hire an attorney, this case was an easy victory for the defendant and his lawyer Steven R. Hunter.
More case details: Illinois Order of Protection Petition

June 29, 2012 - Domestic Battery, Charges Dismissed. Without any chance of winning a shaky case against criminal defense laywer Steven R. Hunter, the prosecution dropped the charges in this matter.
More case details: Charges Dismissed in Illinois Domestic Battery Case

June 28, 2012 - Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, found No Probable Cause. The judge in this case found that police conducted an illegal search and seizure when they recovered the firearm.
More case details: Avoiding a Felony Possession of a Weapon Conviction

June 25, 2012 - Criminal Trespass, Not Guilty. In this Illinois criminal trespass case, the defendant was found in the complainant's house, visiting the complainant's daughter. After hiring Attorney Steven R. Hunter, the client was found Not Guilty within a month and a half of the arrest.
More case details: Criminal Trespass Not Guilty Finding

June 19, 2012 - Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Deferred Prosecution. In this particular case, the defendant was offered participation in the Deferred Prosecution Program. After successful completion of a 12-month intensive probationary period, all criminal charges will be dropped. In other words, a conviction will not scar this client’s permanent record.
More case details: Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Deferred Prosecution

June 1, 2012 - Battery and Assault, Charges Dismissed. After the client hired criminal defense attorney Steven R. Hunter, the prosecution in this case agreed to dismiss all charges.
More case details: Illinois Battery and Assault Charges Dismissed

May 10, 2012 - Battery and Assault, Not Guilty. In this Illinois battery case, the defendant was found Not Guilty of battery.
More case details: Illinois Battery and Assault Not Guilty Finding

March 13, 2012 - Domestic Battery, Charges Dismissed. In this Illinois domestic battery case, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all criminal charges in exchange for the client's agreement to a one year civil order of protection.
More case details: Illinois Domestic Battery Charges Dismissed

March 7, 2012 - Domestic Battery, Not Guilty. The finding was a Not Guilty verdict in this Illinois domestic battery case.
More case details: Illinois Domestic Battery Case Not Guilty Verdict

March 5, 2012 - Violation of Supervised Release. The client was on Federal Supervised Release after a long prison sentence, and was arrested on the State charge of felony Aggravated DUI. The client had a different lawyer for the State case, who negotiated a plea agreement for 14 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Attorney Steven R. Hunter negotiated a recommendation from the Federal prosecutor and the probation officer for a concurrent seven months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In other words, no additional time in custody. At the sentencing hearing, the judge agreed.

February 17, 2012 - Possession of Cannabis, conviction avoided. After 40 grams of marijuana were recovered from the client's vehicle, the client hired Attorney Steven R. Hunter, who helped prevent a conviction.
More details: Avoiding a Posession of Cannabis Conviction

February 17, 2012 - Residential Burglary Suspect, Arrest Avoided. Calling an attorney before you are arrested is a wise move, as this Chicago burglary suspect learned.
More details: Avoiding a Chicago Burglary Arrest

December 2010 to February 2012 - Federal Fraud Investigation. The client was a suspect in a Federal Fraud Investigation, and agents wished to interview him. Speaking to Federal Agents is a risky thing to do. Many people are prosecuted for lying to a Federal Agent even when the U.S. Attorney cannot prove the charge that was actually being investigated. Attorney Steven R. Hunter negotiated a carefully crafted Proffer agreement which allowed the client to speak to the prosecution and investigating agents in a way that protected him from prosecution. Our office has heard nothing from the prosecutor in eight months, and we expect no charges to be filed against him

February 17, 2012 - Client was arrested for Disorderly Conduct when her husband was arrested for the felony of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer. The officer failed to appear on the assigned court date, but left a message with the prosecutors indicating he wished to testify and for the case to go forward. Attorney Steven R. Hunter argued that a policeman, of all people, would know the date and of his obligation to be present and that the policeman should not receive special treatment. The prosecution's request for a continuance was denied and the case was dismissed.

February 16, 2012 - DUI and Resisting Arrest. Client was accused of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Resisting Arrest. DUI charges were dismissed and client received Supervision on the other charge.
More case details: Chicago DUI Attorney Gets DUI Charge Dismissed

February 14, 2012 - Federal Violation of Supervised Release. Client was accused of failing to complete the conditions of Supervised Release. Attorney Steven R. Hunter convinced the court to grant the client more time to finish his conditions. The defendant completed his conditions and the Supervised Release was terminated satisfactorily.

January 31, 2012 - Aggravated Domestic Battery. After a persuasive presentation by Steven R. Hunter, the Judge agreed to offer Cook County Impact Incarceration, also known as "Boot Camp." The client was extremely happy with this outcome and accepted it immediately, thus avoiding prison.
More case details: Avoiding Prison When Charged With Aggravated Domestic Battery

January 26, 2012 - Domestic Battery. At trial, the judge agreed that the wife's alleged bite marks were not real, did not believe the wife's version of events, and found our client not guilty.
More case details: Domestic Battery Case in Illinois Not Guilty Finding

January 11, 2012 - Petition for Order of Protection. When the Petitioner realized that she had a fight on her hands, she decided to drop the petition, and our client prevailed.
More case details: Petition for Illinois Order of Protection Dropped

January 10, 2012 - Petition to Seal Records. Recently, the 1st District of the Circuit Court of County has been swamped with petitions to Expunge or Seal records. A process that used to take six months is now taking well over a year. In response to this development, the Clerk's office is now docketing these cases for rulings. In other words, a court appearance is now required. Although this is more work for the attorney, it does provide an opportunity to argue against any opposition. In this case, the prosecutors argued against the petition to seal the client's prior arrests for Prostitution, arguing that sex offenses cannot be sealed. While this is true in most cases, the statute has an exception for prostitution charges. Steven R. Hunter was able to highlight this provision on the statute and the petition was granted.

November 23, 2011 - Violation of Order of Protection; Petition for Order of Protection. The charge of a violation of an Order of Protection was dismissed and ultimately the original petition for the Order of Protection was dismissed.
More case details: Violation of Illinois Order of Protection: Case Dismissed

October 31, 2011 - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. At our client's request, we pursued a negotiated plea agreement and were able to ensure that our client's driving license was never suspended even though he entered a Guilty plea in this Illinois DUI case.
More case details: Avoid Driver's License Suspension in an Illinois DUI Case

October 13, 2011 - Domestic Battery, Not Guilty. The complaining witness, who was the defendant's brother-in-law, as well as the defendant's mother-in-law and sister-in-law all, claimed that the defendant smashed the complaining witness against a wall so hard that it left a hole. They also claimed that it was an unprovoked attack. Under cross-examination Steven R. Hunter impeached each witness by proving that their testimony contradicted previous statements made to the police. Mr. Hunter's detailed cross-examination also revealed inconsistencies between each prosecution witnesses' trial testimony and the testimony of the other witnesses. The judge granted a defense motion for a directed finding of Not Guilty, so the defendant and defense witnesses never even had to testify. In addition, the court denied the prosecution's request for an Order of Protection. Careful preparation, including a close reading of all police reports and hours spent with witnesses planted the seeds of victory.

September 21, 2011 - Battery. Defendant was charged with punching a cab driver. The case went to trial and our Chicago law firm aggressively defended our client and cross-examined the witness. After hearing our the results of the cross-examination and our client's testimony, the judge arrived at a Not Guilty verdict.
More case details: Avoiding an Illinois Battery Conviction

August 30, 2011 - Unlawful Use of Weapon. Defendant put carry-on bag through an airport x-ray machine. Had driven to Chicago from Texas, forgetting gun was in the bag from a previous trip. The complaint filed charged the defendant with having a loaded, accessible gun in an automobile. Judge rules that the prosecution charged the defendant incorrectly and did not prove case. Not Guilty.

August 29, 2011 - Domestic Battery, Complaining witness claimed defendant hit her because he was drunk and high. Defense contradicted her with arresting officer's testimony. Not Guilty.

June 21, 2011 - Battery. Bench trial resulting in Not Guilty. Prosecution claims client rubbed buttocks and thigh of mother's ex-boyfriend. Teenage complaining witness and her mother tell differing stories. Inconsistencies brought out on cross-examination.

June 21, 2011 - Domestic Battery. Case dismissed.

June 20, 2011 - Petition for Order of Protection. Petition denied. Multiple witnesses testify that client's co-worker is untruthful and abuses court system, threatens arrests for minor disagreements. Petitioner impeached with her own petition.

June 14, 2011 - Petition to Rescind License Suspension after DUI arrest. Petition Granted after hearing. Court rules police had no valid reason to arrest client for drunk driving.

May 19, 2011 - Misdemeanor Battery. Case dismissed.

May 18, 2011 - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and Parole Violation. Preliminary hearing and parole hearing. Finding of no probable cause, new charge dismissed, parole violation withdrawn.

May 9, 2011 - Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Assault to Police Officer, Trespassing. Day of jury trial, prosecution agrees to dismiss Resisting Arrest and Aggravated Assault charges, client accepts non-reporting court Supervision to Trespassing.

May 4, 2011 - Felony Retail Theft. Negotiate a sentence of probation despite the defendant's six prior felony retail theft convictions.

April 20, 2011 - Possession of a Controlled Substance. Preliminary hearing, finding of no probable cause. Case dismissed.

March 30, 2011 - Prostitution. Defendant, a California resident. Steven R. Hunter persuades court to allow her to remain in California. Persuades prosecution to dismiss charge in exchange for 30 hours of community service.

March 24, 2011 - Criminal Damage to Property. Defendant accused of breaking window in bar. Case dismissed.

March 22, 2011 - Armed Habitual Criminal, third Class X felony so defendant faced life without parole. Defense proves that police kicked in door to home without warrant. Motion to Suppress granted after hearing, case dismissed.

March 3, 2011 - Possession of Controlled Substance. Preliminary hearing, finding of no probable cause, case dismissed.

February 28, 2011 - Domestic Battery. Sister claims brother hit her. Case dismissed.

February 10, 2011 - Stalking. Defense proves to prosecution proof that Defendant and the Complaining witness work at the same location, where Complaining Witness claims she was stalked. Case dismissed.

January 11, 2011 - Possession of a Controlled Substance. Police claim to see defendant at a drug deal with drugs in his hand. Prosecution refuses to agree to Drug School diversion. Steven R. Hunter cross examines police officer at impoundment hearing, provides prosecutor with tape of hearing. Prosecution offers Drug School. Case dismissed after completion.

January 10, 2011 - Assault. State alleges that the defendant assaulted unrelated complaining witness in a restaurant. Defense establishes that the complaining witness is the defendant's spouse and it was merely an argument. Case dismissed.

January 4, 2011 - Driving on a Revoked License. Defendant has two prior DUI's and eight prior Driving on a Suspended License convictions. Prosecution argues for 180 days in jail, claiming it is a mandatory sentence. Defense persuades the court to sentence the defendant to 180 days of home confinement.

January 3, 2011 - Reckless Conduct. Defendant arrested in Chicago sewers. Alleged to have endangered potential rescuers. Argued that this does not meet the elements of the offense. Prosecution agrees to dismiss in exchange for community service.

December 29, 2010 - Criminal Damage to Property. False claim of damage after traffic dispute. No evidence of damage. Case dismissed.

November 23, 2010 - Petition for Order of Protection denied after hearing.

November 19, 2010 - Resisting Arrest and Failure to Obey Police Officer. Charges dismissed after pre-trial diversion for anger management counseling.

November 16, 2010 - Violations of City Gun Ordinance. Motion City Non-Suit after filing motion to dismiss based on 2nd Amendment grounds.

November 15, 2010 - Public Indeceny, Case dismissed after motion filed regarding a discovery violation.

November 10, 2010 - Violation of Order of Protection, case dismissed.

September 24, 2010 - Battery charges dismissed.

September 23, 2010 - Battery, Criminal Damage to Property, Reckless Conduct. All charges dismissed day of trial.

September 20, 2010 - Battery charged dismissed.

September 20, 2010 - Felony gun charge reduced to misdemeanor, sentence of supervision.

September 8, 2010 - Armed Habitual Criminal, reduced to Class 2 with 50% good time.

August 31, 2010 - Misdemeanor drug possession. Charge dismissed.

August 18, 2010 - Class 2 Delivery of a Controlled Substance charge reduced to Class 4 Possession. sentence of IDOC Boot Camp.

August 10, 2010 - Domestic Battery Charge dismissed day of trial.

August 8, 2010 - Forfeiture of cash seized at arrest successfully challenged. Money returned.

July 27, 2010 - Armed Habitual Criminal, reduced to Class 2 with 50% good time.

July 19, 2010 - Misdemeanor drug possession. Charge dismissed.

June 21, 2010 - Public Indecency, Solicitation of a sexual act. All charges dismissed.

May 3, 2010 - Telephone harassment case. Case dismissed.

May 3, 2010 - Domestic battery case. Not guilty.

March 2, 2010 - Hearing opposing Petition for Order of Protection based on Stalking. Petition denied.

February 25, 2010 - Petition for Violation of Supervised release withdrawn.

February 9, 2010 - Hearing opposing Petition for Order of Protection based on Stalking. Petition denied.

January 25, 2010 - Leaving the Scene of Accident misdemeanor. Case dismissed.

January 14, 2010 - Federal firearms charge dismissed.

December 18, 2009 - Federal drug conspiracy charges. United States Sentencing Guidelines downward departure, sentenced reduced by 1/3.

December 15, 2009 - Federal Violation of probation petition withdrawn.

December 15, 2009 - Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Trespass to Vehicle. Charges dismissed.

December 4, 2009 - Prosecution persuaded not to file Medicare Fraud charges against client.

November 24, 2009 - Preliminary hearing, finding of no probable cause on Possession with Intent to Deliver charge.

November 19, 2009 - DUI. Finding of Not Guilty after trial.

October 15, 2009 - Felony Copyright fraud, Maximum sentence of five years in prison. Negotiate probation.

 

 

 

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