Cook County Public Defenders Blog

Archive for May, 2009

Retardation and Miranda

Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Despite conflicting expert opinions on the issue of defendant’s ability to understand and waive her Miranda rights that the trial court resolved in favor of the State, our Appellate Court supresses defendant’s videotape statement and remands for a new trial in a tour de force opinion authored by Justice Gordon in People v Jeanette Daniels. (No. 1-06-3514  5/15/09)  The Appellate Court’s decision notes that despite the “ruminations”  and “interspersed comments” of the learned trial judge and although “a trier of fact is free to accept the opinion of one expert witness over another…the relative weight to be given an expert’s witness’ opinion is measured by the reasons given for the conclusion and the factual details supporting it”. Here the details developed in the record by trial attorney and Local 3315 President K.S. (Bob) Galhotra convinced the Appellate Court to suppress defendant’s videotaped statement and remand for a new trial.

It’s My Money and I Want It Now!

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

1%:  It’s my money and I want it now!

Yes, we won the arbitration.  No, the County is not appealing the ruling of the arbitrator.  But when are we going to see the money?   Good question.  I can tell you that last week, Council 31 approved the revised pay grid that was sent by the County in light of the arbitration which includes the 1% salary adjustment and that pay grid was sent to the Comptroller last week for implementation.  I don’t have a date certain for when it will appear on our checks and if I did, they probably would blow that date anyway.  So you are waiting just like me and it’s our money and we want it now.

Summer Party

Our Local will be having its annual summer celebration at a new location this year: NAVY PIER BEER GARDEN.  This location is very convenient via public transportation.  The Local leadership encourages everyone to use public transportation to avoid unnecessary legal and financial complications.

Here are the details: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 6pm to 10 pm. Members and Law Clerks are free but you need to send a $10.00 refundable check for each member or clerk attending to the Local Secretary, Amy Thompson, at 26th St. (HTF) and you must do it by July 22, 2009 (read deadline).  The checks should be made payable to “The Jack Carey Memorial Scholarship Fund”. When you arrive at the party, you can choose to claim your check or you can donate it to the memorial scholarship.  If you don’t show up, there is no refund.

By the way, here is the policy on guests, who are not members and not clerks:  the non-refundable check you send in to reserve and admit your guest must be made payable as above but the amount is $25.00.

See you at the pier.

MVP

You probably received a letter by now from the Local written by Local Vice President, Brendan Max urging your participation in the People program at the MVP level of $4.20 per pay period.  We have had an excellent response and ask those of you who have not yet responded to do so because your participation in our political action committee ensures that our voice is heard by politicians who determine the funding level for our salaries and benefits.

Golf Outing

Thanks to Dave Figura (MDD) who is chairing our golf outing committee.  Dave is searching for a good date and location for the outing.  A date and location will be posted as soon as it is available.

Rosa Silva

Congratulations to sister Rosa Marie Silva, who was recently elected as president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois.  Rosa, we are all very proud of your accomplishment and wish you a very productive term!

Contract Negotiations

Difficult contract negotiations between the union and the County of Cook continue and we will update the members via email bursts as circumstances warrant.  Not getting the emails?  Stay in the know by sending us your name and worksite via email to board@cookcountypd.org

Jack Carey Memorial Scholarship

And finally, please put September 1, 2009 on your calendar.  That’s the day 100 of you will be partying and watching the Cubs play the Astros at Wrigley Field.  Tickets are selling now for the two hour party and night game at a discounted price of $85.00 until June 30th.  The prices go up to $100 dollars after that.  Sox fan?  Just send money.  Thanks for supporting the scholarship that benefits law clerks who clerk at our office!

In Solidarity,

K.S. Galhotra,

President, Local 3315

Unofficial Election Results

Friday, May 8th, 2009
Here are the unofficial results from our Local election held on May 5, 2009:
Executive – at- Large (3)
Bruce Mosbacher 214
Monique Patterson 198
Joe Gump 183
Tom Stovall 150
Richard Porter 81
Trustee (3)
Kevin Ochalla 177
Beatriz Santiago 169
Paul Bellinder 163
Robyn Haynes 150
Arleen Floren 135
Thanks to all the worthy candidates and the members for voting.  Thanks also to Christa Petty, our election chair. Congratulations to the winners,  Officers will be installed at the board meeting in July.

Election Results Anticipated SOON

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Sisters and Brothers:

A number of you have contacted various local officers asking about election results.  Please be patient, our diligent and meticulous election chair, Christa Petty,  is conscientiously attempting to gather and tabulate the results from the various work sites.  As soon as we have the information, it will be made available to all.

Thank you for voting and also for your continued patience.

In Solidarity,

 

K.S. Galhotra

President, Local 3315

1 Case of Swine Flu Confirmed at CCDOC

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

It was reported on May 6, 2009 in the Chicago Sun Times that an inmate in Division 5 was being treated for a confirmed case of the swine flu.  More information regarding the H1N1 (Swine Flu) is available from the Centers for Disease Control.

Motion to Withdraw on Cole Denied

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Judge Murphy denied the motion to withdraw from the Tony Cole VOOP case.  Read the Sun Times article.