Wrongful Conviction Lawsuit Defense Blog : Wrongful Conviction Defense Lawyer & Attorney : Andrew M. Hale Law Firm

A federal court jury has ruled in favor of Chicago police officer Richard Pellerano in a suit brought by plaintiff Gary Murray. Officer Pellerano and his partner, Chris Cannata, had arrested Murray for possession of crack cocaine, resisting arrest and reckless conduct. Murray claimed he did nothing wrong, and was not in possession of any cocaine. The jury rejected all of Murray's claims (false arrest, excessive force and malicious prosecution) and found in favor of Officer Pellerano. The case was presided over by Judge William J. Hibbler. Officer Pellerano was represented by attorneys Andrew Hale and Jonathan Boulahanis from Andrew M. Hale & Associates in Chicago.

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According to news reports in Houston Allen Porter was serving a life sentence for a sexual assault that occurred in 1990.  After 19 years, Porter was able to convince the Harris County District Attorney's Office that he was innocent.  They let him go.  The Texas Court of Appeals must still sign off on his release - but that seems inevitable.  

Based on our experience, Mr. Porter will likely be filing suit.  But its to early to tell what exactly he will allege police did wrong.  At this point, Porter has said "I think that's mainly what it was. [Investigators] just made a big mistake....Everybody makes mistakes."  Well see how long he keeps to that story - but we got a feeling he will soon be singing a different tune.   

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According to the Fox News report: 

Chicago - The reward for information in the case of Officer Michael Bailey’s murder was increased to $129,450 on Wednesday. Twelve law firms that represent Chicago Police Officers and others pledged a total of $28,450 in combined funds. The pledge group was organized by the law office of Andrew M. Hale & Associates. This follows the Park Manor Neighbors’ Community Council pledge of $1,000 on Monday.

Bailey, 62, was a Chicago police veteran of 20 years and was only a few weeks away from retirement at the time of his death. He was shot and killed when someone attempted to rob him in front of his Park Manor home the morning of July 18. Bailey was still in full uniform from working overnight guarding the Mayor’s home.

The following law firms and individuals contributed in the latest reward effort:

$5,000
Andrew M. Hale & Associates
Dykema
Daley Mohan Groble, P.C.

$2,500
James G. Sotos & Associates
Rock Fusco LLC
Querrey & Harrow
Pugh, Jones, Johnson & Quandt, P.C.

$1,000
Leinenweber Baroni & Daffada
Greene & Letts
Borkan & Scahill, Ltd.

$250
Hartigan & O'Connor

$100
Richard A. Devine
Battle Law Office

Chicago Tribune, WLS 890 AM, and ABC7Chicago also reported the increase.  

Anyone with information related to the murder of Officer Bailey can contact Area 2 Detectives at (312) 747-8272.

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In a letter sent today to Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis, Andrew M. Hale & Associates announced it had raised over $23,000 to add to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who killed Officer Michael Bailey.

As stated in the letter:

We are all saddened by the recent shooting death of Officer Michael Bailey. It is unfortunate that it takes an incident like this to remind us of the sacrifice officers make every day to keep us safe. We wanted to extend our condolences to Officer Bailey’s family and to the entire Chicago Police Department.

For the last few days we have been discussing how we can help the effort to catch the killers. We obviously cannot go out to canvas neighborhoods or talk to potential witnesses, however we could help with money. We are excited to join the other organizations that have pledged money as a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people that are responsible for Officer Bailey’s tragic death.

To see the firms participating in the latest reward - here is the letter.

We hope they catch these killers and bring them to justice. Officer Bailey's family deserves it. CPD deserves it. We all deserve it!

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 John D (St. Louis, MO) - "I got to have one!" 

Jason W (Los Angeles, CA) - "Took the words out of my mouth - finally" 

Michael C (Detroit, MI) - "Love the shirt just love it!") 

Bob A (xxxx, NY) - "All of my friends on the force have got one send me one" 

Rachel V (Atlanta, GA) - "Love it thanks" 

Want your very own? Let us know

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The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers of Chicago police officer Michael Bailey has been increased to $100,000. That's right, $100K! Come on people, someone has to know something. We need to catch and prosecute these cold-blooded ruthless killers. . . 

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The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that three teens (16, 17, 18) have been detained and questioned regarding the murder of Chicago police officer Michael Bailey. Hopefully, there will be more of this story to follow. . . We will keep you posted. . . 

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This week on Showtime, Penn & Teller will be offering their "professional" opinions on America's criminal justice system. The show is titled Bull!@#$ "criminal justice." Relying on information they have gathered from the Innocence Project, they are quick to be critical of police and prosecutors. Here is a short clip from their upcoming episode. We hope they present all sides of the issue and not just repeat a one sided spin.  Of all people  - Penn & Teller should know everything is not always the way it seems....

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Good news - the FBI has joined in the hunt for the thugs who killed Chicago police officer Michael Bailey. Let's hope this full court press is successful and that these murderers are caught and prosecuted - and soon!

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A variety of organizations are offering a reward totaling $65,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Chicago police officer Michael Bailey's killer. We hope it works. . . 

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Fox News is reporting that gang members are threatening to shoot Chicago police officers. Apparently threats were received in Districts Three and Six. The Chicago Police Department issued a statement stating that an alert has been issued in those Districts, and all other Districts. Very difficult and dangerous times for Chicago police officers. 

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A good article in the Chicago Sun-Times today - here's the first couple of paragraphs:

"Odds are, somebody knows who killed Chicago Police Officer Michael R. Bailey. Killers have a hard time keeping a secret, police say, and the clues they leave behind often make somebody - a relative, a neighbor, an acquaintance - suspicious. But all too often nobody comes forward. Nobody helps the police. Nobody does what is honorable and right. So, the killers never pay. This, we believe, goes a long way toward explaining why Officer Bailey was killed - because we, the people of Chicago, failed him with our silence."   The article concludes by stating "The job of every police officer is to protect the people of Chicago. The job of every Chicagoan is to protect the police. To do both jobs, we must work together."  WE AGREE.

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Here's the Chicago Tribune's editorial regarding the recent violence that has plagued Chicago and claimed the lives of three of Chicago's finest. The editorial claims there is no "open season" on police officers, stating that two of the slain officers were robbery victims. But, what the editorial fails to mention is the brazen circumstances of both killings. Officer Thor Soderberg was killed with his own weapon after a struggle in a police station parking lot. And, Officer Michael Bailey was shot outside his home while wearing his police uniform. So, the point is, these murderers KNEW that their victims were police officers - yet, they didn't care. Pretty scary if you ask us. . . 

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The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Mayor Richard M. Daley plans on hiring 100 more police officers in the wake of the recent violence that has occurred in Chicago and also claimed the lives of three Chicago police officers.  

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Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell shares her thoughts about her friend Michael Bailey, the Chicago police officer who was shot and killed yesterday. 

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 J

Devastating. Chicago has lost another of its finest. Officer Michael Bailey, who was only weeks from retirement, was shot and killed outside his home early Sunday morning after finishing his security shift in front of Mayor Richard M. Daley's home. Officer Bailey was still in uniform and apparently cleaning his car when one or more suspects attempted to rob him. Bailey was in uniform at the time of the shooting. Words cannot describe this tragic and senseless loss. Very very difficult and sad times in the Chicago police community. Officer Bailey, too, will be missed but not forgotten.

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    These are very sad times in Chicago. On July 7th, Chicago police officer Thor Soderberg was gunned down in the parking lot of the old Englewood police station. Bryant Brewer has been charged with murder in this senseless, violent attack on one of Chicago's finest. Officer Soderberg was an outstanding Chicago police officer and was also a police academy instructor. His tragic murder highlights the danger faced by Chicago police officers each and every day. Officer Soderberg will be missed but not forgotten. 

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