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[Angel Who Cares]

Drew Peterson Jurors Selected? Lawyers Fight Law
Published: Aug 17, 2009
<snipped>
An Illinois law that allows hearsay evidence is unconstitutional and should not be used against Drew Peterson in the death of his wife, defense lawyers said, as jurors are selected for suspected murderer's case.

Peterson, a retired Bolingbrook, Ill., police sergeant, is charged with murder in the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Police have said he's also a suspect in the disappearance of his 23-year-old fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, who vanished in October 2007.

Stacy Peterson allegedly told a minister that her husband killed Savio, prosecutors have said.

Under the new law, known as Drew's law, that statement and others allegedly made by Savio could be admitted as evidence in the murder case against Peterson, whose lawyers Monday asked Will County Judge Stephen White to find the law unconstitutional.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees Peterson the right to confront an accuser in court, something he cannot do in this case, lead defense lawyer Joel Brodsky said.

Similar hearsay laws are in use in 12 other states, the Joliet (Ill.) Herald-News reported Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the judge assigned to Peterson's trial has begun sifting through the hundredss of potential jurors for the case.

Drew is expected to be sentenced on Oct. 2.

Article:
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212251374.shtml

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Madigan to weigh in on Peterson case
August 17, 2009
<snipped>
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is now in Drew Peterson's murder case.

She filed a request to intervene Monday in Will County Court.

On Aug. 10, Peterson's lawyers asked Will County Judge Stephen White to declare unconstitutional a new Illinois statute often called Drew's Law. Drafted by Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow and approved by the Legislature last year, it allows some types of hearsay to be used in court, something that isn't often done.

To understand the law, consider this example: There is a court case, and the defendant knows a certain witness will testify. If the defendant kills the witness &#8212; or makes them disappear &#8212; to stop the testimony, the law allows statements made by the witness to be used in court.

When the case returns to court Oct. 2, there will be a hearing on the constitutionality of Drew's Law. In addition to Glasgow, an assistant attorney general will be at the hearing and will argue the state's side of the issue.

"This motion to intervene serves a very limited purpose," explained Robyn Ziegler, one of Madigan's spokeswomen. "The attorney general has the responsibility of defending the constitutionality of state laws."

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan

Former Bolingbrook Police Sgt. Drew Peterson

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/...4_JO17_Madigan-weigh-on-Peterson-case.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Drew lawyer in trouble with state
September 2, 2009
<snipped>
A member of Drew Peterson's legal team is in trouble with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission for allegedly holding out on his clients in a murder case after prosecutors offered them a plea deal.

The Aug. 20 complaint accuses attorney John Paul Carroll of violating the rules of professional conduct by failing to reveal the plea deal until after his two clients were convicted on all charges in a 2007 Kane County murder case.

Carroll claims he forgot to mention the prosecutor's offer to his clients but then remembered after his clients were convicted. A judge appointed a new attorney for the defendants and allowed them to take the original plea deal for 15 years.

Carroll represented Peterson, 55, in December 2007 when he was seeking the return of his guns and vehicles from state police. After Peterson's May arrest for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, Carroll was to join the defense team, but he has yet to file his appearance.

Article:
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1747931,090209peterson.article
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peterson attorney faces discipline
2007 murder trial focus of agency complaint
September 2, 2009
<snipped>
A member of Drew Peterson's legal team is in trouble with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Committee for allegedly holding out on his clients in a murder case after prosecutors offered them a plea deal.

The Aug. 20 complaint accuses attorney John Paul Carroll of violating the rules of professional conduct by failing to reveal the plea deal until after his two clients were convicted on all charges.

Carroll was representing brothers Jaime and Edgar Castro in a 2007 Kane County murder case. The Castros were charged with killing Julio Gurrola, who attempted to steal a pound of marijuana from them at gunpoint.

According to reports, Gurrola pulled a gun during a drug deal with the Castros. But Edgar Castro allegedly beat Gurrola to the punch, drawing his own pistol and firing.

During the ensuing shootout, Gurrola was killed and Edgar Castro was wounded.

A prosecutor offered to allow the Castros to plead to a single count each of armed violence in exchange for a 15-year prison sentence, according to the complaint, but Carroll failed to relay the deal. A jury later found them guilty on all counts.

Carroll claims he forgot to mention the prosecutor's offer to the Castros but then remembered after his clients were convicted. He says he was conflicted about what to do and realized he might be punished if he came clean about the plea.

"I know if I don't say anything, nobody knows," Carroll said. "I say to myself, 'Do I beef myself off?'"

2ND Headline:
New trial
Carroll did just this, he said, informing the Castros of the plea offer and admitting to the court he neglected to do so before the trial.
According to the complaint, he filed a motion for a new trial on the grounds he "had not informed (the Castros) of the state's plea offer and had 'merely rejected the offer out of hand.'"

Circuit Court Judge Timothy Sheldon appointed a new attorney for the Castros and allowed them to take the original plea deal for 15 years. If judge had not done so, Carroll said, Edgar Castro would have been sentenced to 45 years and Jaime Castro would have gotten 35 years.

"I said to myself, 'I'll be dead and they'll still be in prison,'" Carroll said of his decision to reveal the plea deal.

After Peterson's May arrest on murder charges in connection with the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, another of his attorneys, Joel Brodsky, said Carroll would be joining the defense team for this case as well. Carroll has yet to file his appearance.

Brodsky, who ran into trouble of his own with the ARDC in 2004 when his law license was suspended for three months for signing a dead man's name in order to cash a $23,000 check, failed to return calls for comment.

Carroll, a former Chicago police detective and Cook County assistant state's attorney, said he is cooperating with the ARDC but does not know what the organization plans to do with him.

"Maybe they'll drum me out of the corps," he said.

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/1747935,4_1_JO02_PETERSON_S1-090902.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Drew Peterson's 'Pucker Factor'
September 10, 2009
<snipped>
Did you hear that? It was Drew Peterson's rear-end clamping shut. Guys call it the "pucker factor." It happens when you get really nervous, and former Bolingbrook, Illinois Police Sergeant Drew Peterson has a lot to be nervous about.

He's in jail with a $20 million bond, awaiting trial for the murder of his third ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, whose body was found in 2004 in the bathtub of the home the couple once shared, and he is suspected by just about everyone of killing his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, who disappeared without a trace on Oct. 28, 2007.

The reason for Peterson's sudden puckering has got to be a recent jury decision in faraway Georgia.

On Sept. 3, a jury in LaFayette, Georgia found former local Police Sergeant Sam Parker guilty of murdering his wife, Theresa Parker.

Theresa Parker, a 911 dispatcher, was last seen leaving her sister's house on March 21, 2007. At the time of her disappearance, she was separated from her husband and moving out of their home.

As in the Peterson case, Sam Parker--a 25-year police veteran--initially cooperated with investigators and claimed his wife had run off, probably with another man. Also like Drew Peterson, Sam Parker had a history of domestic abuse.

Although Theresa Parker's body was not found, a grand jury, and later a petite jury, was convinced that Sam Parker murdered his wife.

Parker was sentenced to life in prison.

So what does that mean for Drew Peterson? Maybe nothing. Maybe an awful lot.

Prosecutors in Illinois potentially get two whacks at him.

Prosecutors could go after Drew Peterson again for the disappearance and presumed death of Stacy Peterson. Depending on what happens at his upcoming trial, Peterson may find himself in the dock facing a second murder charge.

Article:
http://incoldblogger.blogspot.com/2009/09/drew-petersons-pucker-factor.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Drew Peterson's Motion To Silence "Cry From The Grave" Law Now Online
Documents filed now available for viewing online.
September 11, 2009
<snipped>
The final papers and briefs have now been filed in Drew Peterson's motion to have the new Illinois hearsay law, commonly known as Drew's Law, declared unconstitutional.

Drew Peterson's lawyers - Joel Brodsky, Andrew Aboodand Reem Odeh- sent their Reply Brief to the State's Attorney and the Attorney General today. Judge Stephen White is set to hear arguments on this motion on October 2, 2009.

Anyone wishing to read the full set of briefs from Mr. Peterson's Motion, the Responses of the State's Attorney and the Attorney General, as well as the final Reply of Drew Peterson, may view these online at either www.brodskyodeh.com or www.aboodlaw.com.

*NOTE: Below Are All Documents In The Case Against Drew Peterson!
Weapons Charge Appeal
State's Weapon Charge Appellate Brief
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/State-Brief-Combined.pdf

Drew Peterson's Weapons Charge Appellate Brief
http://lnhostedservices.com/PDF/Bro...ss-Appellant_Brief_and_Argument_on_Appeal.pdf

Drew Peterson's Rule 361(e) Correction Letter
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/Clerk-T-081209_00003.pdf

Drew Peterson's Motion For Change Of Venue
Drew Peterson's Motion For Change Of Venue
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/Motion-Change-Venue.pdf

Motion To Have Hearsay Law Declared Unconstitutional
Drew Peterson's Motion To Have Hearsay Law Declared Unconstitutional
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/Motion-to-Exclude-Hearsay-Evidence-of-Savio.pdf

Attorney General's Response To Defendant's Motion To Have Hearsay Law Declared Unconstitutional
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/AGsSignedNotarizedFilingofObjections.pdf

Will County States Attorney's Response To Defedant's Motion To Have Hearsay Law Declared Unconstitutional
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/StatesAttorneysSeparateResponsetoMotionopt.pdf

Drew Peterson's Combined Reply To The Responses Of The Attorney General And The Will County States Attorney
http://www.drewpetersondocuments.com/pdfs/ReplyToStatesAttorneysResponsev4 _1_ Final .pdf

Article:
http://www.prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=1643&z=4
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Peterson's attorneys challenge hearsay law
9:37 p.m. CDT, September 11, 2009
<snipped>
Attorneys for former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson say they have filed final papers and briefs in their motion to have the new Illinois hearsay law declared unconstitutional.

The law was expected to play a role in Peterson's upcoming trial for the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Defense attorneys Joel Brodsky and Andrew Aboodand Reem Odeh submitted the briefs Friday.

Article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-drewpeterson-moti,0,2340024.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson adding to his defense team
September 18, 2009
<snipped>
To help get a handle on about 40,000 pages of discovery documents in the Drew Peterson murder trial, the former Bolingbrook police sergeant's attorneys have brought on a team of recent law-school graduates and third-year law students.

A court order allowing daily face-to-face visits with Peterson's legal team was recently expanded to include Michael Raff, Anthony Nehme and Kendall Hartsfield. Joel Brodsky, one of Peterson's attorneys, said third-year student Melissa Anderson also is assisting.

"It's the crème de la crème," said Brodsky, declining to say whether they are getting paid.

Will County judge is expected to rule Oct. 2 on whether the trial should be held in Joliet and hear arguments on the constitutionality of a new state hearsay law.

Article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-peterson-legal-help-18sep18,0,586556.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Blago's and Peterson's PR Man in the Spotlight
Glenn Selig manages crises, one headline at a time
Updated 1:14 PM CDT, Tue, Sep 29, 2009
<snipped>
Kicked out of public office? Suspected of killing your wife? Call Glenn Selig.

A Florida-based publicist, Selig's a big name in Chicago these days -- he's the PR man helping former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and former Bolingbrook police officer Drew Peterson make their cases.

And just like Blago and Peterson, Selig seems to relish the spotlight.

"I got into crisis management because I always want to be part of the big news story,&#8221; said Selig to Chicago Magazine.

Selig was contacted by Peterson&#8217;s attorney, Joel Brodsky, at the end of 2007, and the publicist was able to get the ex-cop on Larry King Live.

Peterson will be back in the news on Oct. 2, when a Will County judge will rule on whether his trial should be held in Joliet.

Article:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Blagojevich-Peterson-Publicist-Glenn-Selig.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Hearsay evidence at stake in Peterson case
Judge's ruling on hearsay evidence possible
October 1, 2009
<snipped>
The constitutionality of law seen as crucial in the Drew Peterson case is expected to be argued Friday when Peterson returns to court.

Layers for Peterson have asked Will County Judge Stephen White to declare unconstitutional a new state law called Drew's Law.

Glasgow and an assistant attorney general from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office are expected to argue the state's side. Madigan's office filed a motion to intervene in August.

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/...,Peterson-Drew-court-hearsay-JO100109.article

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Could Drew Peterson Go Free?
Posted: Thursday, 01 October 2009 3:08PM
<snipped>
The attorney for Drew Peterson says Peterson could be a free man again as soon as next week - depending on what happens in court tomorrow.

The judge is expected to rule on a defense motion for a change of venue, and the judge is expected to hear arguments on the constitutionality of the so-called "Drew's Law," hearsay testimony that would allow statements by the missing fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, into evidence.

Peterson's lawyer Joel Brodsky says odds that the judge will rule in Peterson's favor - and not allow the hearsay testimony - are better than even.

"And if they do appeal, under Illinois State Supreme Court rules, Drew Peterson will get out of jail. And that could happen - if everything goes in our favor - it could happen as early as next week."

Article:
http://www.wbbm780.com/Could-Drew-Peterson-Go-Free-/5344656

 

[Angel Who Cares]

No Change Of Venue For Drew Peterson Trial
Peterson's Attorneys Also Challenge Law Permitting Hearsay Evidence
Oct 2, 2009 1:36 pm US/Central
<snipped>
Judge Stephen White said Friday that Peterson can get a fair trial in Will County on charges he killed his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Peterson's attorney, Joel Brodsky, had argued that publicity over Peterson's missing fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, as well as Savio's mysterious death, had tainted the local jury pool.

Meantime, his lawyers have also asked White to declare unconstitutional a new law &#8211; called Drew's Law &#8211; that would allow certain types of hearsay to be used in court.

White said he'd rule on that motion later Friday.

Article:
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/drew.peterson.case.2.1222862.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson case to remain in Will County
Published: 10/2/2009 1:05 PM
Updated: 10/2/2009 1:46 PM
<snipped>
A trial date has not been set, but White basically pre-empted the defense request Aug. 13 when he admonished about 240 potential jurors to avoid all Peterson media coverage.

White said he still could move the trial later after the potential jurors are individually questioned if a majority of them say they cannot be impartial.

"That's something that can always be brought up at any time," White said.

Drew Peterson's attorney Joel Brodsky makes his way into the courthouse for today's hearing. Peterson was seeking to move his trial to a more favorable location as well as testing a new law allowing hearsay evidence about what homicide victims said before their deaths to be used in court.

Article:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=326036

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Judge upholds 'Drew's Law' in Peterson case
October 2, 2009
<snipped>
A Will County judge Friday upheld a hearsay law seen as critical in the Drew Peterson case.

Judge Stephen White said the so-called Drew's Law is constitutional and can be applied retroactively.

Earlier Friday, White denied a request by Peterson's defense attorneys that the trail be moved out of Will County. Lawyers claimed the former Bolingbrook police sergeant could not get a fair trial here.

Defense attorney's and prosecutors Friday argued the constitutionality of Drew's Law, which allows some types of hearsay as evidence.

In August, Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office sought to intervene in the case because the challenge of the law raised constitutional issues.

Article:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/...Drew-Peterson-hearsay-upheld-JO100209.article

 

[Rizzy]

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/drew-pete...ard-reveals-home-personality/story?id=8733359

Drew Peterson's Stepdaughter Writing New Book About Years of Alleged Abuse
In a 'GMA' Exclusive, Lisa Ward Said 'Anything Is Possible With Him'
By SARAH NETTER and SANTINA LEUCI
Oct. 5, 2009

The stepdaughter of Drew Peterson said the years of alleged abuse at the hands of a man now accused of killing his third wife had made her realize that "anything is possible with him."

Lisa Ward, the daughter of Peterson's second wife, Vicky Connolly, alleged that the 10 years she spent under Peterson's roof were filled with physical, mental and emotional abuse that ended only when Connolly confronted him about his cheating.

"I always thought he was a jerk," Ward told, "Good Morning America" in an exclusive interview today.

*more at link*

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson's ex-stepdaughter talks
Drew Peterson's former stepdaughter is writing a new book in which she recalls alleged mental and emotional abuse.
Monday, October 05, 2009 | 2:22 PM
<snipped>
On Friday, a judge denied a change of venue request from Peterson and said statements that Kathleen Savio made before her 2004 death can be introduced as evidence against Peterson in Savio's murder.

His second wife's daughter, Lisa Ward, lived with the couple during Vicki Connolly's 10-year marriage. In her interview on "Good Morning America," Ward called Peterson, "a jerk" and said he threatened her mother's life.

"My mother suffered abuse for years and allowed it," Ward said. "I believe anything is possible."

Ward described Drew Peterson as a strict parent who punished her physically. She lived with him from age 8 to 18.

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7048630
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Drew Peterson's Stepdaughter Writing New Book About Years of Alleged Abuse
In a 'GMA' Exclusive, Lisa Ward Said 'Anything Is Possible With Him'
Oct. 5, 2009
<snipped>
Lisa Ward, the daughter of Peterson's second wife, Vicky Connolly, alleged that the 10 years she spent under Peterson's roof were filled with physical, mental and emotional abuse that ended only when Connolly confronted him about his cheating.

Ward described Peterson, who married her mother when Ward was 8, as "very strict" and controlling. Although she did not learn about the threat until after Peterson was arrested, Ward said her mother had said that he'd threatened to kill her.

Ward is now co-writing a book detailing the years of alleged abuse and bullying.

Co-author Michelle Lefort said Peterson's abuse of Ward's mother had started almost immediately.

"Within a month of being married, at that point he put a gun to her head after she informed him she would not love him more than she loved Lisa," she said.

Peterson, a former cop, was also so jealous of Ward's relationship with her biological father that he would try to thwart their visits, Ward said.

"Drew did not want me to have anything do to with my father," she said. "He wanted to be my father. He would pull my father over when he was coming into town and delay his visitation with me."

Peterson, who has gained about 20 pounds since entering prison, was in court Friday when a judge ruled that the statements Savio wrote before her death would be admissible in court.

VIDEO: Drew Peterson's Stepdaughter Speaks
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8752654

Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/drew-petersons-stepdaughter-lisa-ward-reveals-home-personality/story?id=

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson civil case can proceed
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 | 4:09 PM
<snipped>
"The judge didn't stay the case, didn't freeze the case. But he also said that Drew or indicated that Drew can take his Fifth Amendment privilege in answer to any question or any pleading," said Joel Brodsky, Peterson's attorney.

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7064866

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson won't contest judge's insurance ruling
October 15, 2009 6:20 PM
<snipped>
Former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson won't contest efforts by his homeowner's insurance company to remove itself from a wrongful death lawsuit filed against him, his attorney said today.

A Will County judge recently entered a default judgement in favor of Country Mutual Insurance Co., which underwrote Peterson's $500,000 home insurance policy, after Peterson failed to respond to its June 19 lawsuit. The company argued Peterson's insurance policy did not include coverage of intentionally-inflicted injuries and so it should not be liable for his legal bills or damages.

Article:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/peterson-wont-contest-judges-insurance-ruling.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Prosecutors gather evidence to rebut Peterson defense
October 22, 2009 4:43 PM
<snipped>
The state has subpoenaed autopsy and other reports and records from 14 counties, including Will, Cook and other collar counties on their "bathtub-related fatalities" from 2003 to 2005. A spokesman for the state's attorney's office declined comment.

The subpoenas, dated Oct. 15, read "filed under seal" but are included in public documents on the case.

Article:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/...ather-evidence-to-rebut-peterson-defense.html

 

[chicoliving]

Drew Peterson, accused of killing his third wife, sued JP Morgan Chase in federal court late Monday, accusing the bank of illegally cutting off a sizable home equity credit line.

The suit claims in May 2005, Peterson received a home equity credit line from Chase for $220,000. The credit line — which the former Bolingbrook cop now wants to use to post part of his bond, pay his attorneys and hire expert witnesses — was suspended by the bank in May 2009.

The bank cited “imprisonment” as the cause of the suspension, the suit said.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/peterson/1848923,drew-peterson-lawsuit-chase-102709.article

 

[mitzi]

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/...rror-turn-over-notes-to-peterson-lawyers.html

Prosecutors admit error, turn over notes to Peterson lawyers
November 17, 2009 12:14 PM

Acknowledging an "oversight" was made, prosecutors in the Drew Peterson murder case are handing over to defense attorneys handwritten field notes made by police during their investigation.

*snip*

On Monday, Peterson's defense attorneys filed a motion seeking sanctions against prosecutors for failing to turn over the handwritten notes.

Joel Brodsky said they noticed the notes were missing about a month ago. Prosecutors previously turned over typewritten police reports.

The handwritten notes are being scanned and will be turned over to defense attorneys by Wednesday, said Charles Pelkie, a Will county state's attorney's spokesman.

*snip*

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Peterson Lawyer: Prosecutors Withholding Evidence
Defense Lawyer Joel Brodsky Says In A Filing That He Requested Information About Police Interviews
Nov 16, 2009 3:37 pm US/Central
<snipped>
CBS 2 has learned that Peterson's attorneys are asking the judge to throw out the case.

It's the latest salvo fired by Drew Peterson's defense team, a three-page motion asks the judge to sanction the prosecution because of what the defense calls the state's failure to produce police interview and field notes.

"You have to comply with the discovery rules," CBS 2 legal analyst Irv Miller said. "You have to turn over police reports, you have to turn over notes, and there's pretty stiff sanctions if you don't."

Sources tell CBS 2 that prosecutors say the defense team has also failed to produce all of its discovery documents.

Video: Peterson Lawyer: Prosecutors Withholding Evidence
http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=64801@wbbm.dayport.com

Article:
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/Peterson.Joel.Brodsky.2.1316020.html