Des Plaines attorney pleads guilty to theft, deceptive practices

A Des Plaines attorney who prosecutors say bilked an associate out of $50,000 pleaded guilty to theft and deceptive practices on Thursday, authorities said.

Michael Skoubis, 48, was sentenced to four years probation, 30 days in the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program and restitution to be paid at a rate of $1,000 per month, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Department.

Between January and March 2009, Skoubis wrote the victim three checks on a closed account. Unable to settle the matter with Skoubis, the victim contacted the sheriff’s police.

Skoubis, who specializes in divorce cases, has practiced law for nearly 25 years, authorities said. At the time of his 2010 arrest, he had 10 complaints pending by clients who claimed they paid Skoubis for legal work he did not perform, authorities said.