Cook County inmate charged with attacking attorney

A Cook County inmate has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing and beating his assistant public defender during a jailhouse visit.

Jimmie Smith, 39, also is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of contraband in the Dec. 10 attack.

A prosecutor told a judge Thursday that Smith repeatedly stabbed his 49-year-old lawyer with a makeshift knife and punched him so hard that he lost consciousness.

The prosecutor says the attack happened after Smith went to his cell to retrieve paperwork. Authorities say when he returned, he somehow slipped out of his handcuffs and attacked the victim as he and his legal partner were leaving.

Smith chose to represent himself in court but did not speak in his defense. He is being held without bond.