Officials: Accused judge's case will be tough
Officials may have to look outside Lake County to find a prosecutor to handle the case against Chief Circuit Judge David Hall.
One day after Hall's weekend DUI arrest was announced, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said his office would face a severe ethical challenge.
"We are talking about a man who has practiced law and been a judge in Lake County his entire career," Waller said. "We will have to have some discussions as to how the best way to proceed in this case will be."
Already, the Illinois Office of Court Administration has been asked to assign a judge from outside Lake County to Hall's case, given the obvious relationships between a man who has been on the bench since 1989 and any local judge.
Hall, 55, of Waukegan, was arrested at 1:45 a.m. Saturday during a traffic stop on Route 60. He is charged with violating Vernon Hills local ordinances against driving under the influence, interfering with a police officer, improper lane use and failure to yield at an intersection.
His attorney, Mark Belokon, claims the judge was pepper-sprayed after an officer ordered him twice to get out of his car. Belokon said he is awaiting video and audiotapes of the arrest as he prepares Hall's defense.
Hall was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville following the arrest, where he was treated for an irregular heartbeat and released about 5 p.m. Saturday.
Police have released no other information about the arrest or its circumstances.
Hall's first court appearance is scheduled for May 21.
Waukegan attorney Hal Weiner, who is Vernon Hills' prosecuting attorney, would normally handle such cases.
However, Waller said Weiner could be in conflict as well, given the legal profession's ethical restraints.
A woman who answered the phone in Weiner's office said he was unavailable for comment.
In the past, prosecutors from outside the county, the state attorney general's office and the state appellate prosecutor's office have been assigned to handle cases where local lawyers have a conflict.
Hall may also face an investigation by the state Judicial Inquiry Board, which can recommend a hearing before the Illinois Court Commission that could lead to sanctions.
The last Lake County judge disciplined through that process was former Circuit Judge John Goshgarian, who was suspended for 90 days in 1998 for a series of outbursts against court personnel.
Hall has been placed on leave from his chief judge responsibilities and assigned administrative duties. He remained upbeat Tuesday.
"I am staying positive and hoping for the best," he said. "I am not dead, and in my family that is what counts, and we will just have to see how things work out."
His colleagues offered emotional support as well.
"He is a great guy, and we are all very sad that this has happened," Associate Judge Charles Johnson said. "Our prayers are with him and his family."