Judge denies Schaumburg man's request to suppress statements

Chad Lee Hardy admitted to Cook County prosecutors that he lacks legal expertise.

"My knowledge of the law is off of TV," the Schaumburg resident told Assistant State's Attorney Karen Crothers at a hearing Wednesday in a Rolling Meadows courtroom.

He knew enough to ask for an attorney, which Hardy, of the 400 block of Selkirk, claims he did on Dec. 20, 2007 when Schaumburg police questioned him about accusations that he sexually assaulted a child.

During a hearing to suppress statements before Judge John Scotillo, Hardy testified that he requested counsel, saying, "I want to play the lawyer card." He also testified that he asked several times to make a phone call and asked to speak to his wife.

Arguing against the suppression of his statements, Crothers produced a waiver of rights form signed by Hardy indicating he understood his right to remain silent and have a lawyer appointed to him if he could not afford one.

Schaumburg police Det. Greg Klebba testified he and a fellow detective read the defendant a statement of his Miranda rights "in its entirety." Klebba also testified that Hardy read the rights to himself and that an assistant state's attorney also read the defendant his rights, including the part, just above Hardy's signature, that reads: "I understand my rights and am willing to speak to you."

Hardy insisted he didn't read that portion because officers told him he didn't have to. He also claimed the officers told him they'd talk to prosecutors about leniency if Hardy cooperated. Klebba denied they made such an offer and stated Hardy never asked to call an attorney.

"Clearly this is an issue of credibility," said Crothers in her summation. "(Hardy) would have this court believe he was instructed by police officers to read only portions of the Miranda waiver... It's absurd. The defendant freely and voluntarily spoke to the officers."

Defense attorney Dan Morask asserted his client's credibility in his argument in favor of suppressing the statements.

"If you invoke counsel, you have the right to counsel and the questioning must cease," said Morask.

Scotillo denied defense's motion, saying the preponderance of evidence did not support Hardy's claim. Hardy remains in Cook County jail on a $1 million bond.