Judge grants woman in beating case more privileges

A former Streamwood woman found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted murder and aggravated battery of her young son in 2007, will be allowed to move unsupervised within the secure grounds of the Elgin Mental Health Center, after her psychiatrist testified Wednesday that she poses no harm to herself or others.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Fecarotta granted Alicja Makowska's request for expanded privileges - including strictly supervised off-site visits - after Dr. John Meiszner testified that the 45-year-old woman has been a model patient and has complied with all court-ordered treatment. The order for expanded privileges will stand so long as Makowska continues to cooperate with her doctors, Fecarotta said.

"I'm relying on Dr. Meiszner and his treatment team to continue to monitor the defendant's treatment program," he said.

Fecarotta found Makowska not guilty by reason of insanity in April 2008 and remanded her to the Illinois Department of Human Services for treatment until Sept. 1, 2017. However, the law allows Makowska and other patients remanded to DHS for treatment to petition the court for additional privileges, including unsupervised off-ground visits or even an unconditional discharge, before their involuntary commitment terminates. The court considers all such petitions and will not grant a patient's request without un-contradicted testimony from medical personnel that the patient presents no threat to the community or to himself or herself.

Meiszner said the off-site activities Makowska will participate in are part of a re-orientation program to help long-term residents who may one day return to their communities.