McHenry Co. State’s Attorney opts for bench trial

McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis Bianchi has opted to have a bench trial instead of a jury of 12 for his political corruption case, which is set to begin on March 21.

“Juries are a little bit more inconsistent and can do crazy things on occasion,” said Terry Ekl, Bianchi’s defense attorney. “With a good judge and good facts on our side, often you want to take a bench trial and that’s what’s going on here.”

Winnebago County Judge Joseph McGraw will preside over the trial, which will be held in Woodstock and is expected to last about five or six days.

A grand jury in September indicted Bianchi on charges that he illegally used county resources to help bolster his re-election campaign.

His personal secretary, Joyce Synek, also was charged.

The pair have pleaded not guilty; if convicted, Bianchi could face up to five years in prison, though probation also is an option.

Both sides are due in court in McHenry County on March 9, at which time McGraw will rule on another motion by Ekl to dismiss the case.

The motion is sealed under court order.