Des Plaines alderman appeals verdict in trespassing case
Des Plaines Alderman Dick Sayad was in court Tuesday with his two new criminal defense attorneys to formally appeal the guilty verdict in his criminal trespassing case.
But it won't be until at least Sept. 24, Sayad's next court date, that Cook County Judge Michael Hood will decide whether to overturn his initial decision.
Hood ruled June 16 that the 4th Ward alderman was guilty of misdemeanor criminal trespass for walking into a resident's house unannounced in February. Sayad said he walked up a flight of stairs to what he believed was a second-floor apartment to discuss complaints he received for an unshoveled sidewalk.
Sayad was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision, fined $500 and ordered to pay $869 in court costs and fees.
His first attorney, James Tatooles, recommended Sayad not appeal the case. But just before a 30-day deadline in July, Sayad's new attorneys Dean and Laura Morask filed a motion to have the verdict overturned.
They said Tuesday that if the judge doesn't reverse the guilty verdict, they'll pursue a separate motion to reduce Sayad's sentence of 18 months of supervision.
The attorneys are expected to bring character witnesses to Sayad's next court appearance in hopes of reducing the sentence. A number of expected witnesses came to Sayad's trial in June, but weren't allowed to take the stand.
The judge could rule on the appeal Sept. 24, or at a later date, Sayad's attorneys said.
Once the judge renders a decision, Sayad's attorneys would have 30 days to file a notice of appeal to a state appellate court.