12-17-08: TAMARA DISCUSSES DREW PETERSON'S ENGAGEMENT & GOV. BLAGOJEVICH ON FOX CHICAGO

12-17-08: Today I visited Fox Chicago to discuss two of the country's biggest cases that happen to be right here, of all places.

First, we discussed Drew Peterson's engagement announcement. I think the guy's a total idiot.

Then, we discussed Gov. Blagojevich and his desire to talk to the media.  I don't think he should engage in any conversation with them regarding his case. None of this "I want to talk" business. 

www.xpunged.com and www.tamaraholder.com

IL GOV. BLAGOJEVICH IN FEDERAL CUSTODY: SENATE APPOINTMENT CLINCHER

Tribune photo: IL Gov. Blagojevich yesterday 12-8-08IL Governor Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody this morning.  Federal agents arrested the Governor at his home at approximately 6 am.  A complaint was filed; however, the document has not been unsealed so the charges are all speculation at this time. 

TIMING = SENATE APPOINTMENT

There is a lot of political pressure in IL right now regarding who Gov. Blagojevich will appoint to the Senate seat.  It was reported that one of his top aides agreed to wear a wiretap several weeks ago.  My speculation is that these conversations were about who Blagojevich will appoint to the Senate seat that will replace Barack Obama. The Feds needs just a little something more to get him.  This was it. Who wants to pay to play?

"Pay to play" isn't a new allegation in this administration.  Tony Rezco, one of Blagojevich's top fundraisers, was convicted by the feds earlier this year. (Obama is linked to Rezco as well, keep in mind!) Also, Blagojevich has been accused of "pay to play" in granting state contracts.

There is a reason why this arrest comes at this time.  The feds have been investigating him for years.  It must be because of Senate appoinment-related issues.

I have met with Gov. Blagojevich and some of his advisors.  I know people who deal with him.  I have never witnessed any promises being made; in fact, I have seen just the opposite. They've promised me that they'll start granting pardons (no, not mine) and he hasn't budged.  Well, maybe that's because he had other pressures! Remember, this Gov. also has about 2000 pardon petitions on his desk.  He granted ONE last year - and that was a scandal in and of itself. Understandably so...

A presser is set for this afternoon.  We'll hear the specific charges then.

www.xpunged.com and www.tamaraholder.com

Another Petition for Clemency on Gov. Blagojevich's Desk - They Keep Piling Up, He Keeps Ignoring Them

ACCORDING TO THE CHICAGOIST: Now Cleared, Logan Waits For Daley Apology

After waiting for 26 years to earn his freedom, Alton Logan has learned some patience. Which is good, because we're pretty sure he'll be waiting for a while  to get the official apology from Mayor Daley he's looking for . Daley was the State Prosecutor at the time Logan was convicted. Said Logan:

There's only one person whose mouth I want to hear that [apology] come out of, but I know he'll never say it... your mayor...He [Daley] was the man that signed the death certificate. That's the only apology I want. But I know I'll never get it.

Well, at least he's realistic. For his part, Mayor Daley claims to not even remember the Logan case, claiming, "I have no idea [whether an apology is warranted]. You know how many cases we had in the state's attorney's office?" Logan also plans to pursue an official pardon from Gov. Blagojevich which would qualify him for $200,000 in compensation.

On Thursday morning, charges against Logan, who had been in prison for 26 years for a crime another man admitted to,  were formally dropped  and Judge James Schreier  dismissed the case , saying, “Your long personal nightmare is over. Hopefully you’ll live a long life as a free man, maybe even see your White Sox in another World Series." Amen.

Tamara to Mr. Logan - DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH, You'll Be Waiting Another 26 Years For That Pardon

Only our Governor can grant Mr. Logan a pardon, even if Daley does apologize.  Unfortunately, Mr. Logan may never get the apology OR the pardon based on the fact that Gov. Blagojevich doesn't have a high rate of granting pardons.  There are about 3000 Petitions on his desk.  So far, this year, he's only granted 19.  Last year, he granted ONE!  And, there are many people who were wrongly accused and convicted, like Mr. Logan, who are still waiting for the pardon.  It doesn't make sense.  People like Mr. Logan who should have never been imprisoned should be given an automatic pardon...unless the Gov. is afraid of subjecting the state to liability on that $200,000 compensation Mr. Logan will be seeking.  And that's no reason to force a man to continue to live with a murder on his record.  

That said, since seeking a pardon is the only way a person in IL with a felony conviction can clear their record, I suggest filing the petition.  (*Exception - the select few who were given a certain type of 1410 probation - you would know if you were given that kind of sentence, trust me - can actually seek an expungement or sealing, depending on the person's entire criminal record.)

I focus a large part of my Illinois practice on Petitions for Clemency and Expungement/Sealing (pardon, commutation, reprieve) even though it's not guaranteed to be granted.  The good thing is, you can resubmit your petition a year after it's been denied; and, there is no maximum on the number of times you can submit.  Keep in mind, though, you cannot submit unless it's been denied.  

In IL, many people's cases (that 3000 number) are simply PENDING, and have been since our Governor entered office.  That's why Gov. Blagojevich should at least show some respect to the petitioners and make a decision.  Even if he denies all of them, at least the petitioners now have an answer!  C'mon Gov., make a decision - it is your JOB to perform this function of granting clemency!

 www.xpunged.com and www.tamaraholder.com