EDWARDSVILLE - Chicago lawyer Meanith Huon cried tears of relief Thursday after a jury acquitted him of two counts of criminal sexual assault of a former Carlinville woman.
"I just want to thank my lawyers. I want to thank God," Huon, 40, told reporters after the verdict.
The case went to the jury in Madison County Circuit Court about 2 p.m. Thursday, and the verdict came back shortly after 4 p.m.
The defense presented little evidence but spent much of the court time cross-examining witnesses, including the alleged victim, in an effort to cast doubt on her story.
The alleged victim, 28, returned to the Madison County Courthouse after the verdict came in. She appeared angry but declined to comment.
She claimed she met Huon in St. Louis as part of a job interview for a promotional job, and he forced her into two different sex acts while they were driving north on Interstate 55.
The woman testified she would place ads on the Craig's List website and was contacted by Huon for a promotional job interview. However, they ended up drinking for several hours in downtown St. Louis bars before she got into his car, apparently to go meet co-workers.
Defense lawyers Michael J. Mettes and N. Scott Rosenblum claimed the woman lied repeatedly. They said the meeting turned into a social occasion, and the alleged victim attempted to extort money from the defendant.
They claimed she became angry when he would not pay and made up a "rape" story to get back at Huon. They did not call Huon to the stand to corroborate that theory.
In cross-examining the woman and police, the defense attorneys emphasized certain things she said on the witness stand that did not appear in police reports or were at odds with previous statements.
The woman cried repeatedly during her testimony, but the inconsistencies brought out in cross-examination apparently were enough to raise doubts in the minds of the jurors.
Madison County State's Attorney William Mudge said he thought the state put on a good case.
"We're disappointed. This happens from time to time," Mudge said. "We thought the victim was credible, but obviously, the jury had doubts."
Mudge and Rosenblum both praised Assistant State's Attorneys Chris Hoell and Amy Chapman for their efforts.
Rosenblum said Huon is anxious to get back to work as a personal injury lawyer.
"Obviously, we're very relieved. This has been a very difficult ordeal for Meanith for the past two years. Certainly, he is anxious to get back to his life as he knew it," Rosenblum said.
However, Huon still faces charges of harassment of a witness and cyber stalking.
He allegedly contacted the victim in 2008 via the Internet and communicated indirectly with her in such a way as to cause her emotional distress.
Huon also was accused of maintaining a website to harass the victim and her immediate family.
He was charged with those offenses in 2009 while he was free on $10,000 cash bond on the original charges. He also posted $7,500 cash bond on the 2009 charges and has been free on bond since then.
On the website, Huon professed love for the victim and suggested they get married, according to a transcript on filed in court documents.
Mudge said his office has not decided on how to proceed on those charges. He said he would confer with the assistant state's attorneys on the matter.
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Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Chicago Accident Lawyers For Automobiles
Automobiles can cause grave accidents leading to serious injuries. A large percentage of auto accidents are caused by negligence and recklessness of drivers. Intoxication and drug influenced drivers are some of its causes.. A number are caused by poorly designed roads and improper traffic signals. Defective vehicle or tire is also one of the causes.
In times of auto accidents, it is important to know how to respond in order to safeguard your rights and to make sure that you do not commit errors that can finish up costing you a sum. You Chicago accident lawyers can help you with this.
You should take some measures to keep in control of the situation.. When involved in an auto accident, do not leave the premises because it is against the law and it will be difficult to determine who is to be held liable for the accident. Get medical attendance right away. If there is already a police, make an official report to help protect your legal rights in the future. In addition, you can also write down important details such as the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers and addresses of the persons involved or who has witnessed the accident. If possible, you can take pictures of the auto accident scene. Never discuss the accident with any other persons but your Chicago accident lawyers for automobiles.
Auto accidents occur more frequently in this time period. The consequence varies. Majority results are minor property claims. Some car accidents result in significant property damage, serious personal injury or death. The instantaneous consequences of a serious auto accident are simply seriously affected by the barrage of telephone calls, insurance paperwork, accident reports, treatment costs, medical bills, paperwork and other correspondence that are received immediately after an auto accident.
It is almost unworkable for someone who has been severely injured and in the process of recovering to dig into this mass of paperwork, procedures and deadlines. Most of the time, while victims are under treatment for their injuries, the insurance companies are trying to mitigate their damages through personal injury payout or auto accident settlement. As a result of these instantaneous aftermaths, car accident victims do not receive reasonable compensation to which they are entitled.
Personal injuries can range from minor to critical state. As a result, this involves hospitalization, therapy, ongoing medical visits and loss of income. Thesematters can be recovered through the assistance of skilled auto accident lawyers. Insurance companies usually defend accident cases. Their goal is to make and accumulate as much money as possible. On the other hand, an experienced auto accident lawyer uses his knowledge and expertise for the client’s benefit. Chicago accident lawyers (auto) are the most credible persons to advice you of your legal rights and options and defend you in your legal battles. The earlier you get the services of an auto accident lawyer in order to be enlightened, the greater the assurance you get from the get.
If you are looking for the best Chicago Accident Lawyer, you can read reviews from people who were able to avail of their services before you. This way, you will be able to learn from their experiences. If you are looking for the best service, go here: Chicago Accident Lawyer
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In times of auto accidents, it is important to know how to respond in order to safeguard your rights and to make sure that you do not commit errors that can finish up costing you a sum. You Chicago accident lawyers can help you with this.
You should take some measures to keep in control of the situation.. When involved in an auto accident, do not leave the premises because it is against the law and it will be difficult to determine who is to be held liable for the accident. Get medical attendance right away. If there is already a police, make an official report to help protect your legal rights in the future. In addition, you can also write down important details such as the names, phone numbers, license plate numbers and addresses of the persons involved or who has witnessed the accident. If possible, you can take pictures of the auto accident scene. Never discuss the accident with any other persons but your Chicago accident lawyers for automobiles.
Auto accidents occur more frequently in this time period. The consequence varies. Majority results are minor property claims. Some car accidents result in significant property damage, serious personal injury or death. The instantaneous consequences of a serious auto accident are simply seriously affected by the barrage of telephone calls, insurance paperwork, accident reports, treatment costs, medical bills, paperwork and other correspondence that are received immediately after an auto accident.
It is almost unworkable for someone who has been severely injured and in the process of recovering to dig into this mass of paperwork, procedures and deadlines. Most of the time, while victims are under treatment for their injuries, the insurance companies are trying to mitigate their damages through personal injury payout or auto accident settlement. As a result of these instantaneous aftermaths, car accident victims do not receive reasonable compensation to which they are entitled.
Personal injuries can range from minor to critical state. As a result, this involves hospitalization, therapy, ongoing medical visits and loss of income. Thesematters can be recovered through the assistance of skilled auto accident lawyers. Insurance companies usually defend accident cases. Their goal is to make and accumulate as much money as possible. On the other hand, an experienced auto accident lawyer uses his knowledge and expertise for the client’s benefit. Chicago accident lawyers (auto) are the most credible persons to advice you of your legal rights and options and defend you in your legal battles. The earlier you get the services of an auto accident lawyer in order to be enlightened, the greater the assurance you get from the get.
If you are looking for the best Chicago Accident Lawyer, you can read reviews from people who were able to avail of their services before you. This way, you will be able to learn from their experiences. If you are looking for the best service, go here: Chicago Accident Lawyer
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Thursday, July 15, 2010
Strippers are flocking to Matthew Blit for sexual harassment lawsuits
Matthew Blit is a young Manhattan lawyer who's as popular with some New York strip club employees as big spenders with cash to burn in the Champagne room.
He's no skin-joint regular - just an employment-law specialist whose stream of splashy sexual harassment suits on behalf of workers from Scores, Sapphire and the Penthouse Executive Club has made him the go-to guy for lap dance lovelies.
"I'm the only guy in New York who's allowed to have strippers in the office," Blit joked. "It's business."
A married father of a 2-year-old boy, Blit has quickly become a favorite of topless dancers and cocktail waitresses who say they've been abused by strip club bosses.
"The guys who run these places can't control themselves," he said. "They're around beautiful naked women all night, but they don't understand they have to keep the hands off."
Blit estimates that 10% of his cases target the so-called gentlemen's clubs.
He has tangled repeatedly with Scores, worked on a class-action case against Sapphire on E. 60th St. and secured settlements against clubs in Las Vegas and Chicago.
Clients include Ruth Fowler, a former Scores dancer who chronicled strip club shenanigans in the book "No Man's Land."
The British beauty's $5 million suit against the W. 28th St. flesh palace, grinding its way through Manhattan Federal Court, alleges she was groped and forced into sex acts by club managers and smacked in the face with a sizzling steak.
"I find it fascinating the way they're managing to pin down Scores," said Fowler, branded by club lawyers as a flirt who was "frequently topless."
Blit also represents Francis Vargas, a former waitress who sued Scores in state court in 2007, charging workers smacked her rear end, told her to act like a "dumb blond" and offered her $500 for oral sex.
This month, he came to the defense of Nicole Hughes, a former Penthouse stripper who sued when she turned up on a Scores billboard.
A spokeswoman for Scores - whose owner, real estate honcho Robert Gans, also owns the Penthouse club - did not return calls.
In court papers, lawyers for the jiggle joints have rejected the women's claims and said any sex acts were consensual.
"That's typical," Blit said.
The 35-year-old attorney got his start working on personal injury and construction cases. Through word of mouth, he has carved out a chunk of his practice just for strip club cases.
"This is exactly what I always wanted to do," said the Brooklyn native, who started Levine & Blit in 2004 with veteran lawyer Leslie Levine.
His wife, he said, is "very understanding" of his attractive client base, though he added some of his professors from St.John's might not be.
"I'm sure the nuns wouldn't approve of what my clients are doing," said Blit, who went to St. John's as an undergrad and for law school. "Nor would they approve of what management is doing."
Source
He's no skin-joint regular - just an employment-law specialist whose stream of splashy sexual harassment suits on behalf of workers from Scores, Sapphire and the Penthouse Executive Club has made him the go-to guy for lap dance lovelies.
"I'm the only guy in New York who's allowed to have strippers in the office," Blit joked. "It's business."
A married father of a 2-year-old boy, Blit has quickly become a favorite of topless dancers and cocktail waitresses who say they've been abused by strip club bosses.
"The guys who run these places can't control themselves," he said. "They're around beautiful naked women all night, but they don't understand they have to keep the hands off."
Blit estimates that 10% of his cases target the so-called gentlemen's clubs.
He has tangled repeatedly with Scores, worked on a class-action case against Sapphire on E. 60th St. and secured settlements against clubs in Las Vegas and Chicago.
Clients include Ruth Fowler, a former Scores dancer who chronicled strip club shenanigans in the book "No Man's Land."
The British beauty's $5 million suit against the W. 28th St. flesh palace, grinding its way through Manhattan Federal Court, alleges she was groped and forced into sex acts by club managers and smacked in the face with a sizzling steak.
"I find it fascinating the way they're managing to pin down Scores," said Fowler, branded by club lawyers as a flirt who was "frequently topless."
Blit also represents Francis Vargas, a former waitress who sued Scores in state court in 2007, charging workers smacked her rear end, told her to act like a "dumb blond" and offered her $500 for oral sex.
This month, he came to the defense of Nicole Hughes, a former Penthouse stripper who sued when she turned up on a Scores billboard.
A spokeswoman for Scores - whose owner, real estate honcho Robert Gans, also owns the Penthouse club - did not return calls.
In court papers, lawyers for the jiggle joints have rejected the women's claims and said any sex acts were consensual.
"That's typical," Blit said.
The 35-year-old attorney got his start working on personal injury and construction cases. Through word of mouth, he has carved out a chunk of his practice just for strip club cases.
"This is exactly what I always wanted to do," said the Brooklyn native, who started Levine & Blit in 2004 with veteran lawyer Leslie Levine.
His wife, he said, is "very understanding" of his attractive client base, though he added some of his professors from St.John's might not be.
"I'm sure the nuns wouldn't approve of what my clients are doing," said Blit, who went to St. John's as an undergrad and for law school. "Nor would they approve of what management is doing."
Source
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Illinois Supreme Court strikes down medical malpractice caps
The much-anticipated ruling, which challenged the constitutionality of damage caps for doctors and hospitals, is being watched closely by the health care industry and employers that see caps on damages as a way to tame rising health care costs.
The ruling could figure in the national health care debate of stalled health care legislation. In the U.S. Senate where Republicans have opposed health care reform, the GOP has been vocal about the need for tort reform and caps on damages.
State lawmakers in 2005 passed legislation, which was signed into law by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, that established caps on noneconomic damages of $500,000 in cases against doctors and $1 million against hospitals. Illinois followed other states, such as California, that capped damages years ago.
But Justices said they were not persuaded by arguments used in other states. "That ‘everybody is doing it," is hardly a litmus test for the constitutionality of the statute," the court said.
They also said they were not moved by health care reform efforts in Washington, saying the "Obama administration's health care reform efforts are not the backdrop against which we have decided the constitutionality."
The law came after more than two years of political battle in Springfield between trial lawyers and providers of medical care and their insurers. Doctors blamed the lack of malpractice reform for an exodus of physicians from the state, particularly neurosurgeons and obstetricians who had higher insurance premiums.
"Illinois' unbearable medical litigation crisis forced me to actively look outside of this state to practice medicine," Dr. Andrew Roth, an obstetrician practicing in suburban Lombard, said in 2005 after the legislation became law. "The signing of this legislation allows me to stay and take care of my patients."
Though state lawmakers took steps to ensure the law would not be struck down by narrowing the scope of the legislation, doctors and hospitals have been worried about how the Supreme Court would rule.
Twice before in state history, Illinois lawmakers have adopted caps, and both times the Supreme Court eventually nixed them.
The case before the high court comes on appeal from Cook County Circuit Court. In 2007, Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Larsen decided that caps on malpractice awards violated the Illinois Constitution's "separation of powers" clause, in effect ruling that the state Legislature can't interfere with the right of juries and judges to determine fair damages. Larsen's ruling falls in line with a 1997 Illinois Supreme Court decision that overturned a 1995 law implementing caps on personal-injury cases.
The first case to test the law was that of Abigaile LeBron, a 13-month-old girl who suffered a severe brain injury during birth at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Chicago high-rise blaze left firefighter, resident injured
Legal News for Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys. Firefighter and resident injured in high-rise blaze.
Chicago high-rise condominium blaze left veteran firefighter in critical condition.
Chicago, IL—It is believed that a veteran firefighter that reportedly collapsed while battling a blaze in a high-rise condominium on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2010, may have suffered a heart attack, according to information provided by the Chicago Breaking News Center. It was reported that firefighters were dispatched to the fiery scene at 10:40 a.m. where they encountered heavy smoke coming from the 12th floor of the Lakeview high-rise building. Five ambulances also responded to the blaze as a reported safety precaution.
The inferno was located in a 24-story building at 3950 N. Lake Shore Drive and was allegedly under control by fire department firefighters at 11:50 a.m. Fire Department officials allegedly stated that the blaze may have been caused by a microwave electrical cord in a condominium on the 12th floor of the building. Residents on the 12th floor and several floors above it were reportedly evacuated by responding firefighters. The woman who lived in the apartment in which the inferno began was allegedly at work at the time of the blaze and was informed of the incident by her daughter.
Chicago high-rise condominium blaze left veteran firefighter in critical condition.
Chicago, IL—It is believed that a veteran firefighter that reportedly collapsed while battling a blaze in a high-rise condominium on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2010, may have suffered a heart attack, according to information provided by the Chicago Breaking News Center. It was reported that firefighters were dispatched to the fiery scene at 10:40 a.m. where they encountered heavy smoke coming from the 12th floor of the Lakeview high-rise building. Five ambulances also responded to the blaze as a reported safety precaution.
The inferno was located in a 24-story building at 3950 N. Lake Shore Drive and was allegedly under control by fire department firefighters at 11:50 a.m. Fire Department officials allegedly stated that the blaze may have been caused by a microwave electrical cord in a condominium on the 12th floor of the building. Residents on the 12th floor and several floors above it were reportedly evacuated by responding firefighters. The woman who lived in the apartment in which the inferno began was allegedly at work at the time of the blaze and was informed of the incident by her daughter.
A resident that reported the condominium blaze allegedly suffered smoke inhalation in the inferno and was transported by emergency medical services (EMS) professionals to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical center in serious condition. By late Tuesday afternoon, hospital personnel reportedly listed the injured resident, who was also a retired firefighter, in fair condition. Also injured in the blaze was 50-year-old Lt. Tom Carbonneau, who was battling the fire when he collapsed at the scene. Medical personnel at the scene used an automated CPR machine on him at the scene of the inferno before he was transported to Illinois Masonic as well. Carbonneau’s condition has allegedly been alleviated to a certain degree after initially being listed in critical condition upon his arrival at the medical center. Though it is suspected that the firefighter collapsed after suffering a heart attack, the cause is still reportedly questionable. Investigations are underway.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Six hospitalized after crash on I-290, driver arrested
Legal News for Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys. Six hospitalized after car flipped on Eisenhower Expressway.
Illinois personal injury lawyer alerts- Illinois State Police investigate crash on Eisenhower Expressway that hospitalized six.
Chicago, IL—Six passengers in a van occupied by eight were transported to the hospital after their vehicle flipped on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) early Monday, January 18, 2010. The driver and one other passenger allegedly attempted to flee the crash scene, but were both detained by responding police officers, reported the Sun-Times Media Wire. The van was allegedly traveling on the outbound I-290 on the West Side near Cicero Avenue when the van overturned for unknown reasons. Once the van came to a rest, the unidentified 19-year-old driver and one of the passengers tried to escape police apprehension, though they were arrested soon after.
Emergency medical services (EMS) crews allegedly responded to the scene after receiving a call for a separate crash at 2:22 a.m., also on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway. The accident allegedly called for an EMS Plan 1, which automatically dispatches five ambulances to the scene of the accident reported. Three of the vehicles passengers were allegedly transported to Mount Sinai Hospital along with three others who were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. The six passengers reportedly suffered injuries ranging from serious to critical, though non-life threatening.
Illinois personal injury lawyer alerts- Illinois State Police investigate crash on Eisenhower Expressway that hospitalized six.
Chicago, IL—Six passengers in a van occupied by eight were transported to the hospital after their vehicle flipped on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) early Monday, January 18, 2010. The driver and one other passenger allegedly attempted to flee the crash scene, but were both detained by responding police officers, reported the Sun-Times Media Wire. The van was allegedly traveling on the outbound I-290 on the West Side near Cicero Avenue when the van overturned for unknown reasons. Once the van came to a rest, the unidentified 19-year-old driver and one of the passengers tried to escape police apprehension, though they were arrested soon after.
Emergency medical services (EMS) crews allegedly responded to the scene after receiving a call for a separate crash at 2:22 a.m., also on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway. The accident allegedly called for an EMS Plan 1, which automatically dispatches five ambulances to the scene of the accident reported. Three of the vehicles passengers were allegedly transported to Mount Sinai Hospital along with three others who were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. The six passengers reportedly suffered injuries ranging from serious to critical, though non-life threatening.
The driver of the van was arrested pending charges, which include DUI and two counts of child endangerment (since two minors were in the van at the time of the wreck). Illinois State Police continue to investigate.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Attorney General sues woman over legal work without a license
Legal news for Kansas general litigation attorneys. A woman is being sued for practicing law without a license. Kansas Attorney General filed a lawsuit against a woman who was giving legal advice without a license. Wichita, KSThe Kansas Attorney General Office filed a lawsuit against a woman who allegedly was providing legal advice, even though she is not a lawyer. The lawsuit was filed last week in Sedgwick County District Court, as reported by The Wichita Eagle. The defendant, Joan Heffington, who runs the Association for Honest Attorneys and has a Web site, is facing a lawsuit filed by the Attorney Generals Office, which claims she is practicing law without a license. The Attorney General alleges Heffington has helped laypeople file lawsuits and complaints against the Kansas district court and state agencies in the federal court. She has also sent demand letters to private businesses. On Heffingtons Web site for her non-profit association, she states her board members are herself, disbarred Wichita attorney, Cortland Berry, and God. Heffington also claims she has degrees in criminal justice from Wichita State, and worked as a former traffic investigator and home builder. The lawsuit contends that Heffington publicizes that she helps people in filing lawsuits, which is a violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit is asking the state to fine her $10,000 for each violation of the Consumer Protection Act, which could reach up to $75,000.00 Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Kansas general litigation lawyers.
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