Good day to be in Judge Graham's court

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
July 5, 2013

Wednesday, July 3, was a good day to be in Judge Graham's court; i.e., if you were charged with DUI or with "attempted possession" of cocaine. What do you suppose "attempted possession" is?

Ronald Horst Abt, 54, got off lightly, in the opinion of some, on his 5th DUI. That's five; as in, FIVE. Count 'em... 1-2-3-4-5. His 5th DUI. Case No. 11CF000283.

Although he got slammed with $4,829.14 in fines, fees and court costs, and 180 days jail time (with one-half suspended), a bunch of charges against him were nolle prossed. Does he still have a driver's license? Valid, I mean?

Abt was represented by the law firm of Brian K. Stevens & Associates. Perhaps the Northwest Herald will do a story on Ronald Abt, all his DUIs, and other traffic violations. He has had encounters of the third kind with Huntley PD, MCSD, MCCD Police, Woodstock Police, Marengo Police, Crystal Lake Police, State Police, Bull Valley Police, Lake in the Hills Police and Cary Police.

In another case, Judge Graham accepted a misdemeanor plea bargain affecting John Jacobson, 65, who just happens to be Hebron's village president. Felony charges were dropped; conviction would have cost Jacobson his position as village president.

Jacobson eased through the criminal justice system with a $500 fine, according to the Northwest Herald article. But court records indicate Jacobson will pay $2,674 in total fine, costs and fees.

Jacobson's legal defense was handled by Donahue & Walsh. Case No. 13CF000049.

Is it any wonder that drugs are a problem in McHenry County?