Lawyer accused of striking his client through cell bars is acquitted
A Chicago lawyer has been acquitted of misdemeanor battery, though surveillance video showed him reaching through a courthouse holding cell and striking his client in the face with an open hand.
Joseph “the Shark” Lopez was acquitted in a three-hour bench trial on Monday, report the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. According to the Tribune, Lopez is “known for his flamboyant pink socks, high-profile clients and recent guest spots on the hit show Chicago P.D.
Judge Robert Kuzas said there was reasonable doubt as to whether Lopez struck his client because he was in fear for his safety, according to the Chicago Sun-Times account.
Lopez’s lawyer, Ed Genson, portrayed the client as a thug, the stories report. “Whether there are bars or not, if that kind of man moves toward you, there is justification to strike out,” Genson said. He also noted that Lopez did not form a fist and said “it was an accident.”
The incident began with an argument over police reports, the client, Carlton Brooks, testified. Brooks wanted to see them, but Lopez said court rules barred him from turning over the reports. Instead, Lopez began reading them aloud to his client.
Brooks testified he reached for the reports in Lopez’s hand, causing them to fall to the floor. Lopez began yelling, left for a few seconds, then returned, Brooks said. “That’s when he reached through the bars and hit me in the face,” according to Brooks, who has filed suit against Lopez.
Lopez had told a sheriff’s deputy that Brooks had punched him in the shoulder, but that claim wasn’t backed up by the video, according to the Tribune report.
The prosecution argued that Lopez could have avoided the confrontation by stepping away from the bars.
Related article:
ABAJournal.com: “Chicago lawyer is charged with battery in courthouse altercation with client”
