Judges Drew Peterson Could Face

The Joliet Herald News reported this morning that lawyers in the Drew Peterson murder case are squabbling over the naming of a new Will County judge to hear the case. Judge Richard Schoenstedt is the presiding judge over criminal felonies, and was expected to keep the case for himself. But not anymore.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow filed a motion for Substitution of Judge (SOJ) against Schoenstedt claiming “prejudice against the state.” Schoenstedt had previously dismissed felony weapons’ charges against Peterson last November because Glasgow’s office had not provided Peterson’s attorneys with discovery that included internal documents between the Illinois State Police and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Chief Judge Gerald Kinney most likely will hear the arguments for SOJ. If granted, Kinney will make the assignment or keep the case for himself.

Given the media spectacle that the Drew Peterson Trial will become, who are some of the other judges currently on the criminal felony call in Joliet? In alphabetical order, they are:

Amy Bertani-Tomczak

A former Assistant State’s Attorney, former presiding judge of the Civil Law call, and wife of Jeff Tomczak, the man whom Glasgow defeated in 2004 to become the State’s Attorney.

Bertani-Tomzak recently sentenced a Joliet man to a maximum sentence 60 years in prison for fatally stabbing a woman 20 years ago. This cold case was revived after new DNA evidence became available.

Elected as a Republican; Retained twice.

Edward Burmila

A former State’s Attorney whom lost re-election to Glasgow in 1994. Judge Burmila’s knowledge of criminal procedure is very solid despite years in private practice.

Appointed as an Associate Judge. Burmila is a Republican.

Carla Policandriotes

As a private attorney, Policandriotes was a family lawyer. When she was elected to the bench, she was assigned to the criminal call and remains there. She currently manages all Drug Court referrals.

Elected as a Republican; Retained once.

Daniel Rozak

A former public defender that runs a solid felony call, Rozak is as tough on prosecutors as he is on defendants. Judge Rozak, as a condition of probation for a man pleading guilty of animal cruelty, forbid the defendant to own a pet “up to, and including, a goldfish.”

Elected as a Republican; Retained twice.

Stephen White

The former Chief Judge until last fall, White spent his time as a prosecutor before assuming the bench. His retirement will trigger a sub-circuit election in New Lenox, Frankfort and Homer Glen townships.

Elected as a Republican; Retained twice.

This article is cross-posted at Illinoiw Review.

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