News Archives

Terry has been busy with appearances on the WGN midday news, WGN evening news and CLTV. Terry discussed the guilty finding in the trial of ex Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge. He also touched on the ramifications of the recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court tossing Chicago’s handgun ban.

Terry appeared today on the WGN National and International News and CLTV news interpreting the United States Supreme Court decision to limit the use of the “honest services law”.

Terry also discussed the closing arguments in the Commander Jon Burge trial.

On the WGN morning news, Terry appeared to discuss further developments in the former Governor Blagojevich’s trial which continues today. Terry talked about the implications of some of the recently played tape recordings and he evaluated their impact on the case.

Terry appeared on the WGN Midday news to discuss the continuation of Commander Jon Burge’s trial. Testimony ended today and closing arguments are expected to begin tomorrow. Terry discussed the final witnesses and their creditability heading into closing agreements.  

The Supreme Court has upheld today a federal law that bars "material support" to foreign organizations even if the support is intended for lawful and nonviolent purposes.  The Court stated, however, that it did not address the resolution of more difficult cases that may arise under the statute in the future.

The Court is expected to issue later this week its decisions on the constitutionality of the Chicago gun ban and the constitutionality of the federal "honest services" statute which is the subject of Rod Blagojevich's prosecution. Stay tuned.

Terry appeared today on both the WGN morning news and CLTV. He spoke on the ex-Governor Blagojevich’s current trial as well as the new developments in the murder of Riley Fox.  

In the Riley Fox case, Scott Wayne Eby, pleaded not guilty to five counts of first degree murder and one count of predatory sexual assault. It was just uncovered that key pieces of evidence linking Eby to the murder were overlooked as charges were filed against her father in the case.

Terry also spent more time discussing the difficult decision to put a defendant on the stand in relation to Rod Blagojevich’s trial. He explained how defense attorneys must weigh the necessity of his testimony versus how he can be hurt by cross examination.

Former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge today took to the stand in his own defense. Having a defendant testify, according to Terry Sullivan, is the gravest decision both a defense attorney and his client can make. In this case, it will now become a question of if the jury believes his testimony. This also opens up Burge to severe cross examination by the prosecution.

The trial of former governor Blagojevich also continues in Chicago. Democratic Fundraiser Joe Cari was on the stand, a former fundraiser for Vice President Joe Biden. He was convicted of attempted extortion in 2004. Cari testified that if you wanted to do business in the state of Illinois you were subjected to “shakedowns”.

Terry Sullivan continues coverage of the Blagojevich trial with the WGN trial team. Terry appeared on the morning, noon and evening news as well as an on Telemundo.

The trial continues with its second full day of testimony. So far, the FBI agent who performed wire taps and Lon Monk-former chief of staff for Blagojevich have been prosecution witnesses.  

Terry’s expert legal analysis for WGN will continue for the duration of the trial.

The trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is now underway in federal court. Terry Sullivan, along with the WGN News Team was there for opening day that included the start of jury selection. Terry appeared on the noon and evening newscasts.

The trial team has assembled.  Julie Unruh, reporter; Kelly Barnicle, producer; Terry Sullivan, Legal Analyst.

The Team assembles for the start of the trial. Julie Unruh, reporter; Kelly Barnicle, producer; Terry Sullivan, Legal Analyst.

Miranda rights for suspects include the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. According to a new Supreme Court decision, in order to invoke the right to remain silent, you are going to have to speak up and say just that! Merely staying quiet does not substitute for saying it.

The ruling could mean that police will keep firing questions in the hopes you may eventually answer, allowing for a bit less restraint by the officer.  Also, with this ruling even if the right is invoked, once any question is answered, the right is waived.

However, according to Terry Sullivan, this ruling will change very little in the process. “The facts of the case decided by the Court are really unique - where the suspect remained “largely silent” for two hours, answering a few yes and no questions.  But what the Court is saying is one has to actually say: I’m not talking!”

[Note this was a 5-4 decision, in which Justice Sotomayer’s dissent said the decision “turns Miranda upside down”.]