Description: Chicago, Illinois criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with possessing a loaded handgun while on court-supervised release for a drug conviction.

GARY MCDONALD, 50, illegally possessed the gun on Oct. 8, 2023, in a vehicle parked in the 1000 block of Sherman Street in Joliet. McDonald had been released from federal prison in 2020 after serving time for a drug conspiracy conviction. He was to remain on court-supervised release until 2025, during which time he was not allowed to, among other things, possess a firearm or commit another federal or state crime.

After a hearing in federal court on Nov. 30, 2023, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found that McDonald violated the conditions of supervised release. Judge Blakey revoked McDonald’s release and sentenced him to an additional two years and three months in federal prison.

The government was represented at the hearing by Assistant U.S. Attorney Misty N. Wright. Valuable assistance with the supervised release prosecution was provided by the Joliet Police Department and the FBI.

“Violating supervised release by possessing a loaded firearm is a serious offense that carries with it serious consequences,” said Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute serious violations of supervised release as appropriate.”

Outcome: 10/31/2023 817 MINUTE entry before the Honorable John Robert Blakey: In person status hearing held on 10/31/2023. Defendant Gary McDonald (1) present in court on bond with the assistance of defense counsel. Defense counsel's oral motion for leave to file appearance is granted. Revocation hearing set for 11/30/2023 at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 1203. Prior to the revocation hearing, counsel shall email the Courtroom Deputy regarding the length of the hearing as well as the necessity of any live witnesses. Bond to stand by agreement pending further order of the Court. Mailed notice (gel, ) (Entered: 10/31/2023)
10/31/2023 818 ATTORNEY Appearance for defendant Gary McDonald by J Scott Marsik. (daj, ) (Entered: 10/31/2023)

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments: