People v. Ferrell

Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Election Law
Citation
Case Number: 
2023 IL App (3d) 220292
Decision Date: 
Thursday, April 27, 2023
District: 
3d DIst.
Division/County: 
Will Co.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
HOLDRIDGE

The Will County State’s Attorney filed an action against defendant, who was elected as a trustee of Joliet Township, seeking an injunction barring defendant from holding office on the basis that he was ineligible due to prior convictions for drug-related felonies. The parties filed cross-motions for summary judgment and the trial court granted the State’s motion in part, holding that defendant was not eligible to hold the elected office and declaring his seat vacant. The appellate court affirmed, finding that defendant’s convictions constituted “infamous” crimes and, as a result, defendant was barred from holding office under the Election Code. The appellate court declined to address defendant’s equal protection claim because the case was resolved on non-constitutional grounds. (BRENNAN, concurring and McDADE, specially concurring)