Month: September 2024

Attorney John Heiderscheidt Criticizes the Decision to Let ShotSpotter’s Contract Lapse

“It was a foolish decision to abandon Shotspotter technology, especially considering the Mayor is only now putting out an RFI to replace the technology,” said Attorney John Heiderscheidt of Subscription Lawyer. “His criticisms of the technology seem duplicitous and contradictory: if the technology is inherently bad because of surveillance, there’s no need for a replacement technology. If a replacement technology is necessary, the contract with Shotspotter should not have ended without an alternative place. This wrong decision will cost innocent victims their lives. Period.”

Attorney Heiderscheidt continued on, “The Mayor’s comparison of Shotspotter to a wasteful, walkie-talkie on a stick was the latest demonstration that he is completely unfit for the office he holds. The decision has led to near universal criticism in Chicago’s political circles. If the technology was good enough to keep party elites safe during the DNC, it is certainly good enough for all communities of Chicago. Day in and day out, this Mayor demonstrates total indifference to the well-being of regular, working-class Chicagoans and their families. Change cannot come to Chicago fast enough.” 

Data on Shotspotter can be found here: https://justicetechlab.org/shotspotter-data/

Challenging the Immigrant Crime Narrative: Insights from Recent Research

Recent discussions surrounding crime rates and immigrant populations have often been driven by fear and misconception. A study highlighted by WTTW News has brought to light a disconnect between the narrative surrounding immigrant crime and the actual data, challenging long-held beliefs.

The research emphasizes that, contrary to popular opinion, immigrants are not inherently more likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. In fact, many studies indicate that immigrant communities often experience lower crime rates. This contradiction raises questions about the narratives perpetuated in media and political

The study analyzes crime statistics and demographic information, revealing trends that suggest immigrants contribute positively to community safety and economic vitality. The findings indicate that areas with higher immigrant populations tend to have lower overall crime rates, underscoring the potential benefits of immigration.

Media portrayals often sensationalize crimes involving immigrants, creating a skewed perception. This study calls for a more nuanced understanding, urging policymakers to consider data-driven insights rather than rely on stereotypes. The implications of these findings are significant, especially in shaping immigration policy and public opinion.

Attorney Heiderscheidt Comments on P. Diddy Sex Trafficking Arrest

Given the images of law enforcement raids that we saw at Mr. Combs’ residence earlier in the spring, it should not surprise anyone that he has been indicted on certain charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering. The timing raises questions about whether there is some orchestration between the defendant himself and government authorities in a broader investigation. Time will tell.

The indictment signals that law enforcement has concluded most aspects of its investigation of Mr. Combs’ activities. It will now be for defense lawyers to use pretrial procedural tools as well as the trial system if they choose, in an effort to best help Mr. Combs address the situation so that he can avoid criminal liability totally, or, at the very least, avoid exceptionally harsh sentencing.

If you are an immigrant or citizen in the United State facing a criminal investigation or criminal charges in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lasalle or Will County, and you want to know about your rights, reach out to us at the contact tab on our website.

Attorney Heiderscheidt’s Statement on the Anniversary of 9/11:

Like virtually all Americans, I remember September 11 all too well. The horrific images of skyscrapers collapsing on innocent New Yorkers from all walks of life remain etched in my memory.

I remember the sadness, horror, and despair in people’s faces. At the start of the morning, we were a nation enjoying the longest peace dividend in modern history. By the afternoon we were a nation at war, with a then-faceless enemy.

September 11 changed the course of American and human history. But what I also distinctly remember is that Americans chose to come together and unite behind our oldest traditions and ideals In defense of our nation, our people, and our way of life. On that day we were not Republicans or Democrats, Liberals or Conservatives, far-left or far-right. We were just, Americans. Dazed, bloodied, in the fog of war, but brothers and sisters united in the instinctual need for cooperation for survival.

Twenty-three years later, we face another such moment in history. A second Cold War has reopened in Europe, and a great religious war is breaking out in the Middle East. Our dollar buys less than it ever has, and goods, services, energy, and gasoline cost more than ever before. Freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights are denigrated as potentially harmful to society.

As we navigate a world that presents unique challenges from a paradigm of multipolarity and shifting economic realities, we can best serve our own people by doubling down on our commitment to freedom, civil liberty, and the rule of law. Though the seas may remain stormy, a commitment to these principles will see us through any storm or swail as one people, under God, indivisible, to new ports of prosperity and happiness.