On March 30, 2016, a federal jury found in favor of Paul Washington on his malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims after six days of trial in a police shooting case.
In October of 2009, Mr. Washington was shot at 16 times by two Chicago Police Officers with the now disbanded Tactical Response Unit. Mr. Washington was hit four times, twice in the left leg, once across his lower back and once in his upper right shoulder.
The officers falsely claimed Mr. Washington had a gun, was pointing it at his neighbors, and repeatedly attempted to shoot at the Officers. The Officers claimed to have recovered a gun at the scene.
Mr. Washington was arrested and prosecuted for first degree attempted murder of a peace officer, aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful use of weapon by a felon. After serving two years and eight months, he was found not guilty of all charges at his criminal trial.
Washington was represented by PLO attorneys Joey Mogul and Janine Hoft with the assistance of PLO investigator and paralegal Brad Thomson. With only one other civilian witness other than Mr. Washington, and in spite of difficult impeaching evidence, Hoft and Mogul were able to prove that Paul Washington should have never been charged and prosecuted by the defendant police officers. Because of their efforts, Washington was finally able to obtain some measure of justice.
