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Crime & Safety

Judge Dismisses Ditka DUI Case

Case crumbled after judge disallowed much of the evidence at Dec. 10 hearing.

Felony charges for driving under the influence against were dropped today by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office after a judge that disallowed much of the evidence against the son of the former Chicago Bears’ coach, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune.

On Feb. 10, Ditka’s attorney, Robert Ritacca, successfully argued a motion before Judge Brian Hughes to have all evidence collected against Ditka, 49, of Deerfield, disallowed because the search of Ditka’s vehicle did not rise to the level of probable cause.

In that motion, Ritacca claimed there were no keys in the car’s ignition when the officer approached Ditka. “If there were no keys in the ignition it was an improper stop,” “If the stop was improper there is no case.”

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The arrest was Ditka’s fourth for DUI elevating it to a felony, according to Ritacca.

DUI charges against Mark Ditka, another Ditka son, are still pending, according to Ritacca.

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