# All Charges Against Jussie Smollett Dropped. Er, updated tried and sentenced **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 26, 2019, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562 "2019-03-26T15:28:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/21 "2019-03-26T18:01:02Z")
Rahm’s pissed (or at least doing a good job of pretending to be): > [@](#): > > [After charges were dropped against “Empire” star Jussie Smollett for allegedly staging his own hate crime, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are furious with the outcome, calling it a “whitewash of justice” that cost the city more than $10,000. > > “Where is the accountability in the system? You cannot have because of a person’s position one set of rules applies to them and another set of rules apply to everyone else,” Emanuel fumed…]([Chicago PD Superintendent Eddie Johnson, Rahm Emanuel call Jussie Smollett charges being dropped 'whitewash of justice' | Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-police-superintendent-eddie-johnson-furious-at-jussie-smollett-charges-being-dropped-report)). ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/22 "2019-03-26T18:02:11Z")
I guess they felt that there was nothing to be gained by the spectacle this trial would surely be. And losing would be a _disaster_. And no city wants the feds poking their noses into the workings of it’s police department. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/23 "2019-03-26T18:02:33Z")
> [@pool](#): > > No surprise here, rich and famous people have their own special rights when it comes to the judicial system. Kind of a depressing thought, isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/24 "2019-03-26T18:09:06Z")
> [@pool](#): > > No surprise here, rich and famous people have their own special rights when it comes to the judicial system. I don’t think he’s very rich or particularly famous. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/25 "2019-03-26T18:12:45Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I don’t think he’s very rich or particularly famous. Definitely true about the “not famous” part … but apparently, Smolett’s family is well connected. He exercised what privilege he had available to exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/26 "2019-03-26T18:31:05Z")
My best guess is that the DA’s office realized as they were preparing that they couldn’t actually make the case at trial, for some reason such as critical evidence would be inadmissible at trial (hard to believe Chicago cops would illegally cut corners when getting evidence against an uppity black man, isn’t it?), or the way Illinois statutes are written means that nothing he did was actually illegal (or at least there was a strong risk that a judge would decide one of these things). Of course, the knowledge that this would be a media circus and political hotbed could certainly make the DA extra cautious, as could the argument that he was already appropriately punished by losing $10,000\* and being publicly exposed (and of course, being actually punched etc, ). It’s also possible that the DA received some extra political encouragement to be cautious, to the point of dropping what they considered a perfectly good case. You can’t believe Rahm about whether the sun is shining, so it’s quite possible he didn’t want the media attention of a trial. Finally, it’s possible there’s new information, but that seems like the third-most-likely possibility, given how minimal the DA statement was. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/27 "2019-03-26T19:05:16Z")
The angry statement from Rahm and the police superintendent make it clear that no information came out to make them think he is innocent. And Rahm is someone who has no problem throwing his police department under the bus when he wants to. It’s baffling that they were not given a hint this was going to happen beforehand. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/28 "2019-03-26T19:13:38Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > He could have given $10,000 of his own money to a bail bonder, who “temporarily” came up with the rest of it,and now presumably the bonder will want the rest of the money… No > [@](#): > > Illinois is one of 7 states in the country that has no professional bail bond companies… > > 3 Ways to Get Out of Jail… > > D-bond – This is the equivalent of a surety bond. If the court decides a secured bond is necessary to ensure the appearance of the defendant, a D-bond will be required. **The defendant must post 10 percent of the entire bail** amount and can turn to family members or friends to help raise that 10 percent. It’s also possible to use property with a D-bond. The money is paid directly to the Circuit Clerk of Court. [https://stuckinjail.com/article-post-bail-illinois-5-things-know](https://stuckinjail.com/article-post-bail-illinois-5-things-know) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/29 "2019-03-26T19:17:15Z")
I expected a plea deal with an apology and fine. I find it very surprising that no apology has been given. At least apologize for the hurt he’s caused. Mark Geragos shows again that he’s a celebrities best friend when they get in legal trouble. I bet the Feds never pursue charges for the hate letter Smollett mailed himself either. He’ll soon be back on tv like nothing ever happened. ---
**Author:** ![Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aji_de_gallina/32/260_2.png) [@Aji\_de\_Gallina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aji_de_Gallina)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/30 "2019-03-26T19:18:24Z")
Talk about having privilege. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/31 "2019-03-26T19:23:49Z")
> [@Typo\_Negative](#): > > And no city wants the feds poking their noses into the workings of it’s police department. [Too late](https://www.npr.org/2019/03/01/699439896/the-consent-decree-will-make-us-better-federal-oversight-of-chicago-police-begin). The issues with Chicago PD go back further than Smollett. Hell, they go back further than Laquan McDonald. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/32 "2019-03-26T19:27:03Z")
You can take Chicago fearing a media circus of a trial off the table. Chicago doesn’t mind those. Former governors, current governors, aldermen, actors, singers, Chicago tries em all. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/33 "2019-03-26T19:34:42Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > You can take Chicago fearing a media circus of a trial off the table. Chicago doesn’t mind those. Former governors, current governors, aldermen, actors, singers, Chicago tries em all. Doesn’t mean much. It’s less a who than a what. This isn’t a political corruption trial or alleged sexual assault by celebrities, it’s a socially charged hate crime (or false hate crime) fiasco with little positive potential outcome. At best you say you made an example out of the guy by giving him a fine and having him pick up some litter. I’m not even saying that he shouldn’t be made into an example but it’s easy to see where the state attorney’s office decided they just wanted to finish this up with minimal fuss. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/34 "2019-03-26T19:45:23Z")
The entire case seemed to hinge on the Osundairo brothers testimony. The video surveillance the cops discovered was supporting evidence. I’d guess the DA felt their testimony could be impeached. Or perhaps they’re loyalties to the prosecution may have shifted? $$$$$, Just some speculation. But, I think they’re the key reason charges were suddenly dropped. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/35 "2019-03-26T20:06:44Z")
I never thought this guy was going to see serious jail time (I actually thought he’d get probation), but ALL charges dropped? That’s insane. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/36 "2019-03-26T20:10:32Z")
I thought probation and community service were reasonable. So now they think forfeiting his bond and non-existent community service is sufficient punishment. He’s obviously not innocent or he wouldn’t have forfeited the bond. Something stinks here. This case smelled bad right from the beginning and the odor is getting worse. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/37 "2019-03-26T20:11:22Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I expected a plea deal with an apology and fine. I find it very surprising that no apology has been given. At least apologize for the hurt he’s caused. Based on what I’ve read, he never admitted guilt and that’s what an apology amounts to. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/38 "2019-03-26T21:06:52Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > Doesn’t mean much. It’s less a who than a what. This isn’t a political corruption trial or alleged sexual assault by celebrities, it’s a socially charged hate crime (or false hate crime) fiasco with little positive potential outcome. Making false reports to the police is a serious problem. The legal system needs to make it clear to people that this will have negative consequences to them. And this is the biggest false report to the police story in a long time. What do Dopers see as the economic consequences for Smollett? To what extent will he be blacklisted by the entertainment industry? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/39 "2019-03-26T21:13:55Z")
To be honest, I really don’t give a shit that he’s getting off scot free. I do hate that some will use this to say that the Democrats are “the evil”. I’m already seeing the butt hurt on my FB feed. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2019, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562/40 "2019-03-26T21:21:15Z")
The Foxx (fix) is in. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-charges-against-jussie-smollett-dropped-er-updated-tried-and-sentenced/831562.md?page=3)