Kurth Lampe Press Room

Today a jury found in favor of Jacqueline Fegan and awarded her $1.553 million in damages, for her wrongful arrest. With court costs and legal fees this decision could end up costing more than $2 million.

Ms Fegan filed suit against defendants Robert Reid #17285, James Young #8883, Michael Drew #13167, Dennis Doherty #8222,  and the City of Chicago.

Ms. Fegan was a supervisor for the Traffic Management Authority under the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications. On May 18, 2006 she was arrested after she refused to rescind a parking ticket which had been issued by one of her subordinates on Officer Reid’s private vehicle. She was injured during the course of the arrest and held at the police station. No charges were filed against Ms. Fegan.

Fegan’s complaint against the police officers and the City sought damages under federal law, 42 U.S.C. 1983 for the defendant’s acts in violation of plaintiff’s rights under the Fourteenth and Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution including a federal charge conspiracy to violate her civil rights.

Craig Tobin of Tobin Petkus and Muñoz repesented the plaintiff in the case.  He was aided by Tomas Petkus and Karl Schook.

Tobin said, “This trial has been a long, arduous process for Ms. Fegan. With this decision Jackie has finally been given closure to this traumatic time of her life. She can never have back what was taken from her on that day in May of 2006. But with the conclusion to this trial Ms. Fegan and her family can begin to build a new life together.”

Tobin Petkus & Muñoz, L.L.C. is a nationally recognized litigation law firm whose attorneys are recognized in the National Bar Registry of Preeminent Attorneys. The firm has achieved unprecedented results on behalf of its clients.