The former “Empire” actor who was convicted of falsely reporting a hate crime to Chicago police in January of 2019 is petitioning the Illinois Supreme Court to hear his case.
TV actor Jussie Smollett stands before Cook County Circuit Judge Steven Watkins on March 14, 2019, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago, where he pled not guilty.Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune
Jussie Smollett departs amid a crush of cameras after a court appearance Feb. 24, 2020, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.Jussie Smollett's attorney Tina Glandian speaks to the media after a court appearance Feb. 24, 2020, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.Attorney Gloria Schmidt speaks for brothers Olabinjo Osundairo, far right, and Abimbola Osundairo after attending a court appearance for Jussie Smollett on Feb. 24, 2020.
The court, with one justice dissenting, ruled that Cook County prosecutors’ decision to drop charges did not constitute a non-prosecution agreement with Smollett. Justice Freddrenna Lyle disagreed, arguing that “Smollett gave up something of value, community service and bond forfeiture, in exchange for a nolle of the whole indictment.”