Alderman Sues City of Chicago Over False DUI Arrest

On January 19, 2011, Jackowiak Law Offices filed a lawsuit on behalf of 24th Ward Alderman Sharon Dixon against three Chicago police officers who falsely accused her of driving under the influence of alcohol.

On the day of President Obama’s inauguration, Alderman Dixon spent the evening with friends in Evanston. While driving home on Sheridan Road, she was cut off by a Chicago police squad car. When Dixon attempted to discuss what happened with the officer, the officer became angry and agitated. Dixon asked for the officer’s badge number. The officer interpreted this as a challenge to her authority and started writing Dixon tickets.

When Dixon stood up for herself, the Defendant police officers decided to retaliate. They made up completely false charges that Dixon was driving under the influence of alcohol —charges that could have ruined Dixon’s career and reputation.

Alderman Dixon was handcuffed to a wall for seven hours at a police station, and deliberately paraded before the media by police officials who were eager to discredit and embarrass Dixon.

Fortunately, justice was served in September 2010, when the state’s attorneys’ office finally dropped the baseless DUI charge. This lawsuit is seeking accountability for the false and malicious charges against Alderman Dixon. 

You can read more about the case in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and watch a portion of Alderman Dixon's press conference at NBC Chicago.