DC Injury Attorneys Go Over Jussie Smollett Felony Case

Free Case Evaluation

Jussie Smollett Felony CaseJussie Smollett made headlines when he claimed to be the victim of a vicious hate crime in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood on Jan. 29, 2019. The Empire actor, who is openly gay, told authorities that two masked men physically attacked him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs, threw an unknown chemical liquid on him and put a noose around his neck.

Two days after the alleged attack, Chicago police released surveillance images of two people considered persons of interest in the attack. Eventually, police identified the men as brothers  Ola and Abel Osundairo, who are of Nigerian descent and one of whom was an extra on Empire and the other Smollett’s personal trainer. As a result of these findings, the investigation quickly turned from seeing Smollett as a victim to a suspect.

On Feb. 19, 2019, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced that she had recused herself because of her “familiarity with potential witnesses in the case.” On Feb. 20, Smollett was charged with a class 4 felony for filing a false police report.

Smollett surrendered to authorities early in the morning on Feb. 21, 2019.  His lawyers, Todd Pugh and Victor Henderson, were not present at the time of surrender. Smollett has also hired high-profile criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos to aid in his defense. Smollett and his legal team appeared in court later that day to face one felony count of disorderly conduct for allegedly staging the attack and for filing a false police report. The judge set Smollett’s bond at $100,000. He is expected to bond out of jail. He is due back in court March 14, when he is expected to enter his plea.

If convicted, Smollett could face up to three years in prison as well as substantial monetary fines.

At a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Smollett was “dissatisfied with his salary” on Empire and initially faked a letter using racist and homophobic language, but when that stunt failed to get attention, Johnson said that Smollett paid the two brothers $3,500 to stage the attack to get press.

In regards to his role on the FOX show, 20th Century Fox and Fox Entertainment released this statement: “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”

Additionally, the FBI is investigating the alleged hoax letter, which was sent to Empire’s Chicago studio on Jan. 22, a week before Smollett allegedly staged the attack, according to ABC7.

Legal analyst Gil Soffer also told the outlet said Smollett could also face federal charges for allegedly sending the letter. Soffer explained, “He has exposure under federal criminal law for violating a criminal statute that makes it a crime to send a letter, a hoax letter like that. He could serve up to five years in jail.”

DC Injury Attorneys

workers compensation attorneys in dc

Injury Attorneys DC, MD, VA – Get the Compensation You Deserve! Whether you have been injured in a car accident, a malpractice victim, injured on the job, as the result of shoddy craftsmanship, or in a slip and fall, we can help! Our experienced, competent attorneys excel in all areas of personal injury law.

Practice Areas 

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Our team is available and ready to help you with your case. Feel free to contact us via the form below or call us 24/7 at 202-955-4529

Recent Posts

Client Review

"The legal team at Cohen & Cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job."
Jose Rivera
Client Review

"I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side."
Lea Harvey
Client Review

Read more:

Hear from our clients

If you have been injured, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation today. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist you.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
5 STAR Reviews. We are among the best-rated firms in the areas we serve.

L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.