Kane County judge to hear Hall DUI case

A Kane County judge has been named to hear the DUI case against Judge David Hall.

On Tuesday, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered Kane County Circuit Judge F. Keith Brown to preside.

Brown, a 17-year veteran of the 16th Judicial Circuit, has presided over cases involving DUI, mental health and small claims.

The decision comes days after acting Lake County Chief Judge Christopher Starck said he would be unable to hear the case, or rule on any pre-trial motions in the Hall case, having petitioned for a judge outside Lake and McHenry counties.

"We are pleased that the Supreme Court was able to jump on it the way they did," Starck said.

Starck said a replacement for Hall could be named during a meeting with the 12 circuit court judges Thursday.

Circuit Judge James Booras, who was on vacation last week, is a strong candidate to be Hall's successor, he said.

However, it is unclear if Hall -- placed on administrative duties after his arrest -- will return to the bench.

"Right now we don't know," Starck said.

Ultimately, the Judicial Inquiry Board of Chicago and the Illinois Courts Commission will decide if Hall will be allowed to continue his term.

The commission will hold a public hearing to determine if Hall violated the Judicial Code of Conduct.

Potential discipline could range from suspension without pay to removal from office.

Hall, 55, of Waukegan was charged with DUI, resisting a police officer, improper lane usage and making an improper turn.

He was stopped by Vernon Hills police at 1:51 a.m. April 28 on Town Line Road near St. Mary's Road.

According to a citation, Hall refused to exit his vehicle when asked by the officer.

He then allegedly rolled his driver's-side window up and down and stiff-armed officers who attempted to place handcuffs on him.

Hall spent time in Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for heart-related problems after being allegedly being pepper-sprayed by police.