Courtroom experts say Mike Madigan taking the stand in his own defense is risky, but could pay off.
Courtroom experts say former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan taking the stand in his corruption trial is risky, but could pay off., Michael Madigan flatly denied accusations that he used his elected position to steer business to his private law firm, and worked to distance himself from his long-time friend and co-defendant.But, courtroom experts tell the I-Team having the accused take the stand in this case is a gamble, especially with cross-examination from federal prosecutors.
"I don't think this is a Hail Mary; I think this is something that he was going to do before the trial started. I think he wanted to testify," said Damon Cheronis, a criminal defense attorney. "Cross-examination can be devastating. It can be devastating to witnesses who are telling the truth, witnesses who are lying. You have a seasoned prosecutor who gets to ask leading questions, who's been studying this case for five years now," Cheronis said."I mean, he came off as a, you know, charismatic, smart, you know, charming guy, you know. And I don't think that was theater. I think that's probably how he is.
"Speaker Madigan's life is on the line. His career is on the line. His reputation is on the line. So, he took a gamble, and we will see eventually, when the jury eventually gets the case, how they took that gamble. But it's a risk. It's a big risk. So, I was surprised to see it," former federal prosecutor Chris Hotaling said.
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