Steven G. Watkins
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
- Chicago Bar Association: Qualified
- Illinois State Bar Association: Yes
- Injustice Watch: Notable controversy
Record
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2014; a supervising judge in the Criminal Division at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago. Injustice Watch reports that Illinois State Police arrested him on a drunken driving charge in 2012 after a crash on Interstate 57, that he refused sobriety tests, and that a judge acquitted him in 2013, fined him $200 for failing to reduce speed, and ordered court supervision. In 2019 he granted prosecutors' motion to dismiss charges accusing actor Jussie Smollett of faking a hate crime against himself. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Solo practitioner in criminal defense, civil cases, and real estate law, and an arbitrator in the Cook County courts (2001-2014); earlier a partner at a small firm (1991-2000). Law degree from DePaul University (1991).
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