In a significant development shaking the legal community in Will County, Illinois, prominent criminal defense attorney Chuck Bretz has found himself on the other side of the courtroom. Bretz, known for handling high-stakes criminal defense cases, including the first-degree murder trial of Peter Zabala, is now facing two domestic violence charges. Adding immediate intrigue to his own legal battle, Bretz has retained former Will County Judge Dave Carlson to lead his defense.
Legal Turmoil for Prominent Joliet Defense Lawyer
The charges stem from an incident in October when Bretz was arrested by the Minooka Police Department. According to reports, witnesses observed Bretz allegedly using a belt to strike a 4-year-old family member in the downtown business district. This arrest occurred months before the scheduled start of a major trial Bretz was handling.
The timing of these developments is particularly noteworthy. On the very day jury selection was slated to begin for his client, Peter Zabala—who stands accused of first-degree murder in the 2018 killing and burning of Ashley Tucker—Bretz learned he was formally charged at the Grundy County Courthouse in Morris. Online court records confirmed the two counts of domestic violence against the 68-year-old Minooka resident.
Special Prosecutor Appointed
Given the potential conflicts of interest inherent when a well-known local attorney faces serious charges, Kankakee County State's Attorney Jim Rowe has been assigned as the special prosecutor in Bretz’s domestic violence case. This move ensures impartiality in the prosecution of the charges against the defense counsel.
The Defense: Hiring a Former Judge
In a strategic move reflecting the seriousness of the allegations, Bretz has enlisted the services of Dave Carlson, a former long-time Will County Judge. Carlson spent approximately a decade on the bench in Will County, during which time he presided over a substantial volume of the region’s most high-profile criminal cases. Now operating his private practice from downtown Joliet, Carlson brings significant judicial insight to Bretz’s defense team.
While Bretz will not be processed into the Grundy County Jail as an inmate, he has been issued a summons requiring his appearance in court on February 23rd. This means that while his personal legal situation develops, Bretz remains an active practitioner in the county’s legal landscape.
Impact on High-Profile Murder Trial
The fallout from Bretz’s personal legal troubles immediately impacted another major case. Will County Judge Jessica Colon-Sayre announced that the jury trial for Peter Zabala was officially removed from the court calendar. The defense team made an oral motion to continue the trial, which the court granted. The status of counsel hearing is set for January 28th, with the jury trial for the murder defendant now rescheduled for March 2, 2026.
Peter Zabala has been incarcerated in the Will County jail since his arrest in October 2018 following the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Ashley Tucker’s body, which was reportedly burned inside a barrel. The trial, which was expected to consume at least three weeks of court time, has been significantly postponed.
The Role of the Criminal Attorney in the US System
This situation underscores the critical, and sometimes complex, role of the criminal attorney in the American justice system. Criminal defense lawyers, like Bretz, are tasked with zealously defending their clients’ rights, often navigating intense public scrutiny. When these attorneys themselves face criminal allegations, the situation becomes a matter of intense public and professional interest. The hiring of an experienced former judge like Carlson signals an intent by Bretz to mount a robust defense against the domestic charges.
The legal profession demands adherence to high ethical standards. While facing charges does not equate to guilt, the appearance of impropriety can be damaging. Bretz’s prior brushes with the law, including this recent arrest stemming from witness accounts of the alleged belt incident, place his professional standing under the microscope as his defense team prepares for the Grundy County proceedings. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of both the domestic charges against Bretz and the rescheduled murder trial for his client, Peter Zabala.
