Cook Illinois Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue Due to Co-Defendant's Prior Criminal Convictions is a legal action taken in the Cook County, Illinois jurisdiction concerning a request for a judge's disqualification and a change in the trial location due to the prior criminal convictions of a co-defendant. This motion aims to ensure a fair and impartial trial for the defendant by asserting that the presence of a co-defendant with a history of past criminal activities may prejudice the jury or influence the judge's decision-making. In the Cook Illinois legal system, there may be different types of Motions for Refusal and Change of Venue Due to Co-Defendant's Prior Criminal Convictions which could include: 1. Pre-Trial Motion for Refusal: This motion is filed by the defendant before the trial begins, requesting the judge to step down from the case due to potential bias or conflict of interest arising from the co-defendant's prior criminal convictions. The defendant argues that the judge may be influenced by the co-defendant's past behavior, leading to an unfair trial. 2. Pre-Trial Motion for Change of Venue: This motion seeks to transfer the trial to a different location within Cook County or even outside the county. The defendant argues that due to the publicity or notoriety surrounding the co-defendant's prior criminal convictions within the local community, it would be challenging to find an unbiased jury. Moving the trial to a different venue may increase the chances of securing an impartial jury. 3. Joint Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue: In cases where multiple defendants are involved, a joint motion can be made by all defendants requesting the judge's refusal and a change of venue. Each defendant argues that the co-defendant's prior criminal convictions could prejudice their defense and jeopardize their right to a fair trial. The joint motion aims to present a unified front in the pursuit of justice for each defendant. 4. Post-Trial Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue: In situations where the trial has already commenced but one or more co-defendants have been found guilty, a motion can be filed post-trial requesting the judge to recuse themselves in subsequent proceedings, such as sentence hearings or appeals. The motion may also seek a change of venue for any subsequent trials related to the case. The Cook Illinois Motion for Refusal and Change of Venue Due to Co-Defendant's Prior Criminal Convictions focuses on ensuring a fair trial by challenging the judge's impartiality and seeking a change in trial location to mitigate the potential influence of a co-defendant's previous criminal convictions.