Attorneys for Beavers, one of Chicago's best-known political names, asked a federal judge on Thursday to allow him to remain free on bond during the appeal of his conviction. He is currently due to turn himself in to the Bureau of Prisons December 2 to begin serving a six-month sentence for income tax evasion.
Judge James Zagel told lawyers representing the outspoken Beavers that he will issue a ruling on the motion Monday. Beavers, who goes by the self-imposed nickname of "the hog with big nuts," was not in court for the motion hearing.
Federal prosecutors vigorously opposed allowing the 78-year-old Beavers to skirt his prison sentence while an appeal is being considered. "Defendant has not come close to meeting his burden of establishing that his appeal presents a substantial question of law or fact that is likely to result in a reversal or an order for a new trial," the government stated in its reply to Beavers' motion.
According to Beavers' motion for freedom, the one-time Chicago cop-turned elected official has led an upstanding life of public service; who may well win the substantial issues raised on appeal according to his lawyers. They say Beavers poses no risk of flight or danger to the community and that the motion was not filed for purposes of delay.
At his sentencing in September, the career public official didn't say a word to the judge, saying he wasn't about to beg for mercy. Facing a prison surrender date a week from Monday, now he's begging for a little consideration.
Beavers would probably long be out of prison when his appeal is finally decided if he is made to report December 2.
