Former Will County Judge Dave Carlson Defends Chuck Bretz Against Domestic Charges
On February 23, 2024, former Will County Judge Dave Carlson will represent Chuck Bretz in a domestic violence case in Grundy County. This case arose after Bretz was arrested in October by the Minooka Police for alleged battery involving a young family member. Carlson, who served nearly a decade on the Will County bench, is now in private practice in Joliet.
Background of the Case
Chuck Bretz, a prominent criminal defense attorney based in Minooka, faces serious charges related to domestic violence. He was formally charged with two counts of domestic violence on February 21, 2024, after a lengthy investigation following his October arrest.
- Age of Bretz: 68 years
- Date of arrest: October 2023
- Charges filed: February 21, 2024
- Scheduled court appearance: February 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
Details of the Incident
According to the Minooka Police Department, Bretz was allegedly seen using a belt to beat a four-year-old relative during the annual Halloween parade. While the child did not sustain serious injuries, law enforcement officials reviewed surveillance footage from the scene to confirm witness reports.
Previous Legal Troubles
This is not the first time Bretz has faced legal issues. In the summer of 2020, he was found not guilty of driving under the influence by Will County Circuit Court Judge Dave Carlson. During that incident, Bretz had been stopped for speeding and charged with DUI and obstructing a police officer.
Impact on Current Trial
Coincidentally, the day Bretz learned about his charges coincided with the scheduled jury selection for another murder defendant, Peter Zabala, in Will County Court. The murder trial has now been postponed to March 2, 2026, following a motion by Zabala’s defense team.
- Trial for Peter Zabala reset: March 2, 2026
- Reason for postponement: Oral motion granted by the court
As Bretz navigates his own legal battles, his role in the trial of Peter Zabala remains uncertain. He has yet to comment publicly on the suspension of Zabala’s trial or the new charges against him.
With his extensive experience in high-profile criminal cases, Carlson aims to mount a strong defense for Bretz as they prepare for the upcoming court hearing in Grundy County.
