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Jussie Smollett’s Conviction for Hate Crime Hoax Overturned by Illinois Supreme Court

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Former 'Empire' star Jussie Smollett's conviction for staged hate crime overturned by Illinois Supreme Court, fueling fresh debate over double jeopardy.
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  • Smollett was initially charged in 2019 but avoided prosecution after forfeiting his $10,000 bond and doing community service. The case was later revived, leading to his 2021 conviction and 150-day jail sentence, which was now overturned on due process grounds.
  • Smollett's lawyer, Nenye Uche, said the ruling 'restored order to Illinois' criminal law jurisprudence,' signaling a major victory for the actor and a blow to prosecutors who pursued the high-profile case.
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Jussie Smollett, Chicago Police Department, Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Appeals Court, Empire
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