Bob Berlin & the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office's Top 10 Accomplishments of 2025
2025 proved to be an extremely busy year for public safety in DuPage County. As is tradition, we sat down with DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Berlin to talk about some of his and the office’s proudest accomplishments in the last year. Here’s what we came up with, with the accomplishments listed in no particular order:
DuPage County Bar Association Names Bob Berlin the Organization’s 2025 Lawyer of the Year
On June 6, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Berlin was presented the DuPage County Bar Association’s 2025 Lawyer of the Year Award at the 2025 President’s Ball at the Morton Arboretum. Outgoing DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA) President Karen Mills presented the award. The Lawyer of the Year is selected annually by the DCBA President in recognition of significant contributions to the health and well-being of the association and the practice of law. Outgoing President Mills specifically cited Berlin’s efforts and leadership in domestic violence and mental health cases when presenting the award.
Marsy's Law of Illinois gives Bob Berlin the Organization’s Champion of Victims' Rights Award
“Bob Berlin was instrumental to ensuring the language in the Illinois version of Marsy’s Law made sense for our state and would result in the best possible outcomes for crime victims and those who work with them,” said Jennifer Bishop Jenkins, state director for Marsy's Law for Illinois. “He and his office have continued to take a trauma-informed approach to helping victims navigate the criminal justice system including his latest innovation of adding a facility dog to his office. It is my honor to recognize DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s many years of outstanding work on behalf of crime victims with this well-deserved award. He is, indeed, a true Champion of Victims’ Rights.”
Chicago Man Convicted and Sentenced to 48 Years in Prison for Shooting Pregnant Woman in Willowbrook
A jury found an ex-Chicago man guilty of shooting a pregnant woman while she was traveling in early 2022. Lawrence Grant, 41, faces a penalty of 31 years to life in prison.
After a four-day-long trial and approximately two-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the jury found Grant guilty of one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm.
Grant appeared in bond court in February 2002, with a bond set at $2 million with 10% to apply. He has been in custody at the DuPage County Jail since then, prosecutors said.
At about 7 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2022, Willowbrook police officers responded to the scene of a crashed vehicle on Route 83 in Willowbrook. When officers arrived, they found a pregnant woman who had been shot in the back. She was transported to the hospital, where the baby was delivered while she was in surgery.
Both the baby and the mother survived, prosecutors said.
Appellate Court Affirms 36-Year Sentence In Armed Carjacking of Pregnant Woman in Downers Grove
On March 19, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced that the Third District Appellate Court of Illinois has affirmed the thirty-six-year sentence of Emanuel Embry, 25 (d.o.b. 12/28/1999) formerly of Chicago, for the armed carjacking of a pregnant woman’s car from her driveway in December 2019. In his petition seeking a new sentencing hearing, Embry claimed that the trial court considered improper factors in aggravation resulting in an excessive sentence.
In their analysis, the Appellate Court disagreed with Embry’s assertions that the thirty-six-year sentence imposed upon him was excessive. The Appellate Court noted that the Trial Court “considered the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and character of defendant. The court was aware of and discussed defendant’s youth. It took the time to consider the evidence in aggravation and mitigation, including defendant’s upbringing.” The Appellate Court further noted that “A sentence that falls within the statutory range is not an abuse of discretion unless it is manifestly disproportionate to the nature of the offense or greatly at variance with the spirit and purpose of the law” and consequently the Trial Court did not abuse its discretion as the “Defendant’s 36-year sentence was within the applicable range.”
Duo Dog Crew Celebrates One Year Anniversary at DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
September 30, 2025 was Duo Dog Crew's one year anniversary with the DuPage County State's Attorney's office. In that year, Crew has accomplished much, including:
-Crew helped obtain a guilty verdict in his first felony jury trial in January (and has since helped Assistant State's Attorneys secure more guilty verdicts in other cases);
-Crew has participated in numerous victim sensitive interviews conducted at the DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center, helping young victims remain calm and focused as they recount horrific trauma;
-Crew has brought joy and lifted the spirits of his coworkers time and time again.
Crew celebrated his anniversary with some treats (of course - every good boy gets treats), presents, and a visit from his brother, Duo Dog Captain, who works at the Kane County Children's Advocacy Center.
Bob Berlin Caps Off Human Trafficking Prevention Month With Expert Panel Appearance
On January 31, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert “Bob” Berlin sat on an expert panel discussing a range of topics related to human trafficking prevention strategies and resources. January is nationally recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Berlin was joined on the panel by former Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, and Naomi’s House Executive Director Blythe Struck.
Berlin discussed the law enforcement and prosecutorial aspects of human trafficking, specifically addressing the “Three P Paradigm;” prevention, protection of survivors, and prosecution of traffickers. The Three P Paradigm serves as the fundamental framework used in the United States and around the entire world to combat human trafficking.
The panel discussion was organized by former Lt. Governor Sanguinetti, Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole, and DuPage County’s HOPE Fair Housing Center.
Teen Charged With Attempt Terrorism In Plot to Detonate an Explosive Device in Glendale Heights Islamic Center.
On July 19, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI and Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today that a Lombard juvenile has been charged with plotting to commit an act of terror at a Glendale Heights Islamic Center. The juvenile, a sixteen-year-old male, appeared at his detention hearing this morning charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Attempt Terrorism (Class 1 Felony). Following his hearing, Judge Kishori Tank ordered he be detained until at least his next court appearance.
“An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism,” Berlin said. “The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. I am extremely proud to be part of a team of federal and local officials whose shared dedication to public safety and ability to work together toward a common goal prevented what could have been a horrible tragedy. I commend the Chicago Field Office of the FBI for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our citizens throughout the state safe.”
Bob Berlin Creates New Animal Protection Unit in the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
On June 5, 2025, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin today announced the formation of his office’s new Animal Protection Unit, which will be comprised of a dedicated team of specially trained assistant state’s attorneys focused on enhancing prosecutions of crimes committed against animals. Partnering with law enforcement agencies, DuPage County Animal Services and the community, the Unit will provide a comprehensive, focused approach to the successful prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Additionally, by recognizing the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, the Unit will also provide further legal protections for citizens who may be at risk of domestic violence.
“The creation of our new Animal Protection Unit is a significant step forward in the fight against animal cruelty in DuPage County and it aligns with growing national efforts to strengthen protections for animals and others who may reside in the home and be at risk, such as spouses, domestic partners, children or the elderly.” Berlin said.
DuPage County Celebrates 500th Drug Court Graduate
In 2025, DuPage County recently marked a milestone, with the 500th graduate from the Drug Courts program. In total, 506 people have graduated from DuPage County Drug Court.
The program got its start in 2002 to give nonviolent offenders an alternative to serving time in prison. Applicants who are accepted to the Drug Courts program plead guilty before singing a contract that outlines how they must complete the program requirements.
Approved participants have their prison sentences deferred during the program and, per their contract, will either receive a reduced charge or get their charges dismissed once they graduate the program.
Of the program's 500 graduates, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "Their success serves as a beacon of hope to others that redemption is possible and that they too can reclaim their lives from the demons of their past. We are all extremely proud of all of our graduates and wish them nothing but success as they rebuild healthier, stronger lives."
Fight Crime: Invest In Kids - Berlin Rallies Support For Childrens' Crime Prevention Programs
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin was highlighted in Fight Crime: Invest In Kids Illinois’ Summer 2025 Newsletter for his efforts and advocacy at both federal and state levels to help guarantee funding for critical crime prevention children’s programs throughout Illinois. Research has demonstrated that after-school hours, from 2-6 p.m., are a high-risk period for juvenile crime, according to the Afterschool Alliance. Fight Crime: Invest In Kids is made up of thousands of police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, and violence survivors protecting public safety by promoting solutions that steer kids away from crime. Armed with research, the more than 5,000 members make the case for solutions that cut crime and put kids on the path to productive lives. Bob Berlin proudly serves on Fight Crime: Invest In Kids’ lllinois Executive Committee.
Fight Crime members cited research showing that Head Start produces a $17,000 Return on Investment, per participant, with over 30% of the benefits relating to improved public safety… [Illinois’ budget] invests $170 million more state resources in child care assistance for low-income working families, with about half of it dedicated to Smart Start grants that help boost the compensation of chronically underpaid child care teachers. Bolstering child care was a central aim of Fight Crime for the spring session, with nearly 120 law enforcement leaders signing a letter to top state policymakers in support of [Fight Crime: Invest In Kids’] FY26 aims. Further echoing [Fight Crime: Invest In Kids’] spring-session goals, Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell Davis and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin submitted written testimony to Illinois House and Senate hearings.