On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a complaint against attorney Thomas Earl Hildebrand, Jr., alleging various acts of misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Thomas Earl Hilderbrand, Jr,” with case number 2024PR00068.
According to the complaint, on April 6, 2022, the Greene County State’s Attorney filed an amended information against C.C., charging him with aggravated battery and mob action. Hildebrand later agreed to represent C.C. in this case for a flat fee of $3,000, paid by C.C.’s aunt, A.P.
The complaint further alleges that on September 22, 2022, the State’s Attorney filed additional charges against C.C. for three counts of aggravated driving under the influence involving a motor vehicle crash that resulted in a death. Hildebrand agreed to represent C.C. in this new case as well, with the original $3,000 fee covering both matters.
The complaint accuses Hildebrand of making false statements to C.C.’s mother and to Judge Zachary Schmidt regarding his knowledge of the sentencing hearing scheduled for April 28, 2023. Hildebrand allegedly claimed he was unaware of the hearing, when in fact he had received the court’s order setting the date. Hildebrand also failed to appear at the scheduled hearing or file a motion to continue.
In a separate matter, the complaint alleges that Hildebrand failed to diligently pursue a personal injury case for client B.D. against a casino. Hildebrand filed the lawsuit but did not serve the defendant, leading the court to dismiss the case for lack of activity. Hildebrand allegedly failed to inform B.D. of the dismissal.
The Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has requested that the matter be assigned to a Hearing Board, which will make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation for any appropriate discipline against Hildebrand.
According to Avvo, Mr. Hildebrand is a criminal defense lawyer in Alton, Illinois. He obtained his law license in Illinois in 1976.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
