In a curious turn of events, a Chicago lawyer found himself on the wrong side of the law, leading police on an unusual chase that ended with his arrest and disciplinary actions against him, as reported by the ABA Journal.
Benjamin Kesler Herrington, once a celebrated legal professional in the city, found himself in hot water after he led police on a 60-mile chase in an ambulance. A part of a series of disciplined lawyers, Herrington faced the full weight of the law as his case was reviewed by the Illinois Supreme Court. In the end, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail after pleading guilty to a charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle. This sentencing came as a result of his outrageous incident involving an ambulance in April 2022.
This event marks a far cry from the traditional means of relaxation and letting off steam that many lawyers turn to in their downtime, such as cookouts or comedy club visits. The ambulance joyride incident highlights a serious concern — the rising costs associated with ambulance rides, which can average between $224 and $2,204. Increasing public misuse of ambulances could potentially inflate these costs further, impacting the healthcare budget and the public who rely on these services.
The lesson here is an important one; legal professionals must uphold the law, both in court and in their personal lives. The transgressions of a few can cast a shadow over the profession and possibly incur greater costs on the public.
More about the incident can be read on Above the Law.