(Lake County, IL) On Thursday, August 4, 2022, a jury trial concluded in the Lake County Courthouse with two “guilty” verdicts. 

Giovanni Smith, 33, was convicted of one count of Armed Habitual Criminal, a Class X felony, and one count of Unlawful Use of Weapon by Felon, a Class 2 felony. Smith was present throughout the trial but did not return to court for the reading of the verdict. A no bond warrant is currently outstanding for the defendant’s arrest.  

The jury trial began on August 2, 2022, lasting three days. Jurors heard from different state witnesses, including law enforcement and a witness who called 911.  The defendant did not testify.  

On July 4, 2021, around 7:30 p.m., North Chicago Police responded to a report of someone with a gun. According to the 911 call, a person jumped out of a car in North Chicago with a handgun and chased an individual down the street. North Chicago officers located the defendant minutes later and the gun was recovered in the center console of the vehicle Smith was driving.  

Smith was originally held on a $100,000 bond. A bond review hearing was requested by the defense and bond was reduced to $50,000, over the State’s objection. Smith was able to post $5,000 cash.  

Under a new law, the SAFE-T Act, going into effect on January 1, 2023, defendants charged with violent crimes, such as this one, will not be granted bond before trial if a judge orders them detained. 

Because Smith was convicted of both charges, he will face a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years, to be served at 85%. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 1, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.  

Anyone who sees Smith should call 911 and not attempt to apprehend him.