Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax

Illinois Property Tax Prosecutions, Part 2: Informations, Cooperation, and Sentencing Signals

Episode Summary:In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Nora Devine welcomes back John Mitchell, partner at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher and former federal prosecutor, to continue their discussion on recent prosecutions in the Illinois property tax assessment space. They review the acquittal in the Nitzega golf case, examine the charges against assessor’s office employee Frankie Perez, and unpack the legal distinction between indictments and information. John explains how sealed documents can protect uncharged individuals, why even small gifts can trigger federal bribery charges, and how prosecutors approach corruption cases in the wake of the United States v. Snyder decision. The conversation also touches on high-profile “bag of cash” sting operations, the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, and the significant financial and reputational costs of federal investigations.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s return to the podcast04:15 – The Nitzega golf case and its outcome08:32 – Who is Frankie Perez and why was he charged by information?12:45 – The meaning of sealed affidavits in federal cases17:20 – Allegations against Perez: gifts, sporting events, and dinners21:05 – Why prosecutors pursue even small bribery cases for deterrence25:15 – How the Snyder ruling shapes new corruption investigations30:40 – Nora’s lunch story: when conversations sound like a wiretap35:22 – The “bag of cash” Board of Review case in Cook County40:10 – The role of professional ethics codes in preventing impropriety44:18 – The true costs of an indictment: stress, legal fees, and reputation48:00 – Campaign funds and legal defense: public frustration in Illinois politics50:20 – Closing remarks and where to reach John Mitchell
About the Show:
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. The podcast brings clarity to Illinois property tax law and related legal issues by featuring expert guests and real-world insights. Each episode provides valuable guidance for property owners, professionals, and public officials navigating this complex system.
Information Indictment: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2p17daj3mwcz4prn099ao/Frankie-Perez-Information-Indictment.pdf?rlkey=tvb7h3misnyptnxa5t53qwxhz&e=1&dl=0
Plea Agreement: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i56ux3cci8uovbfgm1fsr/Perez-FILE_5673.pdf?rlkey=unbzi4rwd9cvwakp80h3sdl47&e=1&dl=0

Illinois Property Tax Prosecutions, Part 1: Acquittals, Public Corruption, And What Snyder Changed

Episode Summary:In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host Nora Devine welcomes back attorney John Mitchell of Wilkie Farr & Gallagher to discuss recent corruption prosecutions in the Illinois property tax space. Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor who secured a high-profile acquittal for lobbyist Mike McClain, explains how federal bribery law under 18 U.S.C. § 666 has shifted following the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Snyder. Together, they unpack the differences between bribery and gratuities, how these changes affected recent property tax cases, and why proving quid pro quo arrangements is now more challenging for prosecutors. They also explore the real costs of investigations, the role of Illinois’ gift ban in federal cases, and the importance of compliance for both public officials and private citizens.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s background04:15 – Recap of the Mike McClain acquittal and its significance07:40 – Recent corruption cases in the Cook County Assessor’s Office12:28 – The role of 18 U.S.C. § 666 in prosecuting bribery cases16:10 – How United States v. Snyder narrowed the definition of bribery20:45 – Distinguishing between bribery and gratuities in practice25:32 – Testimony from assessor’s office employees and credibility challenges30:15 – Why prosecutors targeted a private property owner instead of officials34:55 – Hidden costs of federal investigations and trials38:20 – How Illinois’ Gift Ban Act factors into federal prosecutions42:10 – Nora’s closing remarks and where to find John Mitchell
About the Show:
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. Each episode breaks down complex issues at the intersection of property taxation, law, and public policy. Through conversations with legal experts and practitioners, Nora provides clear, actionable insights for property owners, professionals, and public officials.

Bribery vs.Gratuities After Snyder: What Illinios Property-Tax Officials Must Know

Episode Summary:In this episode of Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax, host and property tax attorney Nora Devine is joined by John Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor and current partner at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher. Together, they examine recent federal prosecutions involving public corruption and the property tax system in Illinois. John provides insights into the statutes prosecutors rely on, including 18 U.S.C. § 666, and explains how Supreme Court rulings like United States v. Snyder are reshaping the line between bribery and gratuities. The conversation also explores challenges in proving corruption cases, Illinois’ limited enforcement mechanisms compared to other states, and best practices for public officials to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Show introduction and John Mitchell’s background in white-collar criminal law04:40 – What statutes federal prosecutors use in corruption cases08:22 – The Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Snyder and its impact12:15 – Understanding the “stream of benefits” theory of prosecution17:30 – Challenges prosecutors face in proving quid pro quo arrangements22:05 – Why federal prosecutors often handle Illinois corruption cases instead of state or local agencies27:40 – Illinois’ gift ban ordinance and its limitations32:10 – Best practices for public officials to avoid legal trouble36:55 – Advice on compliance and navigating investigations39:45 – How to contact John Mitchell for legal assistance
About the Show:
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax is hosted by attorney Nora Devine, who has practiced in the property tax field since 2005. The podcast brings clarity to the complexities of Illinois property tax law and related issues by engaging leading experts, sharing practical insights, and providing guidance to property owners and public officials alike.

When Renovations Raise Red Flags: How Construction Impacts Your Property Taxes

Episode Summary:
In this episode of *Devine Intervention*, Nora Devine sheds light on the impact of renovations on property taxes in Illinois. Discussing how renovations can trigger reassessments and increase property values, Nora provides valuable insights for property owners considering construction projects.
Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Impact of Pulling Permits on Reassessments
04:45 – Factors Influencing Property Tax Assessments
07:15 – Differences in Assessing Residential and Commercial Properties
09:30 – Assessing Industrial Properties in Cook County
11:45 – Timing of Renovations and Tax Bill Implications
14:20 – Minimizing Risks of Over Assessment
16:00 – Handling Renovations Without Permits
18:10 – Appeals Process for Incorrect Assessments
21:00 – Best Evidence for Successful Appeals
23:30 – Advice for Property Owners Planning Renovations
About the Show:
*Devine Intervention* provides expert guidance on property tax matters, offering valuable insights and strategies for property owners navigating the complexities of tax assessments in Illinois. Join Nora Devine as she shares her extensive knowledge and experience in property tax law.

The Ins and Outs of Agricultural Land Assessments in Illinois

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and property tax attorney Nora Devine discuss the complex world of agricultural land assessments in Illinois. Nora explains how farmland and farm buildings are assessed differently from other properties, the requirements for agricultural classification, and common pitfalls property owners face when seeking preferential assessments.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - How Illinois assesses agricultural land and soil productivity factors
02:13 - Farm building assessment complexities
05:09 - Impact of soil quality, land usage, and zoning
07:30 - Agricultural exemptions vs. preferential assessments
08:52 - Common mistakes in agricultural assessment applications
10:45 - Appeals process and success story
14:08 - When to seek legal counsel
16:01 - Attorney involvement in complex cases
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention is a podcast that sheds light on Illinois property tax matters. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, the show features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney with extensive experience in Illinois jurisdictions since 2005. The show provides valuable insights into various aspects of property taxation in Illinois.

Vacancy Relief 101: A Lifeline for Property Owners

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, property tax attorney Nora Devine discusses preferential assessments in Illinois and how they can lead to significant property tax savings. She explains various types of preferential assessments, including farmland, open space, and developer's relief, along with their qualification criteria and application processes.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:33 - Definition of preferential assessments
01:25 - Farmland assessments and FATAB
03:57 - Corporate campus examples and open space assessments
06:26 - Financial benefits and real-world examples
09:56 - Application process
10:26 - Conservation stewardship plans
12:41 - Common denial reasons
14:12 - Maintaining preferential assessment status
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention: Shedding Light on Illinois Property Tax features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney in private practice since 2005. With her statewide practice experience across all Illinois jurisdictions and property classes, she provides expert insights into property tax matters. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist.

Fair or Flawed? The Ethics of Property Taxation In Property Tax

Episode Summary:
In this revealing episode, property tax attorney Nora Devine discusses the ethical challenges and reforms in Illinois' property tax system. She shares insights about historical corruption, recent improvements, and the importance of transparency in property tax assessments. The conversation covers campaign contribution limits, gift ban ordinances, and the role of federal prosecutors in combating corruption.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Show Introduction
00:40 - Evolution of property tax assessment practices
02:13 - Discussion of campaign contribution reforms
04:12 - Example of corruption case involving an alderman
05:59 - Transparency and FOIA requests in property tax
06:54 - Legal consequences of gaming the system
09:34 - Conflicts of interest in property tax assessment
13:20 - Need for inspector general reform
15:06 - Ethical best practices in property tax matters
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention sheds light on Illinois property tax matters with host Kevin Rosenquist and expert guest Nora Devine, who has been practicing property tax law since 2005. The show provides valuable insights into the complex world of property taxation and assessment.

Equalization Factors In Illinois Uncovered: What Property Owners Need to Know

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Abigail Vaca and property tax attorney Nora Devine dive deep into the complex world of equalization factors in Illinois property tax. Nora explains how these factors work differently in Cook County versus other counties, their impact on property owners, and the relationship between equalization factors and school funding. The episode provides valuable insights for property owners about assessment practices, appeals processes, and common misconceptions about property tax calculations.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Understanding equalization factors outside Cook County
03:19 - How equalization factors are determined
05:20 - Different approaches to equalization by township assessors
07:19 - Fairness in applying equalization factors
09:45 - Legal options for property owners
11:21 - Cook County's unique classification system
14:55 - Common misconceptions about equalization factors
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney with private practice experience since 2005. She has developed a statewide practice in all jurisdictions in Illinois and represents all property classes. The show aims to shed light on complex property tax matters in Illinois.

How the Pandemic Transformed the Luxury Real Estate Market

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Abigail Vaca and property tax attorney Nora Devine discuss vacancy relief for Illinois property owners. Nora explains what vacancy relief is, who qualifies, common pitfalls, and best practices for property owners seeking this tax break. The episode covers important insights about the application process, documentation requirements, and strategic considerations for property owners dealing with vacant properties.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:33 - What is vacancy relief and its intended purpose
02:39 - Types of properties that qualify for vacancy relief
05:43 - Initial steps for property owners seeking vacancy relief
07:06 - Filing requirements and administrative considerations
08:16 - Common reasons for application denials
09:31 - Misconceptions about vacancy relief
11:16 - Effective strategies for property owners
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney with extensive experience since 2005, offering expert insights on Illinois property tax matters. The show provides valuable information for property owners, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in understanding Illinois property tax systems and relief programs.

Decoding Illinois Tax Law: Omitted Assessments & Legal Defenses

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Abigail Vaca and property tax attorney Nora Devine dive deep into the complex world of omitted assessments in Illinois property tax law. Nora explains how omitted assessments differ from regular property tax assessments, common scenarios leading to back taxes, and crucial legal defenses available to property owners.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:43 - Explanation of regular property tax assessments vs. omitted assessments
02:50 - Common scenarios leading to omitted assessments
05:52 - Legal defenses available for property owners
07:24 - Historical changes in omitted assessment laws
10:40 - Steps to challenge omitted assessments
12:22 - Property improvements and omitted assessments
13:47 - Important documentation for disputes
15:04 - Proactive steps for property owners
 
About the Show:
Devine Intervention features Nora Devine, a property tax attorney in private practice since 2005. With her statewide practice experience across all Illinois jurisdictions and property classes, Nora provides expert insights into navigating the complex world of Illinois property taxation.