The trial of Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele began Monday at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago, focusing on charges stemming from a November 2024 DUI crash. Steele is accused of driving under the influence after striking two vehicles on Ashland Avenue. Four Chicago Police Department officers testified, describing Steele as disoriented and uncooperative during the investigation.

Sgt. Tewelde Tesfai testified that Steele exhibited obvious signs of intoxication, including red, bloodshot, and glassy eyes, along with the smell of alcohol. Body-worn camera footage, shown in court, captured Steele refusing police orders and repeatedly invoking her political status during the arrest. In the videos, Steele said, “I’m an elected official,” while declining to exit her car when first asked by officers.

Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Boersma noted in court that Steele’s defense attorneys had contacted a physician from the emergency room where Steele was treated following the arrest, warning the doctor that testifying could expose her to a malpractice suit. The defense sought to block the physician’s testimony on the grounds they had not been properly included in the subpoena process. However, Judge Donald J. Soriano denied the motion, though the physician did not testify on Monday.

Prosecutor Riley Mullen asserted in his opening statement that Steele made a deliberate choice to drink and then drive, contributing directly to the crash. Steele did not make an opening statement and remained silent throughout the first day of testimony, observing the proceedings alongside her attorneys.

Officers described Steele as initially confused and disoriented at the crash scene. Officer Ricardo Fernandez, who is now retired, testified that Steele refused to present her driver’s license and insisted police communicate with her attorney before complying. When she finally exited the vehicle for a sobriety test, she leaned on the car for support.

The police recovered a bottle of wine from the front passenger floorboard of Steele’s white sedan, and officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on her person. Steele declined an ambulance at the scene but requested one later while complaining of a head injury. Officer Danny Wu testified that Steele did not initially report any injuries and that she cried inside the ambulance. Wu also recounted an instance in which Steele directed a profane remark toward him while at the hospital.

The final witness Monday was Dylan Groth, who witnessed the crash outside his home on Ashland Avenue. Groth described Steele as defensive and aggressive, refusing to cooperate or allow photographs of her license plate and appearing intoxicated. Concerned by her behavior, he contacted the police.

The bench trial is expected to continue for a second day.