Peter A. Tsangaris, 24, of Naperville has been charged with false impersonation of an attorney in connection with a friend’s DUI-related traffic stop. Tsangaris is a pre-law student at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Tsangaris was a passenger in the vehicle of a friend, Phillip D. Hamiti, who was pulled over by Naperville police around 1:30 a.m. on Apill 11. Hamiti was allegedly driving 51 mph in a 30 mph zone and committed several additional traffic violations. After being curbed, Hamiti allegedly gave false identifying information before the officer determined his actual identity. The officer determined that Hamiti was intoxicated and was eventually charged with aggravated DUI, a felony, in addition to aggravated driving while license suspended, driving without insurance, and other traffic offenses. Hamiti had three outstanding warrants in Dupage County and Will County.
Tsangaris was seated in the front passenger seat and allegedly intervened on his friend’s behalf, questioning the officer conducting the investigation. Tsangaris is alleged to have falsely represented himself to be an Illinois licensed attorney with a family practice. As a result, he was charged with the misdemeanor offense of false impersonation of an attorney. His arraignment is scheduled for May 11 in Dupage County Circuit Court in Wheaton.
Pre-law student accused of posing as attorney, suburbanchicagonews.com, April 18, 2010