History of Anita Alvarez in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2024

"Anita M. Alvarez made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve as the Cook County State's Attorney in Illinois, USA. Her election followed another historic achievement: becoming the first Latina to secure the Democratic nomination for the same role."

January 16, 1960: Birth of Anita Alvarez

Anita M. Alvarez was born on January 16, 1960. She would go on to become a prominent figure in law, notably as the Cook County State's Attorney.

1982: Anita Alvarez Graduates from Loyola University Chicago

In 1982, Anita Alvarez received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University of Chicago, marking a significant step in her educational journey.

1986: Anita Alvarez Earns Law Degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law

Anita Alvarez earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1986, paving the way for her legal career.

1986: Anita Alvarez Begins Career as Assistant State's Attorney

Anita Alvarez embarked on her legal career in 1986 as an Assistant State's Attorney, a role that would shape her future in law.

1996: Anita Alvarez Appointed Supervisor of Public Integrity Unit

In 1996, Anita Alvarez took on the responsibility of overseeing the prosecution of public officials involved in felonies as the Supervisor of the Public Integrity Unit.

1999: Anita Alvarez Becomes Deputy Chief of Narcotics Bureau

Anita Alvarez's career progressed in 1999 when she assumed the role of Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau, supervising drug case prosecutions and investigations.

2001: Anita Alvarez Successfully Prosecutes "Girl X Case"

Anita Alvarez secured a conviction in the high-profile "Girl X Case" in 2001, bringing justice to a 9-year-old victim of a brutal assault.

2001: Anita Alvarez Represents Cook County Assessor in Legal Dispute

In 2001, Anita Alvarez represented Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios in a lawsuit filed by the Cook County Inspector General concerning a subpoena for documents.

2003: Acquittal in Sammy Tate Shooting Case Raises Concerns About Anita Alvarez's Prosecution

The 2003 acquittal of two black minors falsely accused in the Sammy Tate shooting case raised questions about Anita Alvarez's handling of the case, particularly the prolonged solitary confinement of one of the minors.

November 2008: Anita Alvarez Faces Challengers in Cook County State's Attorney Election

Anita Alvarez faced competition from Republican Tony Peraica and Green Party candidate Thomas O'Brien in the November 2008 election for Cook County State's Attorney.

2008: Anita Alvarez Elected Cook County State's Attorney

Making history in 2008, Anita Alvarez became the first female, first Hispanic, and first career prosecutor to be elected Cook County State's Attorney.

2009: Anita Alvarez Pursues Charges Against Chris Drew for Recording Police

Anita Alvarez pursued charges against Chris Drew in 2009 for recording police officers without their consent, a case that sparked debate about the eavesdropping law.

2010: Anita Alvarez Charges Tiawanda Moore with Eavesdropping

Anita Alvarez filed eavesdropping charges against Tiawanda Moore in 2010 for secretly recording an interview with investigators, a case that raised concerns about potential intimidation tactics.

2011: Tiawanda Moore Acquitted in Eavesdropping Case

A jury acquitted Tiawanda Moore of eavesdropping charges in 2011, questioning the validity and necessity of the prosecution.

March 2, 2012: Judge Dismisses Chris Drew's Case, Declares Eavesdropping Law Unconstitutional

On March 2, 2012, Judge Stanley Sacks dismissed the case against Chris Drew, declaring the Illinois Eavesdropping Act unconstitutional for its broad scope, criminalizing common behaviors.

2012: Anita Alvarez Wins Second Term as Cook County State's Attorney

Anita Alvarez secured a decisive victory in the 2012 election for Cook County State's Attorney, defeating Republican challenger Lori Yokoyama with 77% of the vote.

2012: Anita Alvarez Defends Police Conduct in "60 Minutes" Interview

During a 2012 interview on "60 Minutes," Anita Alvarez faced scrutiny for her defense of police conduct in cases involving false confessions, despite court rulings that vacated the convictions.

2012: City Settles Malicious Prosecution Lawsuit in Sammy Tate Case

In 2012, the city settled a lawsuit for $1 million alleging malicious prosecution by Anita Alvarez's office in the Sammy Tate case, further fueling criticisms of her prosecutorial decisions.

2013: Anita Alvarez Charges Officer Dante Servin with Involuntary Manslaughter

Anita Alvarez brought charges of involuntary manslaughter against police officer Dante Servin in 2013 for the shooting death of Rekia Boyd, a case that drew significant public attention.

2013: Anita Alvarez Concludes Lathierial Boyd Wrongfully Charged

In 2013, Anita Alvarez concluded that Lathierial Boyd, who had already served 23 years in prison, should not have been charged with murder, prompting a review of the case.

2015: Dante Servin Acquitted, Sparking Criticism of Anita Alvarez

The 2015 acquittal of Dante Servin on all charges sparked outrage and criticism directed at Anita Alvarez for what some perceived as lenient charges aimed at appeasing the police department.

March 15, 2016: Anita Alvarez Loses Reelection Bid Amidst Laquan McDonald Controversy

Anita Alvarez's handling of the Laquan McDonald shooting case, particularly her delayed release of the video footage, sparked public outcry and contributed to her defeat in the March 15, 2016, Democratic primary.

2016: Anita Alvarez Loses Reelection Bid for Cook County State's Attorney

Anita Alvarez's bid for a third term as Cook County State's Attorney ended in 2016 when she was defeated in the primary election by Kim Foxx.

2018: Anita Alvarez's Former Press Agent Defends Her Record on Solitary Confinement

During a 2018 event, Anita Alvarez's former press agent defended her record on the use of solitary confinement for minors, stating that Alvarez did not have specific knowledge of the number of cases.