EDWARDSVILLE – Five days after Alton police seized a luxurious BMW X7 from a driver with two felonies pending, Madison County Associate Judge Ryan Jumper transferred the title to a woman at the same address and released the vehicle to her after she filed a motion alleging hardship.
He wrote that the subject of the Alton arrest, Matthew Julian of Godfrey, was not to drive it until he obtains a valid license.
He stated Evelyn Jo Julian of Godfrey would post $1,000 bond and “pay any tow fees owed to have vehicle released.”
A resolution of the Illinois Senate in 2013 shows Matthew Julian as either nephew or son of Edwardsville lawyer and former Madison County Associate Judge Barry Julian.
The resolution, which noted the death of Barry’s father John Julian, named John’s three sons and six grandchildren, including Matthew.
Matthew Julian’s profile on Linked In states he has worked 17 years as process server for the Gori law firm, formerly Gori Julian.
On Aug. 9, around 11 p.m., Alton officer Corbin Buford observed the BMW on Homer M. Adams Parkway near Washington Avenue.
He wrote that an inquiry of the Illinois registration revealed it was suspended.
He stopped Matthew Julian, who advised that the BMW - which is valued at $74,000 to $141,000 according to Kelley Blue Book - had no valid insurance.
He wrote that an inquiry revealed a revoked driver’s license.
On Aug. 11, Assistant State’s Attorney James Craney filed a request for preliminary review to determine probable cause for forfeiture.
He attached an affidavit of Buford, stating Fred’s Towing took the BMW to Fred’s impound lot.
Buford wrote that he turned custody over to officers in the police department’s jail.
He wrote that a review of Julian’s driver abstract and criminal history revealed two prior guilty convictions for driving under the influence.
He provided case numbers from Jersey County in 2007 and 2016.
Buford wrote that he issued tickets on the registration and the insurance.
“I completed one felony packet charging Matthew with driving while revoked,” he wrote.
Craney sent notice to Julian stating the court would hold preliminary review on Aug. 17.
On Aug. 14, Evelyn Julian filed a hardship motion identifying herself as owner of the BMW and referring to it as “my vehicle.”
On a line for substantial hardship she wrote, “Not able to go to work, driving kids, grandkids.”
On a line for public transportation options she wrote, “Not readily available.”
On a line for other forms of transportations she wrote, “None.”
On a line for alternatives other than giving the vehicle back she wrote, “None.”
Jumper granted her motion that day.
“Title to car is to be transferred to Evelyn Jo Julian,” he wrote.
“Matthew Julian is not to drive vehicle until he obtains a valid driver’s license,” he added.
“Matthew Julian is not to drive vehicle until forfeiture matter is resolved,” he continued.
Jumper entered a separate order finding probable cause for forfeiture.
He closed the case, “as the matter shall proceed to administrative forfeiture proceedings.”
He wrote that the case would reopen upon the filing of a complaint by the people of the state.
Matthew Julian has incurred more than just traffic charges, according to court records.
Last year, State’s Attorney Tom Haine filed felony charges that Julian possessed a semi automatic pistol with a revoked identification card and resisted a peace officer.
Haine claimed Julian resisted deputy Prater by locking his arms, pulling away, and failing to follow directions.
Julian diverted the case to veteran’s court last December, and the public record ended there.
This April, sheriff’s deputy Emma Kindernay cited Julian on a domestic battery charge.
Kindernay wrote that he pushed his stepdaughter many times against a kitchen counter.
She gave an address in Dow for Julian and located the offense at his current Godfrey address.