William Beavers, Cook County Commissioner, goes to trial this week on charges stemming from a 2009 tax probe.  Attorneys for Beavers argued that he should be allowed to explain why he amended tax returns after he found out about the tax probe.  Beavers will also be able to explain to jurors why he repaid $69,000 in campaign contributions as well.

Prosecutors argued that the explanations were irrelevant and would only distract the jurors from the real issues of the case.  However, Federal Judge James Zagel ruled in Beavers’ favor stating that his state of mind is crucial to the jurors.

For more read, “Beavers can tell jury he tried to make amends, judge rules.”