A Crystal Lake attorney accused of illegally possessing dozens of firearms is well-known enough at the McHenry County courthouse that the judge and prosecutors recused themselves from his case Thursday.

Donald Franz, 50, who also is charged with aggravated drunken driving and aggravated battery to a police officer, has been a lawyer in the county for 23 years. His father was late McHenry Judge James Franz, and Donald Franz was friends with lawyers at the courthouse in Woodstock.

Dozens of guns seized from Crystal Lake home of lawyer charged with DUI: police Tony Briscoe and Amanda Marrazzo

A Crystal Lake attorney has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he drove under the influence of alcohol while in possession of a loaded gun and then was found to have dozens of weapons in his home despite losing his concealed carry license and firearm owner's identification...

A Crystal Lake attorney has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he drove under the influence of alcohol while in possession of a loaded gun and then was found to have dozens of weapons in his home despite losing his concealed carry license and firearm owner's identification...

(Tony Briscoe and Amanda Marrazzo)

Judge Michael Feetterer said Thursday he would no longer handle the case because he's known Donald Franz for a long time and has worked with him on matters unrelated to the law. Assistant State's Attorney John Gibbons said his office would also drop out of the case because many prosecutors have worked with and known Franz for years, and he asked for a special prosecutor to be appointed.

Franz did not appear at his court hearing because he is in in-patient treatment at a Rosecrance substance abuse treatment center, his attorney told the court.

Franz was arrested Jan. 20 after police approached him in his car in Crystal Lake, according to police records. Authorities said they found him with a handgun and ammunition, despite that his firearm owner's identification card had been revoked.

Police said they then found 56 rifles and handguns in his home.

Guns seized Crystal Lake Police Department photo

Authorities say dozens of illegal weapons, including high-powered rifles, assault rifles and handguns, were seized from the home of Crystal Lake attorney Donald F. Franz following his arrest on charges including DUI, battery to a police officer and driving with a suspended license.

Authorities say dozens of illegal weapons, including high-powered rifles, assault rifles and handguns, were seized from the home of Crystal Lake attorney Donald F. Franz following his arrest on charges including DUI, battery to a police officer and driving with a suspended license.

(Crystal Lake Police Department photo)

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com

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