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    Maya Dukmasova

    Maya Dukmasova

    Maya is a senior reporter at Injustice Watch covering judges and the courts. Before joining the organization in 2021 she was a senior staff writer at the Chicago Reader, where she began working in 2016. Maya was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of nine. She’s lived in Chicago since 2013.

    Police and Prosecutors

    Man walks out of prison 28 years early — with the help of a prosecutor

    By Maya Dukmasova | March 22, 2022

    Corzell Cole went away for “a first-degree murder that never occurred,” argued Will County’s prosecutor in a rare motion, citing a new Illinois law allowing prosecutors to push for resentencing in “the interests of justice.”

    The Circuit
    Judge Vincent Gaughan presides over a hearing for Jason Van Dyke at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago.

    Data highlights leniency of ex-officer Jason Van Dyke’s murder sentence

    By Maya Dukmasova | March 17, 2022

    Anger about Van Dyke’s release and renewed scrutiny of Judge Vincent Gaughan’s sentencing in his case comes as the judge faces a retention election this fall.

    Judicial Elections
    A hand holds a judicial eletcion ballot with question marks around it

    Everything you need to know about Cook County judicial elections

    By Maya Dukmasova | February 16, 2022

    Who can run? Why are judicial elections partisan? How do I pick a judge who shares my values? Injustice Watch and WBEZ’s Curious City are teaming up to answer your questions about judicial elections.

    Judicial Conduct
    3d rendering gavel and a red heart on white background

    Proposed judicial ethics code is silent on courthouse romances

    By Maya Dukmasova | February 14, 2022

    The code of conduct for judges may get a long-overdue update, but critics say the revision should have banned relationships between judges and their subordinates.

    News
    The sillouhettes of judges huddled in a rrom with their backs turned.

    Applications open for 10 new Cook County associate judges

    By Maya Dukmasova | February 2, 2022

    Associate judges are picked by the elected circuit judges in a closed-door process that some say privileges political insiders.

    Judicial Elections
    A map showing the 20 new judicial subcircuits in Cook County

    Illinois legislature creates five new judicial subcircuits in Cook County to further diversify the bench

    By Maya Dukmasova | January 12, 2022

    Bill rushed through state legislature last week promises years of hyperlocal judicial races, which could make it easier to become a judge but might come at a cost to the Cook County Democratic Party.

    Judicial Elections
    Five people in business attire, two seated, three standing, in front of a grey wall.

    Democrats endorsed for Cook County judge are diverse, experienced — and loyal

    By Maya Dukmasova | December 14, 2021

    Cook County Democrats slated 10 candidates and 12 alternates for judicial seats for the 2022 primary election.

    Español
    Illustration of Judge Gregory Vazquez

    Uso intensivo del monitor de sobriedad SCRAM ordenado por el juez Vázquez evidencia falta de supervisión

    By Maya Dukmasova | December 14, 2021

    Considerado como un castigo compasivo por conducir en estado de ebriedad, SCRAM tiene un alto costo para los acusados. Un juez de Maywood lo usa con frecuencia y sin supervisión.

    A judge in a Black robe with a pile of SCRAM bracelets at his feet
    Judicial Conduct

    Cook County judge Vazquez’s heavy use of sobriety monitor highlights oversight gaps

    By Maya Dukmasova | December 8, 2021

    Billed as a humane punishment for drunk driving, SCRAM comes at a heavy cost for defendants. One judge in Maywood uses it often, and without oversight.

    Judicial Elections
    Toni Preckwinkle sits in the foreground in a green jacket, while Joanne Fehn stands at a lecturn in the large and airy IBEW Local 134 union hall

    Judicial hopefuls seek Cook County Democratic Party’s endorsement for 2022 primary

    By Maya Dukmasova and Chloe Hilles | October 15, 2021

    A diverse lineup of judicial candidates courted the party’s central committee at the obscure “pre-slating” event.

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