Public Defenders Archives

Cook County’s former top public defender ‘misused confidential information,’ report says

The Cook County inspector general accused former public defender Amy Campanelli of inappropriately sharing data on her office’s youth clients to benefit a nonprofit organization where she later took a job.

by Dan Hinkel and Kelly Garcia July 17, 2023March 22, 2024

Public Defenders

Cook County Public Defender’s Office seeks federal grant to expand its mental health services

The office applied for an $800,000 federal grant to add clinicians and case workers to its small mental health unit.

by Josh McGhee October 6, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Pritzker signs bill allowing Cook County public defender’s office to handle deportation cases

But a lack of funding and personnel could drastically limit how many immigrants the county can represent.

by Carlos Ballesteros August 23, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Lack of statewide oversight has led to excessive caseloads for Illinois public defenders, study says

Illinois is one of just seven states with no statewide oversight of public defenders. A new bill passed by the Illinois General Assembly would create a task force to further study public defender caseloads and quality of representation.

by Josh McGhee June 10, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Cook County’s new public defender seeks more visibility — and money — for his office

Sharone Mitchell Jr., who took over the public defender’s office in April, hopes to add more attorneys and work with community groups fighting for racial justice and systemic change.

by Josh McGhee June 4, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

3 challenges and opportunities for the new Cook County public defender

by Maria Hawilo and Thomas F. Geraghty June 4, 2021January 8, 2024

Public Defenders

Cook County public defenders can represent immigrants facing deportation in immigration court under new state bill

The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill allowing Cook County public defenders to help noncitizens fight deportation in immigration court.

by Carlos Ballesteros May 31, 2021December 5, 2023

Public Defenders

Cook County replaced its public defender. But she’s not done fighting yet.

In an exclusive interview during her last week in office, Amy Campanelli said she has ‘no regrets’ and continued to rail against police and a system that she called ‘racist’ and ‘very unfair.’

by Jonah Newman and Michael Korsh March 31, 2021January 8, 2024

Criminal Courts

Jury trials are disappearing. Here’s why.

Less than 2% of federal criminal cases go to a jury trial. A new study sheds light on the reasons so many people forego their day in court.

by Emanuella Evans and Jonah Newman February 17, 2021December 5, 2023

Public Defenders

Commentary: Illinois Supreme Court fills the big job vacancy that few noticed

The Illinois Supreme Court has filled a key state post: The head appellate defender for indigents. It was a job opening that attracted little notice or attention; James Chadd, a deputy defender, has won the post.

by Jean Maclean Snyder December 15, 2017December 5, 2023

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