News
New Cook County bond court rules appear to reduce, but not eliminate, problems
|
One-month report card on new rules: Fewer suspects were being held pretrial, but some still sent to jail because they could not afford bail.
News
Cook County judge to decide whether to dismiss lawsuit over bail system
|
The judges’ attorney said a new bond court rule adopted by Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans has made the issue moot.
News
Five years of waiting in jail, then a quick jury acquittal
|
Omar Williams was detained for five years, eight months and twelve days on charges of murder. In less than two hours, 12 jurors acquitted him. Williams’s case offered a striking view of just how slowly Cook County’s wheels of justice can move, how askew justice can go and the toll it can take on the lives of those caught up in the system.
News
Cook County Prosecutor: Judge Ford improperly held pregnant woman in custody
|
A rare display unfolded in the criminal courthouse last week when a prosecutor angrily charged a judge had wrongly held a pregnant woman in custody without a prompt hearing.
News
Cook County Chief Judge orders sweeping reform of bail system
|
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Evans announced a new policy today that will require judges to consider what an arrestee can pay before setting a cash bond amount. The measure goes into effect September 18, 2017.
News
Cook County prosecutor to seek release of defendants locked up on low bonds
|
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx on Wednesday jumped into the issue of bail reform, announcing that her office would actively support agreed upon requests by public defenders that judges free defendants who remain in custody because they are unable to post bonds up to $1,000.
Commentary
Foxx mandate also a mandate for Anita to resign now
|
An incumbent Cook County State’s Attorney has not been defeated in a primary since at least 1896. There is a message there: Anita Alvarez should resign now.