Best Illinois Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Leonard on Recent Developments with Illinois Safe-T-Act. The Illinois Supreme Court has upheld the Constitutionality of the Illinois Safe-T-Act. The Act has received extraordinary attention in light of the fact that its central aim is to eliminate the cash bail system in Illinois. The cash bail system has long created inequities in light of the fact that an offender awaiting trial may be detained months, and more likely years, because of his/her inability to post bond. The Act was challenged by a number of State’s Attorneys throughout Illinois, who opposed it – arguing that the Illinois legislature had overstepped its authority and violated the Illinois Constitution. In its recent Ruling and Decision upholding the Act, the Illinois Supreme Court rejected those arguments. What to expect next? The Act takes effect September 18, 2023. Accordingly, there will be a barrage of motions filed to revisit, amend, and vacate prior bond rulings. This is a win for Defendants in Illinois. Incarcerating those accused of crimes has substantial impacts on defendants’ ability to earn a living, to interact with their family and participate in the lives of their family members, to receive adequate nutrition and medical care, and to fully and meaningfully prepare for trial with their counsel.
Michael Leonard
Leonard Trial Lawyers
July 24, 2023