Measure to clarify Pretrial Fairness Act signed by governor

CHICAGO – A measure led by Illinois Senate Democrats to clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation was signed into law Tuesday.

A joint effort with law enforcement, state attorneys and other stakeholders, the bill provides clarification to common misconceptions spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a smear campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does.

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The Latest Word on the Pretrial Fairness Act

The Latest Word on the Pretrial Fairness Act
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Noon
One CLE Hour Credit
FREE for IACDL Members!

So what's going to happen on 1/1/2023 when the final phase of the Pretrial Fairness goes into effect?
Will your client charged with an Arson offense be eligible for pretrial release?
Will your client who is already out on bond be able to get their bond money returned before the case is over?
Who is a flight risk now under the statute?
Find out the answer to these and many other questions as well as helpful guidance on navigating the new law during a 1-hour CLE presented by the IACDL.

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Collaborative effort to clarify Pretrial Fairness Act passes Senate

• SAFE-T Act
• Pretrial Fairness Act
• Cash Bail

SPRINGFIELD – In collaboration with law enforcement, states attorneys and other stakeholders, the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed a measure Thursday to clarify the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation of the law.

“The SAFE-T Act was the result of hours of testimony and negotiations with domestic violence advocates, proponents of reform, law enforcement and states attorneys at the table working to create a pathway to a better and more equitable criminal legal system,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “However, due to the misinformation campaign led by opponents of the measure, we spent countless hours dispelling falsehoods and working to ensure that the law was not taken out of context. The trailer we passed allows us to clarify the language of this transformational law while preserving the protections for crime survivors and ensures we stop criminalizing poverty in this state.”

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Thanksgiving Food Giveaway

On November 21 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., my office is joining Rep. Kam Buckner, Meredian Health Community Affairs and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for a Thanksgiving Food Giveaway at Oakwood Shores Senior Residence.