Illinois Valley officials denounce cash-free bail ruling

Prosecutor warns of unintended consequence

By TOM COLLINS tcollins@shawmedia.com

Law enforcement officers in the Illinois Valley were swift to denounce lawmakers when, in 2022, they enacted measures that overhauled the criminal justice system in Illinois.

On Tuesday, there were more denunciations, but this time they were directed at the Illinois Supreme Court for a ruling that upheld a state law ending cash bail across the state. Illinois becomes the first state to fully abolish cash bail, effective Sept. 18.

In a 5-2 ruling Tuesday, the state’s top court overturned a lower-court ruling that ending cash bail was unconstitutional.

“The Illinois Constitution of 1970 does not mandate that monetary bail is the only means to ensure criminal defendants appear for trials or the only means to protect the public. Our constitution creates a balance between the individual rights of defendants and the individual rights of crime victims,” wrote Justice Mary Jane Theis. “The Act’s pretrial release provisions set forth procedures commensurate with that balance.”

Local prosecutors joined local legislators in condemning the Tues - day ruling.

“I am disappointed in the decision that was released today by the Illinois Supreme Court but will follow the law that will go into effect,” said Bureau County State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick. “The Bureau County State’s

Joe Navarro, La Salle County State’s Attorney

Attorney’s Office will continue to strive to protect members of the community and victims of crimes.”

La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro said he believes the ruling will usher in a host of unintended consequences.

Among these are a slew of new appeals. Navarro said any perceived breach of a detainee’s rights can be addressed through appeal. This will result in a massive influx of cases that will overwhelm the appellate prosecutor and appellate defender offices and require additional personnel at no small cost to the taxpayers.

Taxpayers can reasonably expect

See SAFE-T RULING on page 7