According to a press release from Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos, Wednesday's ruling from a Kankakee County judge finding portions of the SAFE-T Act unconstitutional will halt the planned Jan. 1 implementation of no cash bail.
"Last night the Pretrial Fairness Act was declared unconstitutional," says Hoos in the release. "Although Peoria County did not participate in this ruling, we are required to follow it."
You can read the full press release below and find more information about how legal professionals at all levels of the system were preparing for implementation here.
Peoria County State's Attorney Jodi Hoos on Pretrial Fairness Act ruling:
"Last night the Pretrial Fairness Act was declared unconstitutional. Although Peoria County did not participate in this ruling, we are required to follow it. When a statute is unconstitutional, the statute becomes invalid and has no force or effect on anyone. As a result, and until the Illinois Supreme Court provides further clarification, we will abide by this ruling and not implement the new bail reform. This office remains committed to following the law and is hopeful the Supreme Court will bring finality to this topic in the near future."
We depend on your support to keep telling stories like this one. You – together with donors across the NPR Network – create a more informed public. Fact by fact, story by story. Please take a moment to donate now and fund the local news our community needs. Your support truly makes a difference.
