Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has called for abolishing Illinois' cash-bond system, saying it's unfair to low-level defendants who can't afford to pay and puts society in danger when defendants with violent backgrounds are freed until trial when posting bail.
Under current state law, cash bail is to ensure defendants show up for court and don't pose a danger to the community.
The sheriff's office is drafting legislation that would allow judges to assess whether a defendant should be in custody or released under conditions including electronic monitoring. Illinois would need to invest in more court services to help judges make decisions and improve monitoring of those freed pending trial.
The County Board has scheduled a hearing to overhaul how the county sets bonds.
