Several officials in central Illinois say they don't agree with the Cook County sheriff's idea to abolish the state's cash-bond system. Under current state law, judges set bonds to ensure defendants show up for court and don't pose a danger to the community.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says Illinois' current system isn't fair to low-level defendants who can't afford to pay, and that it's dangerous when defendants with violent backgrounds are freed until trial.
Officials in Sangamon and Christian counties say the current system works, and that judges do a good job of weighing factors such as a suspect's criminal history or ability to pay when setting bond. They also note that smaller, downstate counties can move people through the system faster.
