Illinois ends cash bail: impact on crime and courts

The abolition of cash bail in Illinois has not led to an increase in crime rates, as both violent and property crimes have decreased. However, the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act has significantly impacted the court system, resulting in longer hearings. In Cook County, the average court time increased from four to 16 minutes as judges are now required to provide more detailed explanations for their detention decisions. Despite concerns about defendants failing to appear for court dates, the rates have remained stable at around 17%. Jail populations have also seen a notable decline, with Cook County's jail population down by approximately 14%, and rural counties experiencing a 25% reduction. The anticipated rise in electronic monitoring has not materialized, indicating a shift in how defendants are managed post-release. Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx noted that prosecutors are less frequently requesting detention for eligible defendants, allowing for a more thorough review of cases before court proceedings. This change reflects a more cautious approach to prosecution, emphasizing the importance of assessing the necessity of detention rather than defaulting to it. The most significant critique of the new system has emerged from rural areas, where frustrations are growing over non-detainable offenses, particularly in regions with lower violent crime rates. Overall, while the law has not increased crime, it has prompted a reevaluation of judicial processes and the handling of defendants in Illinois.