Public defense reform advances as Illinois moves to hire statewide public defender
The initial statewide public defender will serve a two-year term and receive a salary of $218,400 — equal to that of Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Tag: public defender
Illinois Supreme Court in ‘wait and see’ posture as new public defense policy takes shape
During a recent visit to McLean County, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary K. O’Brien said there are geographic disparities in public defense, in addition to equity gaps between prosecutors and public defenders.
First major public defense reform in decades awaits governor’s pen
The Funded Advocacy and Independent Representation [FAIR] Act establishes a statewide public defender’s office aimed at providing relief, oversight and independence for public defenders.
Lawmakers moving forward on public defender reform
With many county public defender offices pushed to the limits throughout Illinois, state lawmakers are moving forward on legislation to create a statewide public defender office.