The end of money bond in Illinois begins Sept. 18, but the debate over whether the measure will lead to better public safety continues. ACLU of Illinois Director of Criminal Justice Policy Benjamin Ruddell advocates for the policy. He says people are innocent until proven guilty and shouldn’t languish in a jail awaiting trial because they can’t afford to get out. Judges will still have discretion about who should remain behind bars pending trial.
Outside looking in, Ken Good, an attorney and member of Professional Bondsmen of Texas, predicts things will be chaotic.
The policy Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed was supposed to go into effect Jan. 1, but was blocked by a lawsuit and later upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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