Rauner signs civil asset forfeiture reform into law

By Brendan Bakala

09/19/2017

The new law will transfer the burden of proof to law enforcement in forfeiture proceedings.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, civil asset forfeiture, criminal justice reform

Illinois lawmakers hear testimony for marijuana legalization proposals

By Brendan Bakala

09/07/2017

Two bills to legalize marijuana currently sit in Springfield.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Heather Steans, Kelly Cassidy, legalization, marijuana

Rauner signs bill to establish sexual assault evidence tracking system

By Amy Korte

08/29/2017

A new law to create a commission to develop a statewide system to track evidence in sexual assault cases could result in swifter justice for crime victims and increased accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, criminal justice reform

Rauner signs bills to expand criminal record sealing and juvenile record expungement

By Mindy Ruckman

08/24/2017

The new laws will make it easier for ex-offenders re-enter their communities.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, record sealing

Rauner signs bill to end arrests for being seen with alleged gang members

By Brendan Bakala

08/24/2017

House Bill 3803 changes Illinois’ criminal code so that people on parole and probation no longer have to fear arrest for merely having contact with gang members.

TAGS: criminal justice reform

Could this court be the future of criminal justice in Illinois?

By Austin Berg

08/04/2017

The Illinois Department of Corrections pays nearly $22,000 in direct costs per inmate.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, restorative justice

Cards Against Humanity contributes to Illinois marijuana legalization effort

By Joe Tabor

08/04/2017

The popular Chicago-based game company is helping efforts to legalize and regulate marijuana, which could extend to Illinois.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, marijuana

Lawsuit claims Chicago distracted driving tickets invalid

By John Kristof

08/03/2017

Distracted driving citations dropped by 99 percent after a 2015 Chicago ordinance was passed to comply with state law.

TAGS: Chicago, criminal justice reform, transportation

Illinois’ first restorative justice court will save money, improve outcomes

By Joe Tabor

07/31/2017

Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood will host a program that brings defendants in contact with their victims and allow the victims to set the compensation for the crime.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, restorative justice

Trump administration undermines Illinois civil asset forfeiture reforms

By Hilary Gowins

07/22/2017

The reinstatement of a federal asset forfeiture program marks a step backward for civil asset forfeiture reform.

TAGS: civil asset forfeiture, criminal justice reform, Jeff Sessions