President Holderman's letter to the editor on bond court delays and insufficient funding of the courts

ISBA President Paula H. Holderman and CBA President J. Timothy Eaton wrote the letter to the editor (below) that appeared in today's Chicago Sun-Times. The letter is in response to a column by Neil Steinberg titled "Preckwinkle, Dart say bond court delays cost taxpayers $80 million a year"

August 7, 2013

Editorial Page Editor
Chicago Sun-Times
Via email

Dear Editor:

Neil Steinberg’s July 30 column, “Preckwinkle, Dart say bond court delays cost taxpayers $80 million a year,” acknowledges the problems facing the courts as they endeavor to make rational bond decisions. The finger-pointing by public officials, however, won’t solve the real problem, which is the lack of adequate resources to process the constant flow of criminal cases in the courts.

When criminal activity increases, police understandably make more arrests, yet Public Defender resources to handle these cases have been slashed and caseloads increased.  Prosecutors request the amount of bond based on a defendant’s criminal history and the immediate arrest offense. Because pre-trial services have been all but eliminated, bond court judges must assess the risks of a defendant’s release on recognizance based on the limited information available at that time. The delays lead to an increased jail population and a subsequent increased cost to County taxpayers.  

The justice system has many moving parts. Each department involved – from law enforcement officials to public defenders, prosecutors, judges and county officials – must work together efficiently and effectively. No one group has sole responsibility.

The bottom line is this: we have an over-burdened and under-funded criminal justice system. Finding solutions will take a team effort and a willingness by many public officials to be held accountable. It’s time to stop the blame game.


Paula H. Holderman
President
Illinois State Bar Association
(312) 558-5600

J. Timothy Eaton
President
Chicago Bar Association
(312) 527-4000