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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today the IL Supreme Court is holding oral arguments in the case that has frozen the system Chicago officials used for decades to hold police officers accused of egregious misconduct accountable. WTTW provides an update. Full story available at cookcountypublicdefender.org/links

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The IL Supreme Court opened applications for the first State Public Defender. Experienced, visionary attorneys licensed in IL are encouraged to apply to build & lead our statewide public defense system! illinoiscourts.gov/605/Illinois-initial-State-Public-Defender/employment-opportunities-detail/

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board published commentary with serious inaccuracies about pretrial home confinement and electronic monitoring in IL. These inaccuracies grossly misrepresent the realities of pretrial release and electronic monitoring. We want to set the record straight with the facts.

A graphic that reads, "Separating Fact from Fiction: Pretrial Electronic Monitoring." Then it includes a false claim from the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, published on 9/8/2026. "Another obvious problem is the requirement in current law that those on home confinement be given at least two days out in public, unmonitored." The Truth is below this quote, "People on electronic monitoring are monitored 24/7 by GPS tracking. That includes any time spent at home, work or completing essential movement, like getting groceries or seeing the doctor."

Graphic that reads, “Separating Fact from Fiction: Pretrial Electronic Monitoring." It says “The Truth” in bold and has the following fact, “People on pretrial electronic monitoring have not been found guilty of the charges against them. Allowing people to attend to their basic human needs while accused of an offense should not be a radical idea in a developed society.”

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Congratulations to Timothy C. Evans on his appointment, effective today, to the First District Appellate Court! In his time as Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Evans created greater equity in the court system by increasing access to counsel and transforming the pretrial system.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

🎧This week, APD Edwin Alvarez shares how he found his calling in public defense. In college, Edwin volunteered at a migrant shelter in Mexico where he provided support to asylum seekers. The experience showed him how lawyers can help people in need. 🔗 Listen now: cookcountypublicdefender.org/links

Orange graphic that reads, "New Episode" and shows an image of a young man, smiling in a collared shirt. His name Edwin Alvarez, and his title Assistant Public Defender, 5th Municipal District, Bridgeview, appear beneath his photo.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

🎧Tune in for a fascinating conversation with Dorothy E. Roberts, George A. Weiss University Professor of Law & Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of numerous books about race in the United States and our country's child welfare system.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate the first effective date of the FAIR Act today, July 1st! Our office was proud to work with public defenders across the state through the Illinois Public Defender Association and community advocates to help pass Public Act 104-0300 in spring 2025.

Orange graphic with a white outline of the State of Illinois that reads, “The FAIR Act takes effect today, July 1, 2026.” Below that heading, it reads, “The Funded Advocacy & Independent Representation Act creates the Office of the State Public Defender, the first significant state investment in trial-level public defense in Illinois. Today, the law goes into effect and the first step of appointing an 11-member commission begins.” A pop out section in contrast colors reads, “This law is the first step in ensuring that all Illinois residents have access to a well-funded, independent public defender who can protect their rights.”

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Our final bill passed! HB5020 enacts common-sense procedural protections for children given adult sentences through extended jurisdiction juvenile (EJJ) sentencing. Thanks to bill sponsors Representative Dave Vella, Senator Laura Fine, and Senator Robert Peters!

Blue-green graphic, with a hand holding a megaphone in the bottom left corner. In the middle of the graphic is a piece of notebook paper that reads, “Procedural protections for children sentenced as adults through EJJ passes” in large text. In smaller text it reads, “Thank you to sponsors Representative Dave Vella and Senators Laura Fine and Robert Peters. Learn more.” and two arrows pointing to the right.

Blue-green graphic that reads, “HB5020: Procedural protections for children sentenced as adults through EJJ. Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ) sentencing allows prosecutors to request both juvenile and adult sentences for kids in juvenile court. Under current law, the adult sentence is not immediately imposed, but its imposition is mandatory if the young person is accused of any new offense and may be imposed even for simple technical violations of the juvenile sentence. This EJJ sentence is often longer than it would have been for the same offense in adult court. This bill brings EJJ into the 21st Century and makes the law what most people already thought it was by:
• Requiring prosecutors to prove by clear and convincing evidence that an adult sentence may be appropriate.
• Incorporating youth-centered neurological, developmental, and environmental factors when determining whether to impose EJJ.
• Providing judges with adequate discretion in response to violations by making imposition of the adult sentence discretionary.
• Limiting imposition of the adult sentence to occasions when a minor has committed a new felony offense involving a firearm, use of force, threat of force, or fleeing.
• Preventing the adult sentence from being imposed based solely on a technical violation of the juvenile sentence.”

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Our bill to ensure people who complete programming in county jails can then access sentence credit passed! Thanks to @senatorlauraellman.bsky.social and Representatives Norma Hernandez, Justin Slaughter, Anne Stava, and Diane Blair-Sherlock for their leadership on this legislation.

Teal graphic with a hand holding a megaphone in the corner. A sheet of paper in the middle of the graphic reads, "Our bill to clarify access to sentence credits for jail programming passes" in very large letters. Under that, in smaller text it reads, "Thank you to sponsors Senator Laura Ellman and Representatives Norma Hernandez, Justin Slaughter, Anne Stava, & Diane Blair-Sherlock. Learn more."

Teal graphic with text that reads, "SB3333: Clarify Access to Sentence Credits for Jail Programming. SB3333 will ensure that people in county jails receive sentencing credit for the programs they are completing.
Participation in meaningful programming for people in jails benefits their futures and helps to achieve public safety goals.

This bill will:
Standardize the interpretation of the current law across the state to ensure that people in jail awaiting trial receive sentencing credit for completion of eligible programs.
Make the law’s implementation more consistent across the state by ensuring that people participating in parenting programs and work assignments receive sentencing credit, as current statutes intended.
Remove overly detailed language about program length that caused confusion, led to arbitrary credit denials, and increased administrative burden on county jails."

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

blockclubchi.bsky.social takes another look at an Illinois State Police (ISP) trooper who is accused of repeatedly using dishonest practices to arrest people for DUIs. Attorneys in our office found inconsistencies, including copied and pasted statements, in ISP Trooper Bradley’s police reports.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

🎉 We're celebrating another legislative win for greater equity in Illinois' legal system. HB4217 will give public defender's offices the opportunity to represent clients in statutory summary suspension (SSS) hearings when they are already representing that client in a traffic case.

Graphic with orange background and megaphone in the corner, large text that reads, "Equal Representation for Public Defender Clients in SSS Hearings Passes" and smaller text that reads, "Thank you to Sponsors Representative Rick Ryan and Senator Robert Martwick" and arrows that show to move to next slide to learn more.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Our clients who are detained by ICE or deported cannot control if they can access court hearings. Now these clients are subject to warrants for "failure to appear." Warrants effect their opportunities to reunite with family and access other legal remedies. www.injusticewatch.org/criminal-cou...

Illustration of a judge reading an order to a person who has been cut out of the picture, but their outline remains. A headline from "Injustice Watch" that reads, "ICE deported them. Cook County prosecutors still want them arrested for missing court." and then a quote from Assistant Public Defender, Nick Moroni that reads, "I was surprised. At the end of the day, this was a person who, based on the evidence that the state provided to the court, was only unable to come to court because the government prevented him from coming."

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

We’re thrilled to share that the Protecting Innocent Families Act (HB 3169) passed and will be sent to Governor J.B. Pritzker for his signature! This bill is a major win for families that will provide enhanced transparency and procedural safeguards if parents become involved in DCFS investigations.

Graphic with a sheet of notebook paper in the center that reads, "The Protecting Innocent Families Act Passes" and "Thank you to Sponsors Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford & Representative Mary Beth Canty." In the bottom left corner is hand holding a megaphone and the bottom right prompts you to lean more by viewing the next image.

Navy background with text that reads, "HB3169 The Protecting Innocent Families Act. This bill enhances transparency and procedural safeguards in Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) investigations. By reinforcing due process and accountability, the bill responds to longstanding concerns about disproportionate impact on vulnerable families, including families of color and families whose children have complex medical conditions.

Key provisions include:
- Professional transparency in medical evaluations
- DCFS disclosure of forensic consultation
- Right to an independent second opinion

For more information about this legislation
and supporting partner organizations visit
famjustice.org/protecting-innocent-families-act

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Two Defenders spoke to ABC7’s I-Team about findings that led them to believe an IL State Police trooper repeatedly used dishonest practices to increase his DUI arrests—inflating his reputation and salary. They have called for the State to investigate ISP Trooper Kevin Bradley.

A graphic with a photo showing a woman being interviewed by a newscaster with a camera set up and cameraman on the left side of the image. Title text that reads, “The Top Cop: Public defenders say ISP trooper copied, pasted findings in arrest reports over years” and then a quote from Assistant Public Defender Andrew Segal that reads, “As his DUI totals went up, year after year after year, so did his salary. [Troopers] make overtime pay for just showing up at court. So even if they show up at court, they testify and the case is garbage and they lose, the trooper still gets paid.” At the bottom of the graphic is a link to read the full story at cookcountypublicdefender.org/links.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

The Pretrial Fairness Act is designed to protect the constitutional rights of all accused people by ensuring everyone receives a robust, individualized hearing before their liberty can be taken away. chicagoreader.com/news/reader-...

Graphic with art of a young boy being held by his mother, they are both turned away. At the top is a headline from the Chicago Reader, "Cook County state’s attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s complicated relationship with the Pretrial Fairness Act" and then a quote from Sharlyn Grace Deputy Public Defender of Policy that says, "Almost everyone who is criminally charged in Cook County will come back to Cook County in the future and most people will come back relatively quickly. So then the question is, are they coming back in a position where they're better able to succeed? Or are they coming back in a position where they have more disadvantages, more handicaps, more trauma, less time working, less access to mental health care?"

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We are proud to be part of the Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA), a collaborative deportation defense program in partnership with @immigrantjustice.bsky.social, The Immigration Project, The Resurrection Project, Erie Neighborhood house, the MICA Project, and Children's Legal Center.

Orange and navy graphic (1/3) that reads, "Did you know? The right to a government-funded attorney does not apply to people facing deportation. But our office is a partner in the Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA), which provides no-cost legal representation in immigration cases. The results of the MIDA pilot show the significant difference that representation makes in case outcomes and access to due process."

Orange and navy graphic (2/3) that reads, "Findings from 'The Impact of Legal Representation on Detained Immigrants Facing Deportation: Evidence from the MIDA Program.' Finding 1: Being represented by a MIDA attorney increase immigrant clients' likelihood of being granted relief by 366%. Finding 2: Access to the MIDA program resulted in case outcomes that allowed 22% more people to stay in the U.S."

Orange and navy graphic (3/3) that reads, "Findings from 'The Impact of Legal Representation on Detained Immigrants Facing Deportation: Evidence from the MIDA Program.' Finding 3: Being represented by a MIDA attorney increased someone's likelihood of being released on bond by 46%. Find more results and details in the full report at cookcountypublicdefender.org/links.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Our immigration division is on track to become the largest provider of legal services to detained individuals in the region.

Headline from Borderless Magazine that reads "Cook County Public Defenders built an immigration unit five years ago. The last year tested it," above a picture of an attorney in a suit.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

The Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender stands in solidarity with San Francisco Chief Public Defender Mano Raju Following Contempt Charge

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Today, we testified at a Public Hearing of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee to convey our office's support for a proposed amendment to Rule 307. The amendment will allow immediate appeals of decisions to transfer children from juvenile court to adult criminal court.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Statement from Cook County Public Defender Sharone R. Mitchell Jr. on the appointment of Emmanuel Andre as Chicago’s Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

Graphic reads: Statement from Cook County Public Defender Sharone R. Mitchell Jr. on the Appointment of Emmanuel Andre as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety for the City of Chicago.

I’d like to congratulate Emmanuel Andre on his appointment as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety for the City of Chicago.

During his four years with the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Emmanuel brought thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to our mission to protect the rights and dignity of our clients.

Among a host of accomplishments, Emmanuel was instrumental in the launch of our community-based Freedom Defense Centers in Austin and Roseland. He led a deliberate and intentional process to establish community trust, support, and input—ensuring the centers reflect the needs and priorities of the people they serve.

We fully support his transition and look forward to continuing to work with him as an advocate for justice and safety for all Chicagoans.

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Our office is working with partners to ensure that people completing programming in jail receive sentencing credit as the legislature intended. news.wttw.com/2026/03/25/s...

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Read about our policy advocacy in Springfield in this inquest.bsky.social piece by Cook County Public Defender, Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr.! Full article here: inquest.org/public-defen...

A graphic that reads, "This year for the anniversary of Gideon Day, I'm reflecting on this hamster wheel of (in)justice and how we can change not just our experience as defenders but also the fate of our clients. Our office, like many others, has decided it is time to take our advocacy from the courtroom to the statehouse." This is a quote from Cook County Public Defender, Sharone R. Mitchell, Jr., who is pictured participating in a panel with three other individuals.

Navy and white graphic that reads, "Our efforts have helped protect pretrial reforms that made Illinois the first state in the nation to eliminate money bail, provided representation for those who are unfairly facing deportation, and expanded diversion opportunities for clients and communities who deserve help, not harm."

Navy and white graphic that reads, "Make no mistake: our first and most central responsibility will always be to our current clients, each of whom deserves the best possible outcome in their individual case. But we also have a duty to our future clients, our communities, and our profession to fight against the systems that, left to their own devices, will continue to produce injustice after injustice. We only hope that more join our fight."

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

📢Please help us share Keshia’s story. Each of us should be able to protect ourselves from harm and abuse without fear of prosecution. Read the full story at: www.wbez.org/crime/2026/0...

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

We echo the calls of advocates in saying the State's Attorney's Office should drop all charges against Keshia, who was defending herself and her unborn child. She and her daughter deserve freedom and peace. Read the full story: chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2026/0...

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cookcodefender.bsky.social @cookcodefender.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Rather than limiting these diversion programs with blanket policies that exclude many people who could benefit, we encourage the State’s Attorney to consider each case’s unique circumstances and merits for participation. Read the full story: 🔗https://www.cookcountypublicdefender.org/links

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