The Illinois legislature has recently passed several criminal justice reforms to benefit those detained and held in custody. Some of these changes are a follow-up to the historic criminal justice reform law that went into effect on January 1st. Recently, the house signed a second Bill tweaking the original criminal justice reform legislation passed in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.
Those in Custody are Now Entitled to Three Phone Calls
The new law requires law enforcement officers to give those held in custody up to three phone calls. They must be given the phone calls no later than three hours after reaching a place of detention. Suspects may end up receiving many more than three phone calls. Every time a suspect is brought into a place of detention, they are entitled to three new phone calls. Depending on how law enforcement officers and courts interpret the new law’s language, it is possible that a suspect could be taken to several places of detention before they are brought to county jail.
Other criticism of the law includes the potential for people arrested on domestic violence or sexual abuse charges the chance to phone their victims to try to harass them and keep them from testifying against them by threatening them. However, attempting to intimidate a witness is a crime that could lead to a separate felony charge. Proponents of the changes have contended to enact changes that focus on pretrial fairness and detainee rights.
Other Recent Criminal Justice Changes in Illinois
The legislation also delays the new police training requirements and new police officer decertification process until July 1st instead of being required by January 1, 2022. The law calls for judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys to hold swift hearings to determine which suspects who have been arrested should be held in which should be released pending trial.
Opponents of the new criminal justice law share concerns that violent suspects could be released from jail since cash bail has been eliminated while their criminal cases are pending. Starting in 2023, Illinois residents who have been arrested for robbery without a weapon, burglary, and aggravated DUI that causes another person’s deaths would have been released into the public pending their trial.
How to Use Your Three Phone Calls if You are Detained in Illinois
If you have been arrested, it can be a shocking experience, especially if it is your first time being detained. You are now entitled to three phone calls at each place at which you are detained. Knowing how to use those phone calls is crucial. At least one of your phone calls should be to a skilled criminal defense attorney who can begin fighting for your rights while you are detained. At Glasgow & Olsson, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been charged with a crime.