Governor Rauner Signs The Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act into Law!

Chicago Appleseed is excited to share that yesterday, Governor Rauner signed HB 4594- The Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act into law. The Act reforms Illinois’ system of court costs, fines, and fees and reduces the burden of court costs, fines, and fees on Illinoisans who can’t afford to pay them....

Chicago Council of Lawyers Comments on the Draft Chicago Police Consent Decree

In July, the Illinois Attorney General, along with Chicago’s mayor and the Chicago Police Superintendent, released a draft consent decree, seeking sustainable reform of the Chicago Police Department's policies and procedures. The decree and other resources concerning the drive to reform the Chicago...

The Stories Behind Criminal Justice Debt, pt.1

** For the rest of August, we will be sharing personal stories of those affected by criminal justice debt to show the impact of court costs, fines, and fees on individuals and families in Illinois. If you would like to see the bi-partisan bill HB 4594-The Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act, be sign...

Independent Analysis of State’s Attorney Charging Trends Released Today

Contact: Kristi Sanford, 773-456-4024, kristi@thepeopleslobbyusa.org or Sharlyn Grace, 773-946-8535, sharlyngrace@chicagoappleseed.org Data from Cook County State’s Attorney Reveals Increased Transparency, Room for Improvement on Pledge to Reduce Incarceration Rates For immediate release Chicago,...