One of the oldest procedures in criminal law is the cash bail bond, the procedure in which a judge orders a suspect held in custody unless they can post a bond in an amount specified by the court. The bond is posted as a condition of the suspect being released from custody. If the suspect leaves the jurisdiction or fails to appear in court when required, the cash posted to obtain release is forfeited to the state. While all cash bonds must be reasonable in their amount and terms, the procedure has a great deal of inherent unfairness, especially for those of little economic means. In its last session, the Illinois legislature passed a law that significantly changes the procedures for imposing cash bonds on non-violent offenders.
Defendant in potential capital case asks judge to recuse himself
Defense lawyers in a high-profile murder case recently filed a motion asking the judge to recuse himself and asking for a trial date in June 2019. The motions demonstrate the seriousness of the allegations against the defendant and also the complex issues faced by criminal defense attorneys in preparing such a case for trial.
Drug investigation focuses on house in Troy neighborhood
A lengthy drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of the central suspect and an effort by Madison County to take possession of the house that has been allegedly used to facilitate a number of drug crimes.
What were you doing before that breath test said you were drunk?
Did you know that not everyone who fails a breath test does so because of drinking alcohol? Your activities prior to an officer pulling you over could have a profound effect on the outcome of a breath test. That's because of a distinct flaw in the machines designed to measure the amount of alcohol in your system.
East St. Louis man charged with two parking lot robberies
An East St. Louis man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to coerce shoppers at the Collinsville Crossing shopping center into giving him money on the pretext that he needed help with a disabled automobile.
