Annual Luncheon 2018

Thanks to everyone who attended our annual luncheon! This year, we honored Retired State Representative Elaine Nekritz for her work on the recently enacted Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act which will reduce the imposition of court fines and fees on those least able to afford them. This histori...
November 12, 2018

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday, the Coalition to End Money Bond organized the Rally to End Money Bail with special guest, Matt Forte, to mark the one year anniversary of the General Order 18.8A. For those who couldn't make it, you can still check out the rally here. The Coalition has also issued an updated report to mar...
September 19, 2018

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....
August 21, 2018

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...
August 20, 2018

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...
August 16, 2018