Pretrial Fairness Act doesn’t need fixing based on one case
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin is once again calling for changes to the Pretrial Fairness Act. This time, Mr. Berlin has focused in on a case where two women were re-arrested while on pretrial release for retail theft.
Isolated incidents are not proof that the entire system is broken. While these women allegedly committed new, nonviolent offenses, the Pretrial Fairness Act already gives judges the authority to detain people who pose a genuine risk to public safety, with built-in review mechanisms for repeat or dangerous conduct.
Yet Mr. Berlin seems determined to discredit a monumental reform that is working. Since the act took effect, jail populations have dropped without a corresponding rise in crime. Keeping low-risk people out of jail allows them to continue working, care for their families and prepare for trial — avoiding the harmful consequences of unnecessary pretrial detention. Most people released remain law-abiding while their cases proceed. The law is doing what it was designed to do: promote fairness without compromising public safety.
Judges already have the discretion to detain those who are truly dangerous. But using rare exceptions to undermine a policy that helps thousands is not only shortsighted, it’s unjust. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will always disagree on individual cases, that’s the nature of our legal system. But disagreement isn’t a reason to dismantle reform.
The Pretrial Fairness Act was created to address deep, longstanding inequities in our pretrial justice system. It reflects a commitment to fairness and to treating people as innocent until proven guilty. We should improve the system where needed, but not reverse progress because of anecdotal outcomes that don’t reflect the broader reality.
Mary Lhotak, Hanover Park
Gratitude for the peaceful ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ event
AAUW Naperville Area, Illinois NOW, League of Women Voters of Naperville and National Council of Jewish Women-Chicago North Shore want to extend our gratitude to the Naperville Police Department for their guidance and support at our recent “Good Trouble Lives On” event.
We also want to recognize the 500 to 600 citizens who joined us on the new Washington Street bridge to honor the legacy of U.S. Rep. John Lewis and stand up for democracy and civil rights. This was an awesome example of a peaceful gathering, celebrating our free speech without interfering with automobile or pedestrian traffic. The police department provided ample but unobtrusive assistance throughout the event.
We are happy to be part of a community that can exercise free speech peacefully and respectfully.
Becky Glimco, President, AAUW Naperville Area (IL)
Laura Welch, President, Illinois NOW
Julie Niles, President, League of Women Voters of Naperville
Jill Lexier, Advocate, National Council of Jewish Women-Chicago North Shore
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