Editor's note: Let's hear it for the Supremes! Hey, Supremes, what took you so long? FEDs, jump in and be critical about the Probate Court of Cook County, home of the crooks. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com
Ill. Supreme Court issues critical report on Cook Co. court system
Tribune illustration (March 21, 2014)
|
The Illinois Supreme Court issued a critical and unprecedented report Friday into how the Cook County court system handles criminal suspects, pointing to a lack of institutional leadership and basic understanding of certain court services.
The audit, which began late last year, focused on pretrial services — a unit within the court’s probation department that helps judges decide whether defendants should be kept in jail or released into the community while their criminal cases move through the courts.
The 64-page report presents 40 recommended changes, including appointing a specific person to head pretrial services and establishing “clear and appropriate criteria” for release recommendations that are made to judges.
“There has been a gradual erosion of a management and leadership structure dedicated to the Pretrial Services Program,” the audit states. “There is a general lack of understanding of the pretrial services function by stakeholders and Probation Department staff.”
Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans could not immediately be reached for comment. In a December news release he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s audit, indicating he would be open to suggestions.
“The Supreme Court is overseeing efforts to improve pretrial services in Illinois, and I applaud those efforts,” the news release stated. “I am open to any meaningful suggestions as to how our judges hearing criminal matters can more efficiently handle their ever growing workload.”
cdizikes@tribune.com
tlighty@tribune.com
@cdizikes
@tlighty
The audit, which began late last year, focused on pretrial services — a unit within the court’s probation department that helps judges decide whether defendants should be kept in jail or released into the community while their criminal cases move through the courts.
The 64-page report presents 40 recommended changes, including appointing a specific person to head pretrial services and establishing “clear and appropriate criteria” for release recommendations that are made to judges.
“There has been a gradual erosion of a management and leadership structure dedicated to the Pretrial Services Program,” the audit states. “There is a general lack of understanding of the pretrial services function by stakeholders and Probation Department staff.”
Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans could not immediately be reached for comment. In a December news release he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s audit, indicating he would be open to suggestions.
“The Supreme Court is overseeing efforts to improve pretrial services in Illinois, and I applaud those efforts,” the news release stated. “I am open to any meaningful suggestions as to how our judges hearing criminal matters can more efficiently handle their ever growing workload.”
cdizikes@tribune.com
tlighty@tribune.com
@cdizikes
@tlighty
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: I would like to urge the Supreme Court to also look at pre-trial and post-trial procedures in the Cook County Probate Court. My loved one's temporary guardianship lasted over 7 months (the law says 60 days max) due to the unethical effort of a private, for-profit guardian to step in and become my loved one's guardian. My loved one was deceived, and certain attorneys worked together and furthered the deceit in an attempt to get their colleague named as guardian.
In an attempt to preserve my loved one's estate (in addition to my own) from the on-going legal fees, I stepped down as temporary guardian, thinking that might help the situaion, and a third party guardian was named. The estate was then promptly depleted by that guardian and the attorneys on the case.
Kudos to one of the new judges on the 18th floor, who appears to be concerned about the quality of life for his wards in the wake of the destruction left by the previous judge.
But further change is needed, Supreme Court. Please extend your assessment of the court procedures to include the Cook County Probate Court. Anonymous
ProbateShark: Anonymous, you are just too nice to these Cook County Court people. This Shark would metaphorically thrash and metaphorically crucify these lawless low breeds. The very idea of what damage they have done to the dead, dying, disabled and aged is beyond a Shark’s comprehension. Some day, some day, an accounting will be held and the Solos and Kawamotos of the world will be swept from our legal system... Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com.
ReplyDeleteBaywolf: Shark, Anonymous has the right idea. Let Judge Evans and the Supreme Court handle the legal situation in a rational, calm, measured manner. The Trib article is about criminal court not probate. What is this garbage...your going to crucify somebody? Who the hell is Solo, some singer? And Kawamoto? This is America remember! Shark, the best you could do would be to stop bloging. You make me sick. Baywolf, frustrated.
ReplyDeleteProbateShark: Dear Baywolf, In a separate post yesterday, Your ProbateShark commented on the business partner of a car dealer, Al Piemonte, who wished the law to guardianize Mr. Piemonte. It appears that Judge Cohen saw through the transparent reasoning and denied the motion for guardianship. We are seeing more attempts as this at using the law to deny seniors of their rights and property.
ReplyDeleteBaywolf, if I become emotional at times, please excuse my rhetoric as my family has been victimized by “the Solos and Kawamotos of the world” and their clones. The wise judgement of Judge Cohen is refreshing and tells this Shark that positive change is in the wind. Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com