6 months of the SAFE-T Act; Champaign Co. prosecutor speaks on pros, cons [Video]

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Changes brought on by the SAFE-T Act have been a tightrope for many local governments in Central Illinois, including Champaign County. It’s been six months since the legislation went into effect, ending cash bail. Now, appeals are skyrocketing.

“Now defendants have a right to appeal,” said Champaign County State’s Attorney Julia Rietz. “And if you’re detained, why wouldn’t you appeal?”

Rietz added that although the SAFE-T Act has resulted in some burdens, she doesn’t believe it’s as dramatic of a change as people feared six months ago. There are still some tweaks and fixes that need to happen, but she said she’s seen the benefits from a public safety perspective.

“We are able to argue that somebody who committed a very serious offense and who has a history of criminality and a history of noncompliance with court orders, that that person should be held without the ability to post cash bond,” Rietz said.

SAFE-T Act lays out guidelines …