Ensuring Earlier Access to Attorneys for Arrestees in Chicago


Only one percent of people arrested by Chicago police last year got an attorney while still at the station.

That’s according to the nonprofit First Defense Legal Aid, which is part of a new push to get arrestees representation earlier.

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Last week, the chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court signed an order designed to ensure everyone in custody has legal representation, even if they can’t afford to pay an attorney.

Joining Chicago Tonight to discuss the new order are Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans; and Cook County Public Defender Amy Campanelli.


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