The Illinois Supreme Court today issued two new orders which will resume statutory time
restrictions for speedy trials on October 1 and relax social distancing requirements in
courthouses. Both orders are effective immediately.
“It is important to note that our courts remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic and
thousands of court proceedings have taken place via both in-person and virtual hearings,” Chief
Justice Anne M. Burke said. “However, conducting criminal jury trials has been very difficult.
These two orders will help our courts prepare for a return to a full slate of jury trials.”
M.R. 30370, In re: Illinois Courts Response to COVID-19 Emergency/Social Distancing, states
that “Chief Circuit Judges of the State are permitted to relax or eliminate social distancing
requirements,” and notes that the decision to do so should be based on local conditions.
M.R. 30370, Illinois Courts Response to COVID-19 Emergency/Speedy Trial, states that
statutory time restrictions will no longer be tolled and that “all days on and following October 1,
2021, shall be included in speedy trial computations contained in section 103-5 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure of 1963 and section 5-601 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act”. This provides
the chief circuit judges at least 90 days to prepare for the tolling to be lifted.
The order also states the days prior to March 20, 2020, and April 3, 2020, when the Court put out
orders tolling the statutory time restrictions for section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
of 1963 and section 5-601 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, will be included in speedy trial
computations.
