THE FOLLOWING STORY IS BY BILL PICKETT
Members of the Vermilion County Board heard from States Attorney Jacqueline Lacy Tuesday night about concerns over changes in the Safe-T Act. Lacy noted that changes coming January 1st, 2023 will put the burden of proof on prosecutors to show a defendant poses a real threat to the safety of a specific identifiable person or persons. Otherwise that defendant cannot be detained pending further court hearings on such serious offenses as burglary, robbery, aggravated battery, arson, and even second-degree murder. ‘’We can’t ask for detention on second-degree murder – that just doesn’t make sense,’’ said Lacy.
States Attorneys from across the state have filed lawsuits seeking to halt the changes in the Safe-T Act. Lacy noted Vermilion County is one of six counties statewide that were selected to continue action under a consolidated case. And Lacy added she is cautiously optimistic the changes will be stopped.
