Could the Donald Trump cashless bail executive order lead to the end of Illinois' no cash bail system? Experts weigh in
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Every courthouse in the state of Illinois has operated without cash bail for almost two years.

Researchers at Loyola University’s Criminal Justice and Criminology Department have found it to be a system that has run smoothly with no increases in crime.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“People who have money, who may be dangerous, can’t just buy their way out, and poor people who aren’t dangerous don’t languish in jail with the inability to be released,” said Loyola University Loyola Center for Criminal Justice Co-Chair Professor David Olson.

Olson says the likelihood of someone committing a violent crime after being released before trial is very low. He says some prosecutors who were hesitant about a cashless bail system before it was enacted have now used it to their advantage to make sure violent criminals are detained.

“I think many of them do recognize the value of being able to detain someone who poses a danger and know that they can’t post money,” Olson said.

Falsely claiming people charged with murder are released, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to do away with cashless bail.

SEE ALSO | 1 year after end of cash bail in IL, early research shows impact less than many hoped or feared

“We are ending it, but we are starting by ending it in D.C. and that we have the right to do through federalization,” Trump said.

But legal experts say the president does not have the legal right to end cashless bail in the states or local jurisdictions.

“It is the prerogative of states and of municipalities and of very local government to decide how they are going to operate their criminal justice system,” said Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law Professor Alexa Van Brunt.

Van Brunt says the law is quite clear, and the courts will not side with president. But he has threatened to withhold federal funding for jurisdictions that do not comply.

“How these lawsuits will turn out is a little unclear on the federal funding question,” Van Brunt said.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Cheerleader's ex-boyfriend reveals her stepbrother's disturbing act

Shocking Revelations: Cheerleader’s Ex Uncovers Stepbrother’s Sinister Secret

In a shocking revelation, Anna Kepner’s former boyfriend has alleged that her…
Chadwick Boseman star: 'Black Panther' actor honored with posthumously on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Chadwick Boseman Immortalized: ‘Black Panther’ Icon Earns Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — In a heartfelt ceremony, family and friends came…
Why Bruce Willis' wife turned to therapy after his dementia diagnosis

Bruce Willis’ Wife Seeks Therapy Support Following His Dementia Diagnosis: A Journey of Love and Resilience

Emma Heming Willis has candidly shared one of the most challenging decisions…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson offers City Council members online portal to submit budget efficiency ideas

Mayor Brandon Johnson Introduces Online Portal for City Council to Propose Budget Efficiency Enhancements

In the midst of Chicago’s ongoing budgetary disputes, Mayor Brandon Johnson has…
Northwestern Medicine study recommends expanding ages for lung cancer screening

Expanding Horizons: Northwestern Medicine Advocates for Broader Lung Cancer Screening Age Range

Chicago’s Northwestern Medicine is taking a significant step forward in the fight…
What Jordon Hudson DMed Dave Portnoy after ‘disgusting’ Bill Belichick rant

Jordon Hudson’s Private Message to Dave Portnoy Following Controversial Bill Belichick Critique

In a curious twist of events, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy found…
Defiant Dems receive 24/7 protection after Trump threats

Round-the-Clock Security for Defiant Democrats Amidst Escalating Trump Threats

Six Democratic lawmakers are now under constant protection from the Capitol Police…
Boyfriend of woman who vanished at California beach bonfire speaks out, makes plea for public's help

Desperate Plea: Boyfriend Seeks Public’s Help in Mysterious Disappearance at California Beach Bonfire

A Utah woman’s disappearance from a California beach earlier this month has…