Defendant was convicted, after bench trial of domestic battery. While case was pending, in March 2020, Illinois Supreme Court entered emergency orders in response to COVID-19 pandemic, as to the Speedy Trial Act. Under authority of Supreme Court Order, trial court, in May 2020, entered order continuing all criminal trials. Nothing in the language of Supreme Court order required any action by trial court to toll the speedy-trial term. Supreme Court had the authority to allow tolling of time limits under the Act from bringing criminal defendants to trial, and court exercised that authority in response to the extraordinary and dire circumstances, threatening health and safety of Illinois residents, that existed when the orders were entered. (HUTCHINSON and JORGENSEN, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Speedy Trial Act