Court reporter funding woes could mean delayed trials, sentencing

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) -- Because of Illinois' financial problems, money to pay court reporters is about to run out.

Judges are now trying to stretch their money to keep them.

They are a fixture in just about every criminal courtroom; state law requires court reporters to be present for felony and child custody cases, but state money to pay them is about to run out at the end of month, forcing chief judges to make some tough decisions.

"Effective yesterday, my court reporters are on half-time, they are furloughed half the time," said Chief Judge John Phillips, Lake County Circuit Court.

Judge Phillips says furloughs are a way to avoid layoffs and stretch the money as far as it can go, in case Springfield doesn't resolve the problem. But with a full case load on the docket every day, cutting back on court reporters means slowing down the wheels of justice.

"My judges have to continue trials; so something that may be going to trial next month at this time is now being put over to June, July and August," Judge Phillips said.

Judge Phillips says sentences will be delayed as well, which could result in overcrowded jails. The frustrating part for Illinois judges and court reporters is that the situation could have been avoided. Funds to pay court reporters are in the state budget, but this year some of the money was moved to another fund. It will take legislative action to move the money back.

For these veteran Lake County court reporters, they can't afford to wait.

"For all of us, it's very nerve-racking to be cut 50 percent of your pay out of the blue, it's hard," said Caren Rapinchuk, a Lake County court reporter.

"It's extremely frustrating, I feel as though our voices are not being heard and we are stuck in the middle of this," said Sharon Helbig, a Lake County court reporter.

While they wait for Springfield to take action, all 24 chief judges in Illinois will meet in Chicago on Friday to discuss the court reporter situation.