Cook Co. State's Attorney will recommend I-bonds for non-violent offenders

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Monday, June 12, 2017
Razor wire rings the Cook County Jail Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, in Chicago (FILE).
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COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- A big change in how bond is handled for non-violent offenders and those with no criminal record was announced Monday.

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said her office will now recommend I-bonds which allow people to be released on their recognizance pending a trial.

Last Friday, Governor Bruce Rauner signed a new law to ensure low level offenders will not sit in jail because of financial problems.

The I-Team spoke with Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson about the decision a short time ago.

"So, the low level things, the low level narcotics, shoplifting and things like that nature, they shouldn't be spending any more time in jail than people that shoot people," Johnson said.

The I-bonds will also help reduce over-crowding in jails.