Evans was sworn in as a justice of the Illinois 1st District Appellate Court, which reviews cases coming out of Cook County's trial courts. The new position is a change for Evans, who spent 24 years leading the largest court system in Illinois.
"You don't make individual decisions on the appellate court. You're part of a three-person team," Evans said.
Justice Nathaniel Howse of the 1st District Appellate Court praised Evans during the swearing-in.
"The appellate bench demands clarity, wisdom, and a steady moral compass. Judge Evans brings all of that and more. A heart that has never stopped believing in the promise of justice," Howse said.
Evans' career has been defined by efforts to change how justice is administered. One of his most significant initiatives was his effort to reduce the role of money in determining who remains in jail before trial, years before Illinois ultimately eliminated cash bail statewide.
"It made no sense, there never should have been cash bail in Illinois," Evans said.
He also pointed to the impact of the change, saying, "At the same time, there has been no increase in crime being committed by people who are no longer subject to the cash bail system."
Evans was the first Black chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court and served eight consecutive terms. He lost his bid for another term last year and has now been appointed to a two-year term on the appellate court, filling a vacancy left by a retiring judge.
At 83, Evans said what keeps him motivated is what he considers a vote of confidence from the people of Illinois.
"They tell me I can do it and if people tell you, you can do it, you know you can do it," Evans said.