Election Results: Cook County to Choose New Top Prosecutor

 Posted on March 17, 2016 in Cook County criminal attorney

Regardless of how you may feel about the subject, the reality in Illinois is that, sometimes, politics and criminal law directly affect one another. On certain levels, of course, you probably realize this to be true, as representatives, senators, and governors must be elected before they can draft legislation, amend and vote on bills, and enact new laws. Politics and public opinion can also directly impact the application of the law, as many other positions within the government are also filled by popular election. Using the power of the vote this week, the people of Cook County have spoken by voting out incumbent Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, effectively deciding that it is time for a new chief prosecutor.

Role of the State’s Attorney

Cook County, Illinois, is the largest consolidated court district in the entire United States, serving a population of more than 5.2 million residents. The Cook County State’s Attorney is tasked with representing the people of Illinois in prosecuting crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the county court. The State’s Attorney’s Office operates as a branch of county government and currently employs more than 900 Assistant State’s Attorneys who help in the prosecution of criminal activity throughout the county’s six municipal districts.  State’s Attorneys are elected by popular vote to a term of four years.

Changes Ahead

This week, perhaps overshadowed by the Super Tuesday headlines of the current presidential campaign, primary elections were held across Illinois, and the Cook County ballot included the race for State’s Attorney. On the Democratic side, two-term incumbent Anita Alvarez ran against Kim Foxx, a former prosecutor who has spent more than a decade working in the Juvenile Justice Bureau. Foxx’s platform relied rather heavily on her criticism of the county’s handling of a recent high-profile police shooting.

When the day was over, Foxx had collected about 58 percent of the vote, doubling Alvarez’s total of 29 percent. The victory this week means that Foxx will be the Democratic candidate for the position in November’s general election. She will face Republican Christopher Pfannkuche in her efforts to be selected by the citizens of Cook County as the new Cook County State’s Attorney.

Facing Criminal Charges?

No matter the outcome of the election in November, the State’s Attorney’s office has the authority to bring criminal charges against those suspected of committing crimes in Cook County. If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced Skokie criminal defense attorney. We can help you explore your options under the law and assist you in protecting your future. Call the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. today at 847-239-4703.

Sources:

http://www.cookcountyil.gov/states-attorney-office-of-the/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-cook-county-states-attorney-anita-alvarez-kim-foxx-met-0316-20160315-story.html