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A woman accused of attacking four Chicago police officers has been released after a new state law abolishing cash bail took effect.
Esmeralda Aguilar, 24, a resident of Cicero, a Chicago suburb, is charged with four counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer following the incident, which allegedly occurred over the weekend.
Aguilar was arrested moments after the alleged attack in the city center. However, she was released Monday, the same day the Pretrial Fairness Act, part of the SAFE-T Act, took effect.
ILLINOIS SHERIFFS PREPARE FOR FALLOUT OF ‘MOST DANGEROUS LAW IN AMERICA’ AFTER STATE SUPREME COURT ENDS CASH BAIL
Esmeralda Aguilar, 24, is charged with four counts of aggravated battery on a peace officer, but she was released thanks to a new state law abolishing cash bail. (Chicago Police Department)
“It is reported that on the first day without bail, a violent offender arrested for attacking four Chicago police officers and sending two of them to the hospital, was immediately released because the county State’s Attorney’s Office Cook has not even bothered to file a complaint. The motions seeking detention of the defendants are problematic,” Illinois State Senator John Curran said in a statement to FOX Chicago .
“This highlights the misplaced priorities of Illinois’ criminal justice system when the prosecutor prioritizes the freedom of a violent offender over the safety of police officers dedicated to protecting and serving our communities.” , Curran added.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital it could not comment on Aguilar’s case. Fox News Digital also contacted the Chicago Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Illinois man and teen face criminal charges for allegedly attacking Chicago police officers with wooden poles
Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney (Antonio Pérez/Chicago Tribune/File)
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Under the new law, a judge can jail a person if they believe they pose a risk to the community. If they do not pose a danger or flight risk, they are released without having to post cash bail.
Supporters of the law argue that cash bail punishes low-income defendants simply because they are too poor to get out of jail. Critics said the new law could result in dangerous criminals being released onto the streets, as cities like Chicago continue to see violent crime.
“I can assure you that the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is prepared to implement the Pretrial Fairness Act.” Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx posted on social media Monday. “This effort to detain those who pose a real threat to our population rather than those who are simply poor is the right thing to do.”
In a statement, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle called the end of cash bail “a milestone on the path to economic and racial justice in Cook County and Illinois.” .
Aguilar’s next court date is scheduled for September 25.
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