On-call attorneys now available for consultations in Chicago police stations

Chief Judge signs order to provide free lawyers for arrestees in CPD custody

On-call attorneys now available for consultations in police stations

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans signed an order that will help individuals held in Chicago Police Department custody gain access to a free attorney in the police station.

Currently, the vast majority of arrestees do not receive legal representation until their first court appearance, which is for a bail hearing. 

The order signed by Chief Judge Evans designates the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender to send one of its attorneys to the police station or designate a volunteer private attorney to attend in place of an assistant public defender. In 2015, 89 percent of defendants in the Circuit Court of Cook County were represented by the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender.


Arrestees will have access to assistant public defenders on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer attorneys from First Defense Legal Aid will assist individuals during all other hours and on weekends and holidays.