The Mission

The Criminal Division of the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office has the responsibility to prosecute all felony and misdemeanor cases, and to hold criminals accountable and ensure that the rights of the victims are honored and respected throughout the process. In the courtroom, prosecutors provide the highest quality legal representation for the community and seek justice in each and every case. The prosecutor’s “client” is the People of Jackson County.

The attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, and other associated support staff in the criminal division are committed to providing justice for victims and witnesses of crime in the most professional, respectful, and compassionate manner while ensuring that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law while maintaining everyone’s Constitutional rights.

Conviction Integrity

In order to truly fulfill the mission to seek justice for all, the prosecutor’s ethical obligations do not end once a conviction is secured. Seeking justice is not about conviction rates, or win-loss records, but seeing that the correct result occurs in every single case. It is critical that the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office remain at the forefront of developing and implementing mechanisms that ensure the rightful administration of justice, safeguarding that the guilty are convicted and the innocent freed.

Every prosecutor in the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office is responsible for ensuring conviction integrity. This includes reviewing, from a neutral standpoint, cognizable claims of actual innocence, identifying systematic issues which can result in wrongful convictions, collaborating with relevant parties in the course of those reviews to determine if the correct results occurred, and assisting with developing best practices and procedures based on the most up to date information. These efforts facilitate prosecutors’ diligently and ethically fulfilling their responsibilities toward the rightful administration of justice.

Typical Felony/Misdemeanor Flow Chart for Criminal Case

First Appearance:

This is the first court proceeding for the defendant. The charges are read, and the defendant is advised of their rights. Should the individual have been arrested, the People of the State of Illinois may seek to detain the defendant in the Jackson County Jail based on the SAFE-T Act provisions or seek provisions such as home confinement, GPS restrictions, and/or certain evaluations and treatment during the pendency of the case. Should the prosecution seek the above provisions, the Court has final decision-making authority on whether to grant or deny these requests.

Grand Jury (Felony Only):

This proceeding takes place instead of a preliminary hearing. This is a private proceeding without notification to the defendant; it is closed to the public. This may occur before or after initial charges have been filed and can be used when the investigation is still active.

Preliminary Hearing (Felony Only):

This is a probable cause hearing for the judge to determine whether a crime was committed and if the defendant was involved. The police officer testifies, and hearsay is admissible. The defendant may waive the preliminary hearing.

Arraignment:

This hearing is when the defendant enters a formal plea of guilty or not guilty.

Case Management Conference (CMC):

Motions are filed and discovery is discussed.

Jury Pre-Trial:

At this hearing, attorneys advise the judge if they are prepared for trial. The Defendant may also plead guilty or waive their right to a jury trial and request a bench trial.

Status:

This occurs approximately one week prior to trial and is typically the last time the defendant is able to accept the plea offer provided by the prosecution.

Trial:

Prosecutors must prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant is found guilty or not guilty by the judge or a jury.

Sentencing:

Penalties are imposed by the judge. If it is a violent crime case, the victims can present a Victim Impact Statement to the court. Due to the volume of cases, trial date continuances are common, as many cases are set for trial on the same date.

Video Court:

Many cases are held through video court. The link for video court is listed below. Click here:
Jackson County Video Court link. or https://jacksoncoilcircuitclerk.gov/video-court/
and then on the Judge’s name on your notice at the time of your hearing.