Judge Preliminarily Approves Class Action Settlement on Behalf of Former Male Inmates Unlawfully Detained After Acquittal

On April 4, 2016, a Federal Judge in Chicago preliminarily approved a settlement of a class action brought by Attorney Jacie Zolna on behalf of a group of former male inmates who were found not guilty or otherwise acquitted of the charges brought against them. The suit alleged that the Sheriff of Cook County unlawfully detained class members after they were declared free men in court, either by virtue of a not guilty verdict or other dismissal of the charges.  The settlement requires the Sheriff’s Office to modify its release procedures to ensure prompt identification and release of male inmates who are found not guilty or otherwise acquitted, and also provides for monetary payments to class members.