Bill > HB4217

This bill amends the Counties Code to expand the powers of public defenders by allowing them to represent existing criminal defense clients in summary suspension or revocation hearings under Section 2-118.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Specifically, the bill modifies the existing language about public defenders' duties by inserting a provision that permits public defenders who have already been appointed in a criminal case to also represent those same clients in related vehicle-related administrative hearings. This change means that if a public defender is representing a defendant in a criminal matter, they can now also represent that client in proceedings related to driver's license suspension or revocation, without requiring a separate appointment or incurring additional fees. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive legal representation for indigent defendants by allowing public defenders to handle interconnected legal matters more efficiently and comprehensively.

Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4217&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104