CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Trials and most other court proceedings have not been taking place during the coronavirus shutdown. But Cook County's top prosecutor says for many in the legal system it's anything but a holiday.
Cook County States Attorney Kimberly Foxx says her office is operating at about a 25 % case load, now that most courtroom-based activities cancelled or now online.
So, what are all the lawyers doing? Trying to clear backlogs, Foxx said Tuesday. She's been farming out hundreds of appeals to attorneys not prepping for trials and such.
The office's Victim Witness Assistance Program is busy keeping victims up to date on the status of cases. Some of them need essential services like housing, food and counseling.
Foxx said the 70 people who make up the program are actually working harder than usual — but from home.
