Ahead of the implementation of large-scale pretrial criminal justice reforms, state and county officials on Thursday offered a first look at specifics of how the complex Cook County bond court system will change when cash bail is abolished later this month.

       The historic reforms will take effect Sept. 18 across the state, marking a major change in the way decisions will be made around whether a defendant will be released from jail while awaiting trial. Though other jurisdictions have moved to eliminate or reduce money as a factor, Illinois was the first to pass it in the form of statewide legislation.

       Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx speaks as county and state officials discuss bond reform at Loyola University Chicago on Sept. 7, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)