ACLU 2019 IL Smart Justice Report

Illinois has 40,922 people in prison.  We can reduce that number. Read the full report

If Illinois were to follow these and other reforms in this Smart Justice 50-State Blueprint, by 2025 it could have 24,898 fewer people in its prison system, saving over $1.5 billion that could be invested in schools, services, and other resources that would strengthen communities.

Learn About Facts and Policy
Proposed reforms: Illinois-24,898
Drug offenses-7,819 fewer people in prison

• Institute alternatives that end all admissions for drug possession
• Reduce average time served for drug distribution and other drug offenses by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions for drug distribution and other drug offenses by 50%

Robbery-3,314 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 50%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 30%

Burglary-3,020 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 30%

Assault-2,996 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 30%

Public order offenses-2,977 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 50%

Theft-1,575 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 50%

Weapons offenses-1,555 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%

Homicide-474 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 15%

Motor vehicle theft-448 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 50%

Fraud-372 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 60%
• Institute alternatives that reduce admissions by 50%

Sexual assault-348 fewer people in prison

• Reduce average time served by 10%