By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Speedy trials are back in Illinois after the state’s highest court issued two new orders on Wednesday.

The first order from the Illinois Supreme Court, resuming those speedy trials, means time restrictions will no longer be extended after October 1.

The COVID-related measures never resulted in a case backlog at the McLean County Law and Justice Center, said Mark Fellheimer, chief judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, which includes McLean County. Fellheimer believes other counties will now have to prioritize criminal cases.

The second Supreme Court order relaxes social distancing requirements, but it’s up to each jurisdiction.

Social distancing has been the biggest challenge during the pandemic, said Judge Fellheimer.

“As far as the social distancing, that’s the biggest struggle that we’re dealing with now,” Fellheimer said.

“It’s no different than any other business,” the judge said.

However, he noted court proceedings are different because the law requires them to be held.

Hearings will continue to be held virtually and in-person at the Law and Justice Center.

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