Pre‑Trial Fairness Act (PFA) Appeals

Posted on April 2026

When a judge denies release, the fight isn’t over.

Illinois is the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail. Under the Pre‑Trial Fairness Act, people are no longer required to pay money to secure their release. For many families, that change is life‑altering—freedom no longer depends on the size of a bank account.

But the law cuts both ways. If someone is charged with a detainable offense, the State can ask the court to hold them in jail while the case moves forward. And because criminal cases can take months—or even years—to resolve, a detention order can feel like a sentence before any trial has even begun.

That’s why the law gives defendants the right to challenge a detention order.

• First, through a motion for relief in the trial court.
• If the judge refuses to release them, the next step is an appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court.

This is where experienced appellate counsel matters. A detention appeal moves quickly, requires a precise understanding of the statute, and demands a clear showing that the trial court got it wrong.

If your loved one is detained pretrial and the judge has denied release, the case may be ready for immediate appellate review. We can evaluate the order, identify legal errors, and pursue relief in the appellate court.

For more information, call us at 780‑320‑8263.

Case Review: $150.00

PFA Appeal: $5000 (use the $150.00 for any transcripts)