Weekend juvenile hearings to begin in Cook County court

The Circuit Court of Cook County announced Friday it will start holding weekend and holiday detention hearings for juveniles starting in November.

The new weekend and holiday hearings will begin on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Juvenile Center at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave., according to a statement from Chief Judge Timothy Evans. The Circuit Court previously only held juvenile detention hearings on weekdays, as allowed by state law and customary in most counties.

“Cook County established the first juvenile court in the nation in 1899, and we are continuing to treat juveniles humanely, with due process and with respect,” Chief Judge Evans said. “I look forward to moving forward in the best interest of our juveniles.”

Unlike adult bond hearings, juvenile detention hearings are conducted to determine if there is probable cause to charge the juvenile; make a ruling on custody status; and schedule future court appearances.