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5 Shocking Ways McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese Is Changing Criminal Justice In 2025

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The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of Randi Freese, has been at the forefront of significant legal and policy shifts throughout 2025, marking a new era for criminal justice in the county.

As the first woman to hold the prestigious office, Freese has driven a dual strategy of tough prosecution on violent crime—including successful detention petitions in high-profile murder cases—while simultaneously championing compassionate, evidence-based programs like the "A Way Out" initiative. This comprehensive approach is redefining public safety in the region and setting a new standard for prosecutorial leadership as of December 20, 2025.

The Complete Professional Profile of McHenry County State's Attorney Randi Freese

Randi Freese ascended to the role of McHenry County State's Attorney following the unexpected withdrawal of Patrick Kenneally, making history as the first woman to lead the office. Her career is characterized by an unwavering dedication to justice, rigorous prosecution, and a deep understanding of the county's legal landscape.

  • Role: McHenry County State's Attorney (First Woman to Hold the Office).
  • Sworn In: Following the withdrawal of the previous State's Attorney.
  • Early Career: Began her tenure in the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office as an intern in 2008, working in the traffic and misdemeanor divisions.
  • Hired Full-Time: Joined the office full-time as an Assistant State's Attorney after passing the bar exam in 2010.
  • Specialization: Spent years as a dedicated narcotics prosecutor, successfully handling some of the most serious drug cases in the county and sending large-scale drug dealers to prison.
  • High-Profile Cases: Over the last eight years, she has personally tried nearly all of McHenry County's murder and other high-profile, complex felony cases, earning a reputation as a tough, talented, and thorough prosecutor.
  • Core Values: Her leadership is built on a foundation of justice, community safety, and transparency.

1. A Dual-Focus Approach: Tough Prosecution Meets Compassionate Reform

The State's Attorney's Office, under Freese, has demonstrated a clear commitment to balancing punitive measures for violent offenders with restorative justice initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. This dual-focus strategy is a hallmark of modern prosecutorial leadership.

The 2025 Impact of the "A Way Out" Program

One of the most significant initiatives championed by the office is the "A Way Out" program, which continues to be a vital resource in 2025.

This program is a collaborative effort with New Directions Addiction Recovery Services (NDARS) and other community partners.

It provides individuals struggling with substance use disorder a pathway to treatment and recovery, allowing them to seek help without fear of arrest.

Freese has repeatedly highlighted the program's success, noting that it continues to change lives through partnership and compassion, a clear signal of the office's commitment to tackling the opioid and addiction crisis as a public health issue.

By focusing on diversion programs like "A Way Out," as well as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and DUI Court, the office is strategically reducing recidivism and freeing up resources for serious crimes.

2. The Stance on the SAFE-T Act and Calls for Collaborative Revisions

A major point of discussion in Illinois in 2025 has been the future of the SAFE-T Act, a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill. The McHenry County State's Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, has taken a clear and proactive stance on the issue.

State's Attorney Freese and Sheriff Robb Tadelman have welcomed Governor J.B. Pritzker's openness to revisiting and revising the controversial legislation.

The joint statement from the county's top law enforcement officials calls for collaborative reforms. They argue that while the intent of the SAFE-T Act—to improve fairness—is laudable, certain provisions have unintentionally created public safety challenges.

This position signals a willingness to engage in dialogue and legislative action to ensure that criminal justice reform does not compromise community safety, an entity Freese prioritizes.

3. Aggressive Prosecution and Pre-Trial Detention in High-Profile Cases

Despite the focus on reform, the office maintains a hardline approach to violent crime, particularly in cases involving murder and threats to public safety. The implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act component of the SAFE-T Act, which abolished cash bail, has been a key area of focus for the State's Attorney.

In late 2025, the State's Attorney's Office successfully petitioned the court to detain several individuals accused of serious felonies.

For example, in December 2025, the court granted the State's Attorney’s petition to detain a man accused of murdering his wife.

Similarly, a petition was granted in June 2025 to detain a 78-year-old man charged with a serious offense, and another in December 2025 for a man charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in a manner that posed a significant threat.

These successful detention petitions demonstrate the office's rigorous application of the new detention standards, ensuring that dangerous individuals are not released back into the community while awaiting trial. This meticulous handling of detention hearings is crucial for maintaining public trust and safety.

4. Commitment to Transparency and Community Engagement

Under Freese's leadership, the office has prioritized transparency, regularly issuing press releases to keep the public informed about significant legal developments, program updates, and high-profile case outcomes.

This open communication strategy, which includes updates on the "A Way Out" program and court rulings on detention, is a direct reflection of her campaign promise to foster a more transparent relationship between the State's Attorney's Office and the residents of McHenry County.

5. Focusing on Specific Crime Categories: Narcotics and Domestic Violence

Drawing on her extensive background as a narcotics prosecutor, State's Attorney Freese continues to prioritize the aggressive pursuit of large-scale drug dealers and those who contribute to the drug epidemic.

Additionally, the office operates a specific Deferred Prosecution Program and is deeply involved in handling Domestic Violence cases, recognizing the need for specialized attention and resources for these sensitive and complex crimes.

This targeted approach ensures that the most vulnerable members of the community are protected and that specialized resources, such as those related to domestic violence and mental health, are properly utilized within the justice system.

mchenry county state's attorney
mchenry county state's attorney

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