Every Dog Has Its Day

As we close the door on 2015 and ring in 2016, scores of laws that were passed by the Illinois General Assembly during the year will take effect. While we will continue to keep you apprised of laws to look out for, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to share one particular law with you. Beginning on January 1, 2016, service dogs will be allowed in the courtroom during certain types of criminal trials in Illinois.

You might spot one of these specially-trained pups in cases involving the prosecution of criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal assault of a child, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse, where the victim is a child or a person with moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disabilities, or a person affected by a developmental disability. In such cases, the court will have the discretion to allow the use of a therapy dog to promote the comfort of the witness.

Illinois Senator Scott Bennett sponsored this law because he believes that service dogs could be of great use to victims who have to testify in difficult situations.  Victims of abuse often times become embarrassed or distracted when they have to testify to events that happened to them. Service dogs would be beneficial due to their ability to help the victims relax and focus when they have to tell their story.

Black Lab

Some of the factors the court will use when deciding whether to allow the assistance of a facility dog include the age of the witness, the rights of the parties involved, and any other factor the court finds relevant. Also, in order for a facility dog to be used the dog must have been a graduate of an assistance dog organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International.

Illinois is one of several States that is beginning to pass laws allowing facility dogs to have legal purpose in the courtroom. Another interesting fact that parallels this law is that dogs and cats are even being allowed on airplanes for passengers with psychological needs. Given this new embarkment upon the law, if you or anyone you know has been a victim of one of these crimes, or if you have a service dog that you would like to get involved in the aiding of witnesses throughout the legal process, please contact us at Laura Law and one of our experienced attorneys will be happy to discuss your options with you.


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