Clay Campbell

On the Record

What, if any, changes need to be made to modernize the state’s attorney's office?

The DeKalb County State's Attorney's office currently strives to utilize the latest technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operation. We are in the process of enhancing our ability to conduct trials using state-of-the art equipment.

Does the state's attorney's office have enough resources to conduct its business?

The last year has been extraordinarily challenging for the DeKalb County State's Attorney's office. Due to the high number of murder, reckless homicide, drug, sexual assault, weapons, and child pornography cases, we have essentially been working around the clock. In addition, we have the highly unusual task of prosecution the abduction and murder of a little girl that occurred more than a half century ago. To say that our resources are strained would be an understatement. However, the citizens of this county can be assured that the attorneys and staff in our office are utterly dedicated to the safety of all members of our community.

How a big a problem are drugs and violent crime in DeKalb County and what will you do to tackle the issue?

We are seeing an increasing influx of heroin in our community. This past year we have prosecuted an unusual number of drug-induced homicide cases involving heroin. With this and other dangerous drugs comes violence, particularly random gun violence. We are, in essence, at war with individuals coming to our community bent on making money dealing drugs. They are dangerous. To combat this, we are working closely with local statem, and federal law enforcement to design strategies to get these criminals off the streets. We are working closely with Northern Illinois University to share information and increase cooperation between our respective agencies. Most importantly, we are seeking stiff prison sentences for all individuals convicted of these types of offenses. We must make our community an unwelcome place for drug dealers and other violent offenders.

What is the biggest issue facing law enforcement in the county and what should be the state's attorney's role in addressing it?

The biggest issue facing law enforcement in the county is resources. We need more officers throughout the county. We need to insure they have the latest equipment and technology to combat the drug and gun violence that continues to plague our streets. We need to provide them with the very best training available to catch the increasing number of internet predators trying to lure our children away from the protection of their parents. In essence, we need to insure that our police officers are always one step ahead of the criminals.

What distinguishes you from the other candidate in this primary?

The most important distinction between myself and my opponent is experience. I have over two decades of criminal law experience here in DeKalb County and around Northern Illinois. He has none. I have handled hundreds of complex criminal cases. He has handled none. Throughout the years I have argued difficult cases before juries around the State. I have no knowledge of my opponent ever having participated in a jury trial. I pride myself on personally knowing all the law enforcement officials throughout the county. I am not sure he knows any of them. The most important responsibility of a State's Attorney is to keep our neighborhoods, schools and streets safe. This can only be accomplished with an experienced trial lawyer leading a team of prosecutors dedicated to maintaining public safety. I have that experience and my opponent does not.

What, if anything, can be done to speed up the process of cases going through the courthouse?

In my over twenty years of practicing law in the DeKalb County Courthouse, the only effective way I have discovered to increase the speed of the process of cases is to avoid filing cases whenever possible. Precious time and resources are best devoted to the most serious cases. Less serious matters should be resolved quickly. Others should be diverted away from the court system to be handled in some other venue. We routinely try to divert kids away from the court system by putting the responsibility of punishment back where it belongs, with the parents.