The nature of the criminal charges against you - traffic violation to serious felony - will determine where in Cook County your case will be heard. It could be one of several criminal courts in the county. Wherever your case is heard, you should choose an attorney who regularly appears there and has developed relationships with the prosecutors and judges.
26th and California is where main felonies in Chicago, such as murder, armed robbery, weapons charges and some assault and battery cases, are tried. Preliminary hearings may be held elsewhere in Cook County but the trial will likely be at this courthouse.
Daley Center is where most civil matters in Cook County are heard as well as many minor traffic offenses in Chicago, such as speeding. Typically, traffic charges will only result in a fine if you are convicted but sometimes you can lose your driving privileges or incur higher insurance rates. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consult not simply any attorney but specifically a Chicago traffic defense attorney.
Skokie Courthouse (located at 5600 Old Orchard Road in Skokie) is also known as the District 2 court and hears both criminal and civil cases ranging from the minor to serious offenses.
Rolling Meadows Courthouse (located at 2121 Euclid Avenue in Rolling Meadows) is also known as District 3 court and hears both criminal and civil cases ranging from the minor to serious offenses.
Maywood Courthouse (located at 1500 Maybrook Avenue in Maywood) is also known as the District 4 court and hears both criminal and civil cases ranging from the minor to serious offenses.
Bridgeview Courthouse (located at 10220 South 76th Avenue in Bridgeview) is also known as the District 5 court and hears both criminal and civil cases ranging from the minor to serious offenses.
Markham Courthouse (located at 16501 South Kedzie Parkway in Markham) is also known as the District 6 court and hears both criminal and civil cases ranging from the minor to serious offenses.
555 W. Harrison hears domestic violence cases in Chicago and jury trials on misdemeanors. If convicted of either, you could be sent to state prison.
Belmont & Western (located at 2452 West Belmont Avenue), 3150 W. Flournoy, 5555 W. Grand Avenue, 155 W. 51st Street and 727 E. 111th Street are courts where preliminary hearings are conducted for felony crimes in Chicago. If the case on felony charges is going to a grand jury, it is transferred to 26th and California or one of the suburban district courthouses. These locations are also where bench trials on misdemeanor charges in Chicago are heard, such as solicitation of a prostitute, disorderly conduct, assault, battery and other crimes.
It is worth repeating that for practical but primarily strategic reasons, it is highly recommended that you choose an attorney who regularly appears in the courthouse where your matter will be heard and is, therefore, familiar with the prosecutors and judges at that location.
No comments:
Post a Comment