Many civil and criminal court dates in Cook County can be attended virtually by video on Zoom or by phone, instead of in person. This is allowed under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45.
What you should know
- For some court dates, you can appear remotely without asking first. For others, you need the court’s approval in advance.
- You do not need to show a special reason or hardship to ask to appear remotely.
- A judge may still require you to come in person. If so, the judge will tell you on the record.
Get your Zoom information
Each courtroom has its own Zoom Meeting ID and passcode. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office online or call (312) 603-5030 to get your Zoom information.
You may also find Zoom information by court location:
Alternate ways to connect
Join by phone
If you don't have access to a computer or smartphone, you can join by telephone. Dial (312) 626-6799 and enter your Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode when prompted.
Visit a Remote Access Center
If you don’t have a computer, smartphone, or internet access, you can join your hearing from a Remote Access Center. Court staff and equipment are available to help you connect.
In Chicago
Richard J. Daley Center
Location: Richard J. Daley Center
Room CL-16
(Concourse Level)
Computers Available: 12
Phone: (312) 603-9222
In Chicago
George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse
Second Municipal District
Skokie Courthouse
Third Municipal District
Rolling Meadows Courthouse
Location: Rolling Meadows Courthouse
Room LL062
(Lower Level)
Computers Available: 4
Phone: (847) 818-2890
Fourth Municipal District
Maywood Courthouse
Fifth Municipal District
Bridgeview Courthouse
Sixth Municipal District
Markham Courthouse
Help and resources
- Instructions for using Zoom on your Phone or Computer (English & Spanish)
- Tips for Remote Court Proceedings
- Illinois Supreme Court remote proceeding resources
- Questions about your hearing? Contact your assigned courtroom directly.
Before you join
Enter your name before joining. People who are not properly identified will not be admitted.
- Use this format for your name:
- Atty Last Name - P - Party Name
- Atty Last Name - D - Party Name
- P - Party Name
- D - Party Name
- Atty Last Name - Intervenor Party Name
- Intervenor Party Name
- CrtRptr Last Name – Case Name
- Observer Last Name
- Interpreter Last Name
- Keep your audio and video off until your case is called.
- Behave as you would in a courtroom. The same rules of conduct apply on Zoom.
Do not record, photograph, video, or save any Zoom or livestreamed court proceeding. Doing so may result in contempt of court or other penalties. See General Administrative Order 2023-03 for details.
Livestreams and Zoom hearings cannot be used as transcripts or bystander reports. For an official record, hire a court reporter.
Scammers have contacted people through the Zoom chat during court hearings, asking for money for services they never provide. Some claim to be attorneys or pretrial officers, and may use real details about you or your case.
- Court staff will never ask for payment or financial information through Zoom chat.
- The Court and the Clerk will never ask you to pay with Apple Pay, Facebook Messenger, Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Venmo, Zelle, or similar apps.
- Court fines and fees can only be paid in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office online, by phone, or by mail.
- If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your local police.