Announcement, Press Release |
MARKHAM, IL – June 11, 2026 – Due to a weather-related loss of electrical power affecting the entire Sixth Municipal District Courthouse in Markham, Illinois, the Circuit Court of Cook County has temporarily modified court operations to ensure public safety and the continued administration of justice.
Because the timetable for restoration of electrical service remains unknown, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has entered an administrative order establishing temporary procedures for matters scheduled to be heard on June 11, 2026.
Under the Order:
- All criminal cases scheduled for initial appearance and EM violations of conditions of release will be heard at the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, located at 10220 S. 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois 60455.
- Felony preliminary hearings will be continued to June 18, 2026.
- All other felony matters will be continued to June 25, 2026.
- All traffic and misdemeanor matters will be continued to July 22, 2026.
- Initial appearances in domestic violence matters will be heard at the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview.
- New petitions seeking emergency Orders of Protection, Civil No Contact Orders, and Stalking No Contact Orders will be heard at the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview.
- Civil Orders of Protection return matters will be continued to July 2, 2026.
- All other domestic violence matters will be continued to July 10, 2026.
- Civil matters will proceed as directed by the presiding judge assigned to the case, and continuances will be issued by court order where appropriate.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety of litigants, attorneys, court employees, and members of the public while maintaining access to essential court services,” said Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II. “The Court has taken steps to ensure that emergency matters, including criminal initial appearances and petitions seeking protective orders, continue to be heard without interruption during this temporary closure.”
The Court is actively monitoring the situation and working with facility personnel and utility providers to determine when normal operations can safely resume at the Markham courthouse. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Members of the public and attorneys with matters scheduled in the Sixth Municipal District are encouraged to monitor official court communications for updates regarding courthouse operations.
About the Circuit Court of Cook County
The Circuit Court of Cook County is one of the largest unified court systems in the world, serving more than five million residents through more than 400 judges across eight divisions and six municipal districts. The Court remains committed to providing fair, efficient, and accessible justice for all residents of Cook County.
Media Contact
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Circuit Court of Cook County
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