Announcement, Press Release |
Chief Judge Charles Beach of the Circuit Court of Cook County reminds the public, members of the legal community, and members of the media that virtual court appearance options remain available to case participants across Cook County under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45.
Rule 45 allows individuals involved in court proceedings to appear by phone or video — rather than in person at the courthouse — for many types of civil and criminal proceedings. Under the rule, remote appearances are permitted without advance notice or motion for certain proceedings, while others require prior court approval. A showing of good cause or hardship is not required to request a remote appearance under this rule. A judge presiding over a case may require a case participant to attend a court proceeding in person. In such a situation, the judge shall inform the case participants on the record if they are required to attend a future court date in person.
"Access to justice means meeting people where they are," said Chief Judge Beach. "Virtual court options reduce barriers for working families, caregivers, people with disabilities and anyone for whom traveling to a courthouse presents a real hardship. We want every person with a case in Cook County to know these resources exist and how to use them."
How to Appear Virtually in Cook County
The Circuit Court of Cook County conducts remote court proceedings through Zoom.
Zoom information — including Meeting IDs and passcodes for each courtroom — is available by court location on the court's website (cookcountycourtil.gov). Participants may also join by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the Meeting ID and passcode for their case.
Participants are reminded to enter their name before joining a Zoom session. Parties not properly identified will not be admitted into the session.
Remote Access Centers
For those who do not have access to a computer or smartphone, the Circuit Court of Cook County provides computer access at designated Remote Access Centers, where litigants can connect to their Zoom hearings with assistance from court personnel or with equipment provided by the court.
Remote Access Center locations include:
- Richard J. Daley Center (Chicago) — Room CL-16, Concourse Level; (312) 603-9222
- Skokie Courthouse — Room 157; (847) 470-7425
- Rolling Meadows Courthouse — Room LL062, Lower Level; (847) 818-2890
- Maywood Courthouse — Room 200A; (708) 865-5952
- Bridgeview Courthouse — Room LL060, Lower Level; (708) 974-6706
- Markham Courthouse — Room LL071, Lower Level; (708) 232-4004
Important Reminders
Recording, photographing, or otherwise reproducing Zoom or livestreamed court proceedings is strictly prohibited and may result in contempt of court and/or other penalties. Remote participants are expected to conduct themselves with the same decorum required in a physical courtroom.
The Circuit Court of Cook County also cautions the public about a scam in which individuals are contacted through the Chat feature on Zoom during virtual court proceedings. Court staff will never request payment or personal financial information through Zoom chat.
More information about remote court proceedings and Remote Access Centers in Cook County is available online, including tips for remote appearances and help accessing Zoom. You can also contact your assigned courtroom directly for assistance.
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
(312) 603-5414
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