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Court Administration

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1. What if I miss my court date?

If you know the courtroom, please email the court clerk. Otherwise, please call the circuit clerk's office at 309-672-6000.

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Jury Service Questions

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1. How do I respond to my juror questionnaire online?

Select the Juror eResponse System link. You may want to save this address in your Favorites. Enter the candidate ID number on the questionnaire and your zip code and click on the log in button. Review additional information on the Jury Questionnaire page. If you have any problems, call 309-672-6076.

2. After I have served, when am I qualified to serve again?

After completing jury service, you should not be called to service again for a period of 1 year from the date you last served. If you are summoned again within this time period, simply call the jury commission office at 309-672-6076 to be excused.

3. Can I volunteer for jury service?

Because jury service is a random selection, it is not possible to volunteer.

4. How are jurors selected for a jury trial?

After a jury panel is selected and is taken to the courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the judge and attorneys will ask jurors questions to see if you can keep and open mind and be fair. After the juror has been questioned, the juror will either be selected or excused from that particular case. If a juror is selected, you will then receive instructions from the judge as to what is expected of you. Those jurors, who were not selected, will return to the jury assembly room and wait for another jury trial to start.

5. How are jurors selected for jury service?

Every year the Jury Commission office receives a list of names that have been randomly selected from drivers license, voter s registration, and Illinois ID card. This list is obtained from the AOIC (Administrative Office of Illinois Courts) in Springfield, Illinois. These names are then combined into one master list and names are randomly selected to receive a juror questionnaire. When the questionnaire is returned, the jury commissioners then qualify potential jurors. Once qualified the jurors are randomly selected to receive a jury summons.

6. Is there anything I should avoid once I have been summoned for jury duty?

Avoid reading, listening, or watching media accounts of trials that may be scheduled during your term of service.

7. Must my employer pay me while I'm on jury service?

No, according to Illinois law, "An employer may not deny an employee time off for jury duty. No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce and employee by reason of the employees jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service..." 705 ILCS 304/4.1(a) Remember to provide your employer with a copy of your summons immediately upon receiving the summons.

8. What are my duties as a juror?

Your duty as a juror is to weigh all the evidence and testimony presented to you and decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial, and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

9. What are the different types of cases for which I might be selected?

There are two basic types of cases: criminal cases and civil cases. 

The differences between the two are as follows: 

• In a criminal case, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. 
• In a civil case, the jury listens to both the plaintiff and defendant side and decides on the issue in question. The jury may also decide whether or not money damages should be given and if given how much those damages will be.

10. What are the qualifications required to be a juror?

To qualify as a juror you must be: 

• A resident of Peoria County 
• At least 18 years of age or older 
• Able to understand the English language 
• A United States citizen

11. What does the Jury Commission do?

About the Commission 
The Jury Commission is established by Illinois Compiled Statute.  The Jury Commission consists of three commissioners who are appointed by the Circuit Court.  Each serves a three-year term, on a rotating basis.

Duties 
The duties of the commissioners are outlined by Illinois Compiled Statutes pertaining to obtaining a random selection of Peoria County citizens to serve as jurors.  The jury manager is appointed by the Circuit Court in conjunction with the commissioners.  The purpose of the Jury Commission is to provide the jurors necessary to serve the needs of the Circuit Court, and the state's attorney of Peoria County in a manner strictly outlined by Illinois Compiled Statutes.

The functions of the office of the Jury Commission are:

• To follow the direction of the Circuit Court
• Mailing juror questionnaires
• Mailing juror summonses
• To defer jurors
• The assignment of jurors
• To provide information and assistance to summoned jurors
• The orientation of jurors
• To provide verification of jury duty to employers
• To ensure payment for jury service

These duties are accomplished in a fair manner to minimize the intrusion of jury duty into the lives of the citizens of Peoria County.

12. What facilities are available?

There are a variety of vending machines for soft drinks and food available on the ground floor of the courthouse. There are also several restaurants close by. In the jury assembly room, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are available to the jurors. There is also a refrigerator and microwave if you wish to bring your lunch. There are telephones located in the jury assembly room that are available for juror use.

13. What happens during a trial?

Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, although the judge may change the order. 

Here is the usual order of events: 

• Selection of jury 
• Opening statements 
• Presentation of evidence 
• Closing arguments 
• Jury instructions 
• Jury deliberations 
• Announcement of the verdict.

14. What is the compensation for jury service?

As of September 22, 2016, petit and grand jurors are paid $15 day and .10 cents per mile. The Coroners jurors are paid. $15 a day and .10 cents a mile. Juror checks are mailed out within 14 days of your last day of service.

15. What should I wear to jury service?

Jurors should dress appropriately in keeping with courtroom decorum.

16. Who is entitled to a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

17. Will I receive a letter of attendance for my employer?

You will receive a proof of service for your employer once you have completed your jury service.

18. Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitution guarantee all people regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status the right to trial a trial by an impartial jury of one's peers. In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizens right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of prospective jurors.

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Law Library

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1. Can the librarians give me definitions of legal terms?

No, but we can assist by giving you Blacks Law Dictionary.

2. Is the law library open to the public?

Yes, it is. Roughly 50% of our patrons are pro se, meaning "ones own behalf; appearing for oneself".

3. What are your hours?

The law library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. No weekend or evening hours.

4. What if I want to know more about the law on a motor vehicle ticket I received?

To locate additional information, you can research the Illinois Compiled Statutes, which contains all Illinois law.

5. What is in the law library collection?

The law library contains:

• Case Law Reporters
• Dictionaries
• Federal Law
• Form Books
• Illinois Law
• Legal Encyclopedias
• Legal Periodicals
• Practice Handbooks
• Treatises

6. What purpose would the general public use the law library?

The public uses the law library for various problems such as:

• Child Custody and Visitation
• Dissolution of Marriage
• Employment Issues
• Expungement
• Foreclosure Information
• Landlord Tenant Issues
• Small Claims
• Traffic and Motor Vehicle Issues
• Zoning

7. Where are you located?

The law library is located on the second floor of the Peoria County courthouse in Room 211.

8. Where can I park?

If you cannot find metered street parking, there are parking garages located on:

• Hamilton Street
• In the Commerce Bank building
• In the Associated Bank building

9. Will the librarian assist me in filling out legal forms?

The librarian is an attorney, but she is limited in the assistance that she can provide to patrons. The librarian can direct you to the Legal Self-Help Center or the form books so that you can determine the forms you may need.

10. Would a public library carry the same legal material as the law library?

No, however, most public libraries carry some legal publications such as state statutes. You can access the Legal Self-Help Legal Center at public libraries in Peoria County.

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Law Library - Electronic Initiatives

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1. Can impounded cases be seen via the new Portal if I am the attorney of record?

As in the past, impounded cases are kept confidential and not available on the portal, even if you are the attorney of record.

2. Can we file multiple documents at one time?

Yes. You can submit multiple documents in one filing. Once the first document is uploaded and you save changes there is a button that says 'add another filing'. When you click this button it allows you to select the appropriate Filing code and other details for your next document. Also, please make sure the naming convention of the document accurately depicts what you are filing: Parenting plan, Financial Affidavit, Rule to Show Cause, etc. These names are what will appear on the case when the Judge reviews.

3. How do we handle exhibits with the new eProcesses?

For exhibits that are part of a pleading, you will eFile the exhibit as an attachment to the document you are filing.

4. How will we get a copy of an eFiled Summons? Also, when we need a summons given to a process server, how will that work now?

Each law firm will eFile over their summons. An email will come back to you with a link that will allow you to bring up the document, print it out and give to process server. We will no longer be utilizing the folders in the Clerks office.

5. If we file a proposed order through eFileIL, how do we get a signed copy? What about a filed affidavit? Or Petition?

When a document has been eFiled, you will receive an email stating that your filing was submitted. Once the filing has been accepted in the Clerk's Office, it will be admitted to the case. 

Ways to see your filing include: 

1. You will receive an email stating that the filing has been accepted. Click on the links contained in the email to view and print your document. 
2. Go to the Peoria County Portal to retrieve the document 
3. If the filing requires a Judges signature, the order will be unsigned in the email link. The order will be placed into the Judges queue for signature. The filing attorney will be responsible for going to the portal and sending the documents to opposing counsel after they are entered. 

We are encouraging every firm to sign up for the Peoria County Portal to retrieve the documents they need.

6. In probate court we have always had to file the Original Will. How will that be handled with eFile and eCourt?

Just as in the past, the original will needs to be filed for safe keeping with the Circuit Clerks office. When eFiling a new Probate Case. You will simply eFile a copy of the will (with stamp and will number on it) as an attachment to your petition.

7. Is it important to select the correct filing code?

Yes! It is very important to carefully choose the appropriate code prior to submitting your filing. Filing codes have been configured to have specific behaviors depending on what code you select. Petitions and other document that do not require the Judges signature, will be date stamped and put on the case as well as our public portal immediately. Proposed orders will be carefully reviewed by the clerk and once accepted will be routed to the Judge for signature. Selecting the wrong filing code may result in a rejection by the Circuit Clerks office, which would delay your filing.

8. It seems like there are several new processes being implemented in Peoria County. Can you explain them?

There are three components to our e-Initiatives: 

1. eFileIL: Allows attorneys to file documents electronically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
2. eCourt: Is a process we are using to move those electronic documents through the courts for appropriate action without the creation of case files, or the printing of documents. 
3. Portal: We have always had the ability for the public/attorneys to search Peoria County cases and hearings. The new portal that was just rolled out will now allow Attorneys the ability to view and print document. To do that they must be registered as an attorney and be the attorney of record on the case they wish to see. Links to register for eFile and Portal are on the Peoria County Website.

9. We used to get court dates over the Counter when we filed. How do we do that now?

Today, many of the attorney offices email the court clerks to get dates and other information. We see that being the best way to communicate and request dates outside the courtroom.

10. When I eFile will I get a receipt for my transaction?

Yes, upon completion of the filing you will be given the opportunity to print out a receipt. However, your card will not be charged until the filing is accepted.

11. When I eFile, what date will appear on the document?

Here is the language from the AOIC on timing of eFiling: Upon Submission of an eFiled document, the filer will receive an email with a confirmation of their transaction. This will serve as proof of submission. A document will be considered timely submitted if eFiled before midnight on or before the date on which the document is due. A document submitted electronically after midnight or on a day when the Clerk's office is not open for business will, unless rejected, be file stamped as filed on the next day the clerk's office is open for business. In the event the Clerk rejects a submitted document, the document will not be filed and the registered user will receive an electronic notification of the reason(s) for the rejection.

12. When should I eFile? And when will I utilize eCourt process?

Any filing that would have normally been submitted over the counter in the Circuit Clerks office is a candidate for eFiling. All orders and/or court documents that would have previously been created by grabbing a form off the table in the courtroom is when the eCourt process would be used. Then go back to your office and log into the Portal and view or print the signed orders from the convenience of your office. If you eFile something that you intend to be reviewed and signed during court you should file no later than 48 hours ahead AND make a note on the filing when your court date/time is. OR there will be a chance it will not be available.

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Public Defender

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1. Can I keep a copy of my discovery?

Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 415, defense counsel must keep possession and control of discovery in his exclusive custody. However, if you would like to review your discovery, you may schedule an appointment with your Public Defender to do so.

2. Can I speak with a public defender before my first court appearance?

You may speak to a public defender about your case anytime after that attorney has been appointed as your public defender, but not before.

3. Can I speak with a public defender if I already have an attorney?

No. you may not speak with a public defender about your case if you are represented by another attorney. If you cannot afford to pay your attorney and wish to have a public defender appointed, you must notify the judge as soon as possible. However, this does not automatically entitle you to the appointment of a public defender.

4. Do I have to pay for a Public Defender?

You may be required to pay a fee for the legal services of your Public Defender. The amount of your fee will be determined by the judge and is the product of several factors, including your ability to pay. Bear in mind that almost all Public Defender fees, no matter how large, will be less than the cost of a private attorney.

5. How do I find out the name of the public defender assigned to my case?

You may contact the Circuit Clerks Office at 309-672-6000 or use the online case search tool which will tell you the name of the public defender assigned to your case.

6. How do I get a public defender?

At your first appearance, if you qualify as indigent after being screened by the judge presiding over your case, you may be appointed a public defender. Only the judge has the authority to appoint the public defender and a public defender cannot assist you with your case until her or she has been appointed by the judge. If you do not qualify for a public defender, you will be required to hire private counsel or you may represent yourself.

7. Is a Public Defender a licensed attorney?

Yes. All Public Defenders and Assistant Public Defenders are attorneys licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.

8. What do I do if I have a warrant?

If you believe you have an active warrant, you should contact your attorney immediately to attempt to address the outstanding warrant. If you do not have an attorney assigned to your case, you may contact the Circuit Clerks office at 309-672-6000 for further information concerning the amount of your bond and procedure for posting bond.

9. What if I want a new Public Defender assigned to my case?

An individual represented by a Public Defender may contact the Public Defenders Office to request a change in attorneys. However, given the limited resources of the Public Defenders Office, it is not likely that a new attorney will be assigned to your case. You may have disagreements from time to time with your Public Defender but most disagreements are normal for an attorney-client relationship and can be easily worked through.

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Reporting for Jury Duty

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1. What can I bring with me to jury service?

The jury process can require a juror to wait a considerable amount of time. For this reason, jurors are encouraged to bring a book or other forms of reading materials with them to the jury assembly room. Cellular phones, pagers, and computers are allowed in the jury assembly room but are not permitted in the courtroom.

2. What is the length of jury service?

Petit jurors serve one week or until an assigned trial is completed. Grand jurors serve 90 days and meet every Tuesday for three months.

3. What time must I arrive at the jury assembly room?

You will need to call the pre-recorded message at 309-366-1247 the evening before the date you have been summoned to appear. This message will tell you which panel numbers have to report and what time you should report. You may not be required to report each day but you must call the recorded message each evening after 5 p.m. during your week of jury service for reporting instructions regarding the next day of service. If an illness or emergency prevents your attendance, you are required to call the Jury Commission office at 309-672-6076 between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

4. Where Do I Report?

Location: 

Peoria County Jury Commission

Peoria County Courthouse

Room 204

324 Main Street

Peoria, IL 61602 

Telephone Number : 309-672-6076 

Fax Number : 309-495-5009 

Telephone Number for reporting instructions 309-366-1247

5. Where should I park?

Parking is free at the following authorized decks

Parking is available at the Chase Bank/Riverview Plaza parking deck located at 124 NE Madison Ave. or the Hamilton Square (Peoria County) parking deck located at 314 Hamilton Blvd. 

You will receive a parking ticket upon entering the decks and you must bring the parking ticket with you for validation.  

Off street parking could result in your vehicle being ticketed.  Parking violations issued to jurors during jury service are the responsibility of the juror.

Click here for directions to the parking decks.