Volunteer Attorney Program
West Suburban Bar Association
Mondays only while court is in session
A volunteer attorney is available in court to assist pro se litigants in draftng court orders in civil matters.

In Court Referral Program
Monday through Friday
The In-Court Attorney Referral Program is available for certain defendants who want an attorney to represent them but have not yet hired an attorney by the time they appear in court.

The program is limited to defendants who are in court for:

• misdemeanor traffic offenses;
• misdemeanor domestic violence offeneses;
• orders of protections;
• misdemeanor criminal offenses; 
• felony preliminary hearings; or
• who do not qualify for representation by the Office of the Public Defender.*

Judges may refer such defendants to attorneys who are participating in the In-Court Attorney Referral Program. Called “bar attorneys,” these attorneys are present in court and available for a consultation that same day.

Bar attorneys are a qualified, select group of attorneys who are supplied by local bar associations, including minority and women bar associations.

If the bar attorney files an appearance, the attorney and client will enter into a fee agreement for a reasonable fee or the cash bond. Bar attorneys do not charge for the initial conference.

*The Public Defender is available for appointment if a defendant is financially eligible for their services. The Public Defender accepts appointment for traffic and criminal cases (both misdemeanor and felonies) that are for jailable offenses.

The Public Defender and the bar attorneys are not available for appointments in civil cases.

**Bar attorneys are not available for local town calls.

Domestic Violence Advocates Office
2nd floor
Monday through Friday
Advocates assist petitioners in filling out court forms seeking orders of protection.

You may be eligible to have your criminal record either expunged or sealed. The process begins by filing a petition and notifying the appropriate agencies. The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in room 236 in the Fourth Municipal District Courthouse in Maywood has an extensive package that can explain and guide you through the process. Click here to download an electronic copy.

If your identity has been stolen or used without your authorization, a process is available to remove someone else’s criminal history from your record. Forms are available from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in room 236 in the Fourth Municipal District Courthouse in Maywood.

If you do not qualify for an expungement or sealing of your criminal record, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be available for your situation. Forms are available from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in room 236 in the Fourth Municipal District courthouse in Maywood.

If your criminal history is preventing you from obtaining a state license, a Certificate of Release from Disability may be available for your situation. Forms are available from the Offfice of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the Fourth Municipal District courthouse in Maywood.

This administrative call is heard every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 111.