PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Most in-person court business canceled for Wednesday and Thursday; remote proceedings will go forward

Released On 02/01/2022

Due to predictions of significant snowfall in Cook County, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today ordered that courts and related operations of the Circuit Court of Cook County may conduct business remotely on Wednesday and Thursday, with some exceptions. 

In criminal cases, initial bail hearings and juvenile detention hearings may be held in person. Anyone previously scheduled to appear in court by Zoom in a criminal case shall still appear by Zoom Wednesday and Thursday. Unless otherwise ordered by the judge presiding, cases involving defendants in custody shall be continued until Monday, Feb. 7. 

In civil cases, all jury trials now in progress or scheduled to begin on Wednesday or Thursday will be continued until Friday. 

In the Domestic Violence Division at 555 W. Harrison St., all petitions for emergency civil no contact orders, emergency civil orders of protection, emergency firearms restraining orders, or emergency stalking no contact orders may be filed by email sent to the Domestic Violence Courthouse and will be heard remotely. 

All orders resulting from proceedings held February 2 and 3 and not entered by the circuit clerk during that period shall be entered by the clerk no later than February 9. 

Zoom rooms and Help Desks may be closed Wednesday and Thursday, depending on location. No person who is unable to attend a court proceeding shall suffer any adverse legal consequences as a result of a Zoom room being closed. The circuit clerk shall send notice of the new date to all parties no later than Feb. 18. 

All employees of the Circuit Court who are able to perform their duties remotely on Wednesday and Thursday will do so, according to the order. 

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