Court Divisions
Misdemeanor/Traffic Division
The Misdemeanor/Traffic Division handles criminal offenses as well as traffic and ordinance violations. A misdemeanor offense is an offense for which a sentence of imprisonment in a facility other than a penitentiary for less than one year may be imposed. Fines not to exceed $2,500 or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater, may also be imposed. Penalties for traffic offenses and ordinance violations are generally limited to fines and, in some cases, revocation of the driver’s license.
Some common examples of cases heard by the division include petty theft, disorderly conduct, drunk driving, speeding, and illegal parking.
The Misdemeanor/Traffic Division routinely hears the following types of cases:
Criminal Misdemeanor (CM) (other than domestic violence): As detailed above, a misdemeanor violation is one where the punishment for the offense would be a sentence of imprisonment in a facility other than a penitentiary for less than one year. Generally this location would be the county jail.
Conservation Violation (CV): A conservation case designation shall be assigned to cases defined by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 501(c). Examples include fish and game violations, boating violations, snowmobile violations, and other ordinances adopted by park and forest preserve districts with the authority to legislate rules.
Driving Under the Influence (DT): DUI cases involve the violation of statutes, ordinances, or regulations governing driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof.
Order of Protection (OP): An Order of Protection is a document issued by a court to help protect an individual from harassment or abuse. In an Order of Protection, a judge can set limits on another person’s behavior and contact with the party protected by the order.
Ordinance Violation (OV): Counties and municipalities have the power to pass laws, or ordinances, regulating behavior in their boundaries. These ordinances include licensing of businesses, parking, nuisance behaviors, and the like. Violations of these ordinances are heard in this court.
Traffic Violation (TR): Traffic violations are violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. These include both equipment and moving violations. The most common offense connected with traffic cases is speeding.
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