Preparing for Court

The Hearing

Your case will be heard by a judge. Each party will have a chance to tell their side of the story. It's important to bring your paperwork and your evidence such as photos, witnesses, bills, receipts, contracts, or anything else that will prove your case. The judge may decide the case at the time of the hearing or may reschedule your hearing to a future date if both parties are not prepared.

 Watch the below videos to learn more about the court process:


Timeliness

View the Map and Directions page to locate address and phone numbers for courthouse locations in Lake County. Arrive at the courthouse at least 20 minutes early to allow time to find parking, clear the security checkpoint, and locate the proper courtroom.


Transportation

At the main courthouse in Waukegan, the county parking structure is open to the public. Visitors using this lot will be charged a nominal fee, payable by cash only. There is an ATM available for use inside the courthouse. There is also limited city metered parking on the street, and the City of Waukegan garage is located one block north of the courthouse on County Street. Visitors using this lot will also be charged a nominal fee.

The Pace Bus provides bus service to the Lake County Courthouse via the bus stops at the corner of either Sheridan Road or Genesee Street and Washington Street. For current routes and time schedules, check the Pace Bus website.

The Metro Union Pacific North Line provides rail service to the Waukegan Stop. For current train routes and timetables, check the Metro Union Pacific website. After exiting the train, walk up the hill, then go 2 blocks west to the Washington Street entrance of the Lake County Courthouse.


Attire

Dress as though you are going to an important job interview. Shorts, bare feet, tank tops, halter tops, sandals, hats, and other very casual clothing are not acceptable. You will be removed from the courtroom if you violate court dress code. This may result in an arrest warrant for failure to appear or a default of your civil case. 


Courtroom Demeanor

You and your witnesses should be quiet and refrain from whispering while court is in sessions. Do not smoke or chew gum. Food and beverage are not allowed in the courtroom. Turn your cell phone off while in the courtroom. Do not go in and out of the courtroom while waiting for your case to be called. During your case, speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard and stay calm. Address the Judge as "Your Honor." Do not interrupt the judge, the attorneys, or any other party in the courtroom. 

If you are entering a guilty plea, the court will inform you of your constitutional rights. You should carefully listen to the court's explanation in order to make sure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities. If you do not understand your rights, it is proper to ask the court for clarification.


Before Your Court Date (Optional)

In order to prepare for your own court date, you can go to court yourself and watch other cases beforehand. If you do this, you will see how a court hearing operates, where people sit, and what they do and say inside the courtroom.