FAQ

FAQ Categories

Criminal/Traffic

Civil

Questions & Answers

Criminal/Traffic

Has a case been filed against me?

You may be able to locate this information online or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. For online access to court records click here. Computers are set up for public access and viewing in the Records Division room 101. If a civil case has been filed against you, a summons or notice will be sent or served upon you.

 

Please click the icon below for public access to court records.

 justice-systems-logo[1]

 

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How do I request copies of a document?

Request copies in person in the Circuit Clerk’s Office, Records Division room 101 or by using the "Document Request" button on our Home page.

You can obtain photocopies, exemplified copies, and certified copies of any unsealed court record/document.

Please see the fee schedule for pricing information regarding copies and certification. 

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How do I change my court date?

Cases set in court by a judge are not able to be changed by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Certain civil court dates may be changed with proper notice in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108. Traffic court dates may not be changed. 

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How do I request a Criminal/Juvenile Background Report?

Criminal Background Report may be requested in the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 111 or may be requested through our "Document Request" button on our Home page.

Juvenile Background Report may be requested in the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108. ONLY Attorneys of Record and listed parties to the case will be given any information regarding Juvenile Cases. We adhere strictly to this policy.  All requests must be made in person and with proper identification for verification.

Please see the fee schedule for pricing information regarding this service.

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When do I get my bond money back?

 

It is very important for a person posting bond money for a defendant to strictly note the notice in the bottom left hand corner of the bail bond form. The notice states:

" I hereby acknowledge that I have posted bail for the defendant named above.  I further understand that the bail may be used to pay costs, attorney's fees, fines, or other purposes authorized by the court, and that if the defendant fails to comply with the conditions of this bail bond, that the court shall enter an order declaring the bail to be forfeited.  I also understand that once the case on which I posted bond has been concluded, any bond remaining may be used to satisfy fines, costs or fees owed by the defendant in other cases."

Upon conclusion of the court case, the Clerk's Office will review the file for any possible refunds.  The Clerk will only process a bond refund after all other financial obligations are met.  Bond refunds will be processed within 10-14 days of the court appearance. Checks will be mailed out to the last known address in the file. Updates to your address may be made with proper identification at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s office room 111.

Pursuant to Illinois Statute (705 ILCS 110 / 1) the Circuit Clerk’s Office is unable to assist in the preparation of documents or give any legal advice.

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What should I do if I missed my court date?

After the clerk has updated the files, hearing results may be found on our website or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 111. Computers are set up for public access and viewing in the Records Division room 101. If you need a court date to re-visit the judge on your case, you may file the appropriate paperwork and request that date in the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 111.

A fee may be associated with re-setting a court case. Please see the fee schedule for information on fees associated with your motion. 

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What should I do if I have been contacted by Harris & Harris, Ltd.?

The Winnebago County State’s Attorney office has contracted Harris & Harris, Ltd., to assist in the collection of past due fines and costs previously ordered by the Court.

All collection questions should be directed to www.payharris.com  or by calling 866-635-3795.

 

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When is my next court date, court time, and courtroom?

Your court date should be located on the hearing notice, summons, or citation that you were issued. You may be able to locate this information using our website or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Computers are set up for public access and viewing in the Records Division Room 101.

 

Please click the icon below for public access to court records.

 justice-systems-logo[1]

 

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What is my case number?

 Your Case number can be located at the top of your paperwork. A Winnebago County Case number will consist of a year- case type- number. (2013-TR-099999) You may be able to find your case number online at our website or in person at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Computers are set up for public access and viewing in the Records Division room 101. 

 

Please click the icon below for public access to court records.

 justice-systems-logo[1]

 

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I have received a traffic citation. How do I resolve my ticket?

If you have received a traffic citation, and the officer has marked the ticket Court required, you will need to appear in court at the designated time given to speak with the Prosecuting Attorney regarding your ticket(s).

If you have received a traffic citation, and the officer has marked the ticket No Court Required, you have the following options available:

1. You may plead guilty and pay the fine

  •     Online at header-logo-2[1]
  •     In person at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office room 111
  •     Mailing a check or money order along with the signed copy of your ticket to:
Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office
400 W. State St    Room108
Rockford, Illinois 61101

 

2. You may plead guilty, and (if you are eligible) you may sign up for Traffic School

  •     Online at header-logo-2[1]
  •     In person at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office room 111
  •     Mailing a check or money order along with the signed blue copy of your ticket to:
Winnebago County Circuit Clerk’s Office
400 W. State St    Room108 
Rockford, Illinois 61101
 

If you are under the age of 18, you will need to ask the Court’s permission to take traffic school. A parent or guardian will need to be present with you on your court date. A court date for this request may be obtained at the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108.

If you are under the age of 21, you will NOT be eligible for the Online Safety class; you will be required to take the 4 hour Onsite Traffic Safety class.

More information regarding the traffic school eligibility requirements may be obtained by contacting the Rock Valley Traffic Safety Program at 815- 921-3940.

3. You may also plead not guilty to your citation by signing the back of the blue copy and returning it to the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108 in person or by mail, and a court date will be assigned to you.

You may contact the Illinois Secretary of State for information regarding your Driver’s License Status or the effects your ticket may have upon your driving privileges.

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If I have missed my court date, how do I schedule a new court date for my Traffic or Criminal Case?

If you have been assigned a public defender or have hired a  private attorney to represent you in your case, you must contact your attorney to assist you in setting a new court date. If you have an attorney, we are unable to set a date for you until the attorney has been withdrawn from the case in court.

If you are representing yourself pro-se, you may set your court date by mail or in person at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk's Office room 111.

Only you or your attorney will be allowed to file paperwork or set any court dates regarding a criminal case.

If you are currently incarcerated, and you do not have an attorney, you must file your requests through the mail. Delivery of requests made though a third party will not be accepted.

You must allow two business days before attempting to set a new court date, this will allow time for your case to be updated.

In some cases, a filing fee will be required.

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How do I receive a transcript of what happened in court regarding my case on a certain date?

A Transcript Request form may be found under Court Forms  or at the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk's Office room 111. The completed form should be returned to the Trial Court Administrator's Office room 215

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Civil

What do I do if I have received a judgment against someone and they haven’t paid?

 If you have received a judgment against someone in a civil matter, it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney on collection practices. If you choose to pursue the matter Pro-Se, references are available for you in the Self-Help Center, located in the third floor law library, for research purposes. Should you choose to file a Citation to Discover Assets, or pursue Wage and Non Wage Deductions, packets are available in the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108.

Upon completion of the forms necessary for your case, you will need to file them at the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108 in the civil line. Fee due upon filing.

The clerk will issue one summons per party and the filer will be responsible to have it served appropriately. If you choose to use the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office for service, the clerk will collect the appropriate fees at this time.

The case will then be assigned the next appropriate citation call court date or a return date.

Pursuant to Illinois Statute (705 ILCS 110 / 1) the Circuit Clerk’s Office is unable to assist in the preparation of documents or give any legal advice. 

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What do I do after receiving paperwork or summons regarding a citation or wage deduction?

If you have been served a summons or paperwork regarding a citation or wage deduction proceeding filed against you, you must appear in court on the Citation date. Forms are available in the Circuit Clerk’s Office room 108 should you choose to request a Wage Deduction Exemption Hearing.

Pursuant to Illinois Statute (705 ILCS 110 / 1) the Circuit Clerk’s Office is unable to assist in the preparation of documents or give any legal advice.

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Mailing Address: 400 West State St., Rockford, IL 61101
Phone: 1-815-319-4500 (8:00AM - 4:30PM CDT) 

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