Court & Hearings

Explains the different consequences of court cases that are ended with a ruling with or without prejudice. Dismissal with prejudice is a final judgment. A case dismissed without prejudice means it's not dismissed forever. The person whose case it is can try again.

Explains the common shortening of words on a RAP sheet so that you can understand your arrest record. Includes abbreviations of charges, sentences, dispositions, court terms, police terms, and convictions.

Information about who can perform a wedding and what happens if someone performs a wedding who is not qualified.

Explains what you have to do if you receive a subpoena from the court. Do not ignore the subpoena. Failure to reply to a subpoena could result in charges of contempt of court, fines, and even jail time.

This is a list of resources and information for finding legal help in Cook County, Illinois.

Explains when someone who is not a lawyer can - and cannot - represent someone in court.

Describes what you can do if you have loud neighbors.

Explains what can happen if your animal attacks or injures someone.

Learn who qualifies for free legal aid in Illinois, what services are available for civil and criminal cases, and how to apply for help from legal aid or public defenders.

The basics about how to summon someone into court, so they have to testify.

Describes illegality of riding in the back of a truck without a seatbelt or in a towed vehicle.

An FBI background check, known as an Identity History Summary, may be required if you’ve been arrested out of state.

Explains that in order for the losing party to pay for the other's fees, it must be included in a contract or law.

Learn more about why you might need a notary, how much it costs, and where you can find one.

An overview of how lawyers charge for their services and information on how to access free legal services and work with a lawyer who provides Limited Scope Representation (sometimes called unbundled legal services).

Explains myth of having to bag liquor and having alcohol in a vehicle.

Find out about motions you can file after your trial ends instead of appealing. Includes required forms and rules.

Learn why non-attorneys cannot represent people in court.

What to know if you think Chicago police violated your rights and you want to sue them a guide for the public produced by First Defense Legal Aid to provide general details about police misconduct lawsuits.

General information on the rules about taking pictures and video in a courtroom.

Explains how to get an interpreter for court cases when a person has limited ability to speak or understand English

Explains when you have to tell employers about your juvenile record.

Going to court can be scary. Prepare by watching this video which shows each step in the process.

Explains if you can have a jury trial in small claims court and how many people can be on the jury.

Limited scope representation is a cheaper option if you believe you can do some of the work without a lawyer’s help. This article provides tips and information about how to divide responsibilities using an unbundled model for legal services.

Information about the search of students and their property

A video by the Midwest Center on Law and the Deaf on the basics of going to court and what to expect in a courtroom. This page also links to a video series by the Chicago Hearing Society covering different legal topics, all in American Sign Language.

Explains how to advocate for yourself in negotiations. Includes what to do before, during, and after the negotiation.

Get answers to common questions about federal courts, including what cases they hear, where to file, and how to get legal help in Illinois.