The Juvenile Justice Division has exclusive jurisdiction over all minors under the age of 17 who have been charged with violating a federal law, state law or municipal ordinance (other than a traffic, boating, fishing or gaming law violation).
Circuit Court of Cook County Information about court organization, court locations, judge information, court holidays and the trial process can be found at the Circuit Court website.
Circuit Court Rules and Orders Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which govern the structure and processes of the Circuit Court; and selected General Administrative Rules and Orders of the court, which are issued by the Chief Judge.
Clerk of Circuit Court Self Represented (Pro Se) Resources The Self Help Center offers access to information and public resources with a special focus on people representing themselves (Self Represented or Pro Se litigants).
Glossary of Legal Terms
Illinois Code of Civil Procedure CIVIL PROCEDURE (735 ILCS 5/) Code of Civil Procedure.
Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987 Illlinois General Assembly Compiled Statute (705 ILCS 405/) Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
Illinois Supreme Court Rules Illinois Supreme Court's list of Illinois Supreme Court Rules
Juvenile Justice Expungement Guidelines and Forms A Juvenile Expungement Information, Court Orders and Forms Packet
Municipality Fees (705 ILCS 105/27.1b)
Q: Can I file any pleadings by mail? A: Yes, you may file any pleading for the Juvenile Justice Division by mail.
Q: My child has been misbehaving/running away/not attending school, what can I do? A: If your child is experiencing behavioral problems, you should contact the youth officer of your local police station to discuss a Minor Requiring Authoritative Intervention (MRAI) petition. If the minor is not attending school, you should contact the school for further direction.
Q: Are bonds issued in all juvenile cases? A: No, however, bonds are issued on minors who are charged as adults in criminal court. Minors under the age of 17 are held at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center at 1100 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60612. To bond out a minor, a parent or guardian must bring cash or cashier's check to the Clerk's Office in the Juvenile Court Center for processing. Only cash will be accepted after regular business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Once the bond is paid, minors must sign themselves out on the bond form prior to being released.
Q: I have a warrant issued for me, where do I turn myself in? A: If a warrant has been issued, it is suggested that you go to the Youth Division of the Chicago Police Department located on the Concourse Level of the Cook County Juvenile Center, 1100 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60612.
Q: My child has been arrested, where are they being held? A: Any minor that has been arrested and waiting to appear in court will be held at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Facility located in the Cook County Juvenile Center - 1100 South Hamilton, Chicago, IL 60612 - (312) 433-7102.
View All Juvenile Justice Division Frequently Asked Questions
A certification request form is available for customers at our front counter.
Customers may request copies of their file at our front counter.
The court file must be ordered through the Presiding Judge's Office of the Juvenile Justice Division.