Illinois 17th Judicial Circuit Court: Winnebago County

Winnebago, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Traffic Citation:

What is Online Dispute Resolution?

It is a way to resolve your case online without having to come to court.

What are the benefits of Online Dispute Resolution?

For Traffic Citations, you can plead guilty, be sentenced, and pay your fines/costs without going to court in person.

How is it different online than in person?

It is not different. There is a real judge and solicitor on the other side making decisions about your case based on the same criteria they would if you went to court in person. It just takes place through this website.

How does it work?

You submit a request to the solicitor with a statement about what happened and evidence. The solicitor will review your case and contact you if you are eligible. If you are eligible the solicitor will send you an offer to review and sign. Everything is done online so you do not have to travel to the courthouse.

Is there a charge for Online Plea?

No.

Why does the court allow Online Case Review?

Some defendants may live far from the court (perhaps in another state), may be incarcerated, may have health issues, or may have transportation challenges and cannot appear in court personally. If you find you are in one of these situations, you may want to request to plead through this online program.

How many days do I have to respond to my plea form once it is sent to me by the solicitor?

Seven calendar days.

What happens if the solicitor and I can't come to an agreement on the terms of my plea?

If your matter cannot be handled online, you will have to attend your hearing in person at the court.

Parenting Time:

What is Online Dispute Resolution?

It is a way to participate in your case without having to go to the courthouse for an arraignment or pretrial conference. The court will make decisions about your case using the same considerations as if you had appeared in person at the courthouse. Any offers the prosecutor extends through this website are the same offers you would have received if you had appeared in person.

How does Online Dispute Resolution work?

You use the website to complete your arraignment and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court will review your case and send you a notice of your next scheduled court date. If you plead not guilty, then the prosecutor will also send you, or your attorney, a plea agreement offer and/or other communications.

How will I know if the court accepts my plea?

You will receive a notification from the court through the ODR system, which will inform you of any additional action and any future court date.

What happens if the Prosecutor and I can't come to an agreement on the terms of my plea?

You have the right to request a trial. If your matter cannot be resolved online, you will be scheduled to appear in person at the court.

Will I get to talk with the prosecutor and the judge about my case?

There is a real judge and a real prosecutor making their own decisions and communicating with you, or your attorney, about your case. The prosecutor provides the same offers and communications that would have been provided if you, or your attorney, had personally appeared at the courthouse.

How many days do I have to respond to plea offers sent to me from the prosecutor?

Seven calendar days.

Is there a fee for Online Dispute Resolution?

No.

What are the benefits to Online Dispute Resolution?

You can complete your arraignment and participate in pretrial court proceedings without having to personally appear at the courthouse. You may also plead guilty or no contest, be sentenced, and pay your fine/costs without personally appearing at the courthouse.

How is Online Dispute Resolution different from appearing at the court in person?

The only difference is that your participation in your case takes place through this website instead of at the courthouse. You are expected to comply with court-ordered deadlines and appearances.

Why does the court allow Online Dispute Resolution?

It is an efficient means of providing access to justice. Some defendants may not be able to personally appear in court because they live far from the court (perhaps in another state), have health issues, or have transportation challenges.

If I plead guilty or no contest and the outcome of my case requires payment, will I still be responsible for paying my fines and costs?

Yes, you would be responsible for paying any fines and costs. At the conclusion of your case, you would be provided with payment instructions.

Why was my case removed from Online Dispute Resolution?

A case is removed when: a trial was requested, a plea agreement could not be reached, the defendant did not actively participate, or online processes were not preferred. In these instances, you must personally appear at the courthouse for future proceedings. A case is also removed after having been successfully resolved through Online Dispute Resolution.