McHenry County Court

County Resources

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McHenry County Court Information

The McHenry County Courthouse is used for virtually all court cases in McHenry County. The Old McHenry County Courthouse was completed in 1858 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s. It’s now in use by private tenants. The current courthouse was completed in 1972.

Locations

McHenry County Courthouse
2200 N. Seminary Ave
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 334-4385

United States District Court
Northern District of Illinois
Western Division
Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse
327 S. Church Street
Rockford, IL 61101
(815) 987-4354

Circuit Court Clerk

The Circuit Court Clerk is elected by the residents of the county, but this office is considered a non-judicial office of the state. The Clerk has many duties, such as recording all trial court cases, including traffic, misdemeanor, felony, law (civil), chancery, juvenile, and domestic relations. The Clerk must attend all Circuit Court sessions and preserve all records from the court.

Katherine M. Keefe
McHenry County Circuit Court Clerk
Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center
2200 N. Seminary Ave
Rooms 136 & 353
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 334-4190

County Clerk

The County Clerk is an elected county office. The County Clerk acts as a clerk of the county board and must attend all meetings and keep records. The County Clerk is also the chief election officer for the county and is responsible for marriage licenses, assumed business name registration, and liquor licenses for the unincorporated parts of the county. The County Clerk is the official record keeper for the county government.

Joseph J. Tirio
McHenry County Clerk
667 Ware Rd, Suite 107
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4242

United States District Court

McHenry County is part of the Northern District of Illinois for the United States District Court. The Western division includes Boone, DeKalb, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, McHenry, Lee, Stephenson, Winnebago, and Whiteside Counties.

Virginia M. Kendall is the Chief United States District Judge of the Northern District of Illinois. Thomas G. Burton is the Clerk of Court for the Northern District.

Circuit Court

Courts in McHenry County fall under the jurisdiction of the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Illinois. A trial court administrator handles the administration for the courts. The circuit courts function as trial courts of original jurisdiction. There are 25 judicial districts in Illinois.

There are two types of judges, circuit judges and associate judges. Circuit judges are responsible for appointing associate judges to 4-year terms. Associated judges can hear cases as determined by the designated circuit judge or chief judge.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people. The Civil Division includes arbitration, chancery, law, probate, and small claims.

Arbitration is mandated in small-claims cases and in cases involving more than $10,000 but less than $50,000. Cases are heard by three arbitrators who deliver a non-binding decision. Parties have 30 days to decide whether to accept the decision.

Chancery Court is used for civil cases that don’t involve monetary damages, such as foreclosures and injunctions.

Law Court is for civil suits involving more than $50,000, such as malpractice and personal injury cases. Small Claims is used for civil suits involving less than $10,000.

Probate Court is used to settle disputes over wills and estates. It also hears cases involving guardianship of disabled adults and minor children.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles most cases involving criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. Felony charges may result in a person being sentenced to 1 year or more in prison. Misdemeanor charges can result in a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.

Family Court

Family Court hears cases involving paternity, legal separation or divorce, child custody and visitation, and spousal/child support.

Problem Solving Court Division

This division includes Problem Solving Courts, Juvenile Court, and Special Assignment cases. Juvenile Court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Drug Court

Drug Court involves a long-term treatment plan for offenders who admit to a substance abuse problem and agree to treatment. Candidates must be residents of McHenry County, must be at least 18, and must be charged with a nonviolent felony crime.