Whiteside County Resident Circuit Judge Trish Joyce has announced that she will run to maintain her seat in the 2018 General Election. In December 2016 Joyce was unanimously appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, upon recommendation of Justice Thomas Kilbride, to fill the vacancy of Judge John L. Hauptman.
As a Circuit Judge, Joyce presides over civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. She is assigned to hear cases in Whiteside County but has also presided in Rock Island and Henry Counties, which are part of the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Prior to her appointment to the Court, Joyce served as a private attorney, Assistant Public Defender, and a prosecutor over the course of 32 years. In 2012, she was elected Whiteside County State’s Attorney and had just been re-elected to another 4-year term, weeks before being sworn in as a judge. As State’s Attorney, she was instrumental in the commencement of the Whiteside County Drug Court and the Juvenile Justice Council. She also actively assisted April House, the County Children’s Advocacy Center, in fundraising and establishing a new physical facility.
Joyce, 58, a Democrat, was raised in Sterling, IL, and is a graduate of Newman Central Catholic High School, Aurora University, and Drake University Law School.
She has been a member of the Whiteside County Honor Flight Committee, Rotary, WeCAN, Red Cross Board, YWCA Women of Achievement, Taste of Fiesta Committee, Sacred Heart Church Pastoral Council, Self Help Pancake Breakfast, Silva Boxing Club, YMCA Board, Whiteside County Bar Association (President), and a volunteer for many local organizations and events.