Whiteside County Circuit Clerk Sue Costello reported, “The health and safety of Whiteside County residents and employees is a top priority. As a result, during the COVID-19 outbreak, essential County government services will continue as normal. However, due to the risk of transmission of the virus, access to the Whiteside County Courthouse in Morrison, IL, and the Eastern Branch Court Facility in Sterling, IL, will be limited to appointment only, effective Monday, March 23, 2020. Visitors will be screened to ensure they are not at risk of being a carrier of COVID-19.”
She added, “Please continue to practice safe, healthy habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Out of concern for the health of our Court partners, staff, and the public, the Whiteside County Circuit Clerk’s Office encourages Court patrons to use our many online services, for as much Court business as possible. Using online services will help slow community transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Along with other Whiteside County court officials and County leadership, we are working diligently to balance public safety with public health.
Our online services are listed.
- Court Fine Payments: Electronic payments are currently accepted for all criminal cases that have court-ordered fines and fees. Pay online at www.judici.com. Please note ALL pay or Appear Monthly payments have been excused until the month of May 2020, per Order of the Whiteside County Presiding Judge. Money Orders still will be accepted by mail. The Sheriff has asked for no-in person cash payments.
- Traffic Tickets-Electronic Pleas of Guilty: Electronic pleas of guilty (for traffic cases that do not require a court appearance) may be made online through our Plea and Pay program. Pay online at www.judici.com.
- eFiling: eFiling is mandated by the Illinois Supreme Court for all civil cases. eFile provides 24/7 access to electronic filing. The Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice division provides excellent resources for self-represented litigants, who may require assistance in filing their documents. The website to file electronically is www.efile.illinoiscourt.gov.
- Electronic Court Records: All public court case information is available for free 24/7 on the website www.judici.com. Records are updated in real-time. Any changes to case information are reflected on the website within minutes of being entered.
- Copies: If you need copies of documents, request them by calling the Circuit Clerk Office at 815-72-5188.
- Frequently Used Forms: The Illinois Supreme Court provides standardized forms that can be used in any Illinois court. Information and forms can be found at www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms.
- Legal Self Help: Have you heard of Illinois Legal Aid Online? We direct our customers daily to this incredible, free resource. They provide a wealth of legal information and step-by-step instructions. The website is www.illinoislegalaid.org.