News Releases

Jury trials have been paused in Winnebago and Boone Counties since last fall due to COVID-19, and the Court today set the following targets for resumption of jury service:

  • Grand jury:  new panels will be sworn in at the beginning of February.
  • Criminal jury trials:  will resume in March 2021.
  • Civil jury trials:  will resume in May 2021.

“We were able to pause some of the Court’s essential work to help mitigate the community spread of the virus, but we must make plans to bring back these vital functions,” said Chief Judge Eugene Doherty.  “When jurors are asked to report, they will see the extensive preparations undertaken with their safety in mind.”

Those with cases in the courthouse should be aware that many proceedings have been moved to a virtual platform.  Litigants with questions about attending court remotely should go to https://tinyurl.com/virtualcourt17.

PDF of Press Release

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF
THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT

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Virtual Court

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400 W State St
Rockford, IL 61101

EARLY CLOSURE OF CERTAIN COURT FACILITIES

Due to water main break in downtown Rockford, the 17th Judicial Circuit Court announces the following:

The Winnebago County Courthouse, Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center, Adult Probation Department, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Center will be CLOSED at 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 18. All court appearances, including Zoom virtual appearances, located in these facilities are cancelled and will be rescheduled. For questions related to the rescheduling of court matters, please contact the Circuit Clerk's office at 815-319-4500.

The Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center and Boone County Courts REMAIN OPEN and all matters scheduled in these facilities will continue to be heard this afternoon. 

Per Administrative Order 2019-2, all orders of protection due to expire on the date of closure will instead expire the following day, or next court business day in the event of a multi-day closure. As applicable, a petitioner wishing  to pursue their order of protection, must come to the Circuit Clerk’s Office or contact the Clerk’s Office by phone the next day the courthouse is open and request to see a judge to have their order of protection extended. 

All Court Facilities are expected to be open tomorrow, April 19, 2024.