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911 Center

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1. Can hearing-impaired people use 911?

Yes. All 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the state of Illinois are required to have TDD capability for communications with hearing impaired and speech impaired persons.

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Chief County Assessment Office

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1. Are there any exemptions that provide property tax relief?

A brief description of the available property tax exemptions in Illinois, including exemption applications can be found on the Chief County Assessment Office (CCAO) page. You can also sign up at the CCAO office located at 112 E Second Street in Dixon. For more information contact the CCAO.

2. I believe my assessment is too high. What should I do?

Contact your Township Assessor or contact the Chief County Assessment Office (CCAO) for more information. Depending upon the time of year, it is possible you will need to file an appeal to the Lee County Board of Review. The Board of Review rules provide additional information on the types of evidence required to support your over-assessment argument, such as appeals based upon:

• Assessment equity
• Fair cash value
• Incorrect physical description of the property
• Matters of law

3. I would like more information about my property assessment or assessments in my neighborhood. Is this information available?

Yes. Property record information, including assessed values and property characteristics such as square footage, age, lot size, etc. are available in the County Assessment Office.

4. How do I change the mailing address on my tax bill?

The Lee County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for updating address changes. Complete the Change of Address Form (PDF) and return it to:
Lee County Treasurer
P.O. Box 328
Dixon, IL 61021

5. I have received an assessment notice in the mail. What does this mean to me?

The Illinois Property Tax Code requires assessment officials to mail assessment notices to taxpayers if their property has received an individual change in their assessment. It does not require a notice if the change was due to an equalization factor, sometimes known as a township multiplier. It is your responsibility to review the notice for assessment accuracy. Residential, commercial and industrial properties should be assessed at 33 1/3% of fair cash value. If you have any questions regarding the notice, contact your Township Assessor or contact the County Assessment Office.

6. How can I get a duplicate copy of my tax bill?

You may obtain a duplicate copy of your tax bill by contacting the Lee County Treasurer's Office.

7. What are township equalization factors (sometimes called multipliers) - and how are they determined?

Equalization is the application of a uniform percentage increase or decrease to assessed values of various areas or classes of property to bring assessments on average, to the statutory level of assessment of 33 1/3%. Both local assessment officials and the Illinois (IL) Department of Revenue (DOR) are responsible for equalizing assessment levels. IL-DOR Publication 136 (PDF) gives a detailed overview of the property assessment and equalization process. Contact your Township Assessor or contact the County Assessment Office if you have any questions.

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Circuit Clerk - Child Support

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1. How do I receive a child support disbursement?

To find out how to receive child support disbursement or to get help on other child support enforcement services, you can call the child support helpline at 800-447-4278.

2. Can I have my child support checks directly deposited into my bank account?

You can obtain a Direct Deposit Authorization Agreement Form by calling customer service at 877-225-7077 and requesting the forms to be faxed or mailed to you. The direct deposit accounts take two to four weeks to establish. The Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU) will continue to distribute checks to custodial parents until the direct deposit account is established. When you complete the form, please fax it to 630-221-2312 or mail it to:
Illinois SDU
P.O. Box 5921
Carol Stream, IL 60197

3. How long will it take to get my disbursement?

Once the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU) receives a payment made on your case, a check or direct deposit will be sent to you within 48 hours.

4. How do I make a child support payment?

If your payments are not made through income withholding, you must send your payments to:
Illinois State Disbursement Unit
P.O. Box 5400
Carol Stream, IL 60197

Information Needed

The Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU) accepts checks and money orders. Please make sure your check or money order is payable to the Illinois State Disbursement Unit. Make sure to include the following information with your payments: 

• The name of the county in Illinois where the order was entered
• Your FIPS/docket number (case number)
• Your name
• Your social security number
• The amount of the payment
• The name of the custodial parent

Remember, if you have more than one FIPS/docket each payment must be listed separately.

5. My employer withholds support from my paycheck. Do I need to anything?

If your payments are made through income withholding, your employer will be given information as to where to send payments. You will not need to mail a check yourself.

6. Whom do I contact to help in enforcement of my support order?

To get help collection child support, establishing paternity or information on other HFS Division of Child Support, call 800-447-4278 (within Illinois) or call 800-526-5812 (TTY). You can also go to the Child Support Regional Office that serves your area.

7. How do I find out if my support payment has been received or disbursed?

You can find out if your support payment has been received by logging on to your record at the "Payments/Disbursements" page at the login screen on the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) website or by calling customer service at 877-225-7077. For security reasons, you will need to have your social security number and PIN available to access your payment information. If you have multiple FIPS/docket numbers associated with your social security number, you will need to select the FIPS/docket number to access the payment information associated with that FIPS/docket number.

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Circuit Clerk - Traffic

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1. Will supervision keep the ticket off my driving record?

No, supervision only keeps the conviction off your record. If you take supervision your driving record will indicate supervision, but the ticket will still be on your record. If you are under the age of 21 and the ticket will be your 2nd conviction if you take supervision instead of the conviction your license should not get suspended. If you are over 21 and the ticket will be your 3rd conviction in a year taking the supervision should keep your license from getting suspended.

2. How long does a ticket stay on my record?

Traffic tickets generally stay on a person’s driving record for 4 to 5 years.

3. Do you take payments by phone?

No, our office does not accept payment by phone. You may send a check or money order in the mail. You may also pay in the office with a check, money order, cash, or credit/debit card. You can also pay online at CitePayUSA. Note: if you pay with a check and it is returned there is a $25 return check fee.

4. If I received a no insurance ticket, can I provide proof that I have insurance before my court date?

Yes, but the proof of insurance needs to be provided to the State's Attorney's Office, you can contact them by calling 815-284-5245. If you received two tickets and one is a no insurance and you provided proof of insurance before your court date, and the State Attorney's Office dismisses the no insurance ticket, you can pay the other ticket as long as that ticket by it's self would be a no court appearance required without having to go to court.

5. How do I plead not guilty?

To plead not guilty please fill out the back top portion of the blue copy of your ticket. Make sure you fill the top part out completely and mark if you want a trial by the Judge (Bench Trial) or a trial by a Jury (Jury Trial).

6. Am I eligible for court supervision and how much does it cost?

As long as you have not had supervision in the last 12 months, are over the age of 18, and do not have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) you are eligible for the traffic safety program through Rock Valley College. If you are over the age of 21 you can take the traffic safety program online. To take the traffic school in person it is $40 and to take it online it is $55.

7. What happens if I am under the age of 18 and want court supervision on a "no court appearance required" ticket?

If you are under the age of 18 you have to appear in court in order to get court supervision. To get a court date to appear to request court supervision, please call our office at 815-284-5234 to set up a court date. Note: do not appear on the day that is shown on your ticket - it is only a date to have it paid by, not a court date. You must call our office to get a court date.

8. What happens if I miss my court date?

No Court Appearance Required Ticket

If you have not paid your ticket by the date indicated on your ticket you are in default, however, we do give a 10 day grace period after that date before we send what is called a Failure to Comply Notice. If you receive this notice it will give you another date to have it paid by or we can notify the Secretary of State of your non-compliance.

Court Appearance Required Ticket

If you fail to appear for a court appearance required ticket multiple things could happen. A warrant for your arrest could issue, a default judgment could be entered, or if a bond was posted a bond forfeiture notice could be issued.

9. Is my driver's license valid?

In order to know if your license is valid, you need to call the Secretary of State's Office at 217-785-8619.

10. I posted my license as bond, how do I get it back?

In order to get your license back, your case needs to be closed. If you posted as a bond on a no court appearance required ticket, you will receive it back the day you pay your ticket. If you pay your ticket through the mail it will be mailed back to you. If you post your license on a court appearance required ticket then you will get it back at the end of your case. Note: Fines and costs have to be paid in order for your driver's license to be returned to you.

11. Do I have to appear in court?

If your ticket is marked "court appearance required," you must appear in court. If it is marked "no court appearance required," you do not appear, your ticket is due by the date written on the ticket.

12. How much are court costs?

Court costs are determined by state statue and are charged accordingly. Court costs can be affected by different things. We will not be able to tell you how much you owe until you go to court and we receive the paperwork from the courtroom. Usually, if you take the fine amount times it by 3 you will get a general idea of what your court cost might be. This is not a guarantee of what your cost will be, just a rough estimate.

13. What if I have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), want court supervision, and my ticket is marked "no court appearance required"?

If you are a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holder and sign up for the traffic school for supervision the Secretary of State's Office will not recognize the supervision and a conviction will enter on your record. If you want supervision please contact the Traffic Department so we can set up a court date so you can speak with the Secretary of State's Office about supervision. Please do not show up on the date your ticket indicates and expect to go to court. It is just a date to have it paid by. Please contact our office so we can set a date for you.

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Highway Department

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1. Who do I contact if there is a problem with my road?

Public agencies have responsibility for roads on which they have jurisdictional authority. If you live on a state road, contact the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at 815-284-2271. If you live on a township road, you should contact your Township Road Commissioner. If you live on a county road, you may call the Lee County Highway Department at 815-857-4141.

Emergencies

If it is an emergency, and none of the appropriate agencies can be reached, call the Lee County Sheriff's Department at 815-284-6631.

2. Who is my Road Commissioner?

If you know which township you live in, you can look up your road commissioner on our Township Commissioner page. If you do not know which township you live in, you can check on your real estate tax bill or contact the Lee County Highway Department.

3. What is the procedure for getting a new entrance to my property?

Different agencies have jurisdiction over different roads. If you live on a state road, call the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at 815-284-2271. If you live on a county road or a township road you may obtain an Entrance Permit Request Form. Either mail, fax or deliver the completed form back to the Lee County Highway Department.

If your entrance request is on a township road, we will forward the request to the appropriate township commissioner. If your entrance request is on a Lee County Highway Department road, Lee County Highway personnel will check the area for sight distance, drainage requirements, culvert diameter, and length for the location given on the driveway access form request.

4. If I already have a driveway, but I want to make it bigger, do I still have to pay the fee?

Yes, by resolution all driveway access form requests require a processing fee.

5. Who installed culverts and extensions and what are the procedures?

If the Lee County Highway Department approves the driveway access request, you will be given a culvert installation design drawing showing you the proper installation details. You may determine that you want to install the culvert yourself or that you want to hire a contractor to install the driveway. 

Driveway Installation

After your driveway is installed the Lee County Highway Department will inspect your site to see if the installation was completed according to the design plan. If everything was installed or completed according to the design plan you will be in compliance with the access form procedure. If the installation wasn't completed according to the design plan, you will be notified stating what part of installation was not completed correctly and you can either:

• Correct the problem yourself within a reasonable amount of time
• Instruct your contractor to correct the problem within a reasonable amount of time
• Instruct the Lee County Highway Department to send their personnel to your site to correct the problem and bill you for all the costs incurred to rectify the problem

6. Where do I purchase culverts and bands?

Except for a new driveway entrance onto a county road (which requires a permit, permit requests are available under forms), the Highway Department does not sell culverts (or culvert bands) to the public. However, there are several suppliers available that will sell and can assist you with selecting the correct culvert for your situation.

7. Who do I make check out to for the fees?

Make all checks payable to the Lee County Highway Department.

8. How long after I turn in my forms and pay the fees will I get my 911 sign?

This depends on the workload the department is experiencing at the time. We generally estimate at least a month is needed to fabricate and install the sign. This time frame can be extended, if, for example, frozen ground in the winter prevents the proper installation of a signpost.

9. My mailbox was knocked down during a snowstorm. How do I get it fixed?

Occasionally during snowplowing, wet or heavy snow coming off the plow may push mailboxes over. Agencies plow snow only on the roads in their jurisdiction. 

State & Township Roads

If you live on a state road, call the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at 815-284-2271. If you live on a township road, you should contact your Township Road Commissioner.

County Roads

If you live on a county road, you may contact the Lee County Highway Department and personnel will inspect the reported mailbox after the roads have been cleared of snow and ice. At this time we generally install a temporary mailbox until conditions allow us to install a permanent mailbox consisting of a 4 by 4 post and metal box.

10. What does "posted roads" mean?

Generally speaking, every winter with the cold temperatures the aggregate under the road becomes frozen, when warmer springtime temperatures arrive, thawing occurs, which in turn makes roads soft and spongy and unable to carry the heavier "gross axle" loads that the traveling public is accustomed to during the year.

Protection of Roads

It is the intent of the Lee County Highway Department to protect the roads under their jurisdiction from severe damage that heavier "gross axle" loads can do to the roads at that critical time during the spring thawing, therefore we install a spring "posting" weight limit restriction sign that substantially lowers the allowable gross weight per axle (total vehicle weight), from traveling our roadways.

11. If I don't see a posting sign, does that mean the road is not posted?

On all Lee County Highway Department jurisdictional roads, all roads that are being posted will have the spring weight "posting" sign attached to the existing weight limit sign, which is usually located at each end of the road, or it will be attached just below the stop sign at each intersection of the posted road. To view which Lee County Highway Department jurisdictional roads are not posted, check our Non-Posted Roads page. If the road you have question on is not on the list - it is posted. On Township Roads, check with your Township Commissioner to see if a certain road is posted. State designated highways do not get posted.

12. Is there a time when I can get permission to haul on a posted road?

Generally speaking, the answer to that question is no. Almost all loads are defined as divisible loads, meaning, you can remove a portion of the load to make it lighter, thus rules and regulations state that no permits may be issued to anyone that has a divisible load.

13. What are the posted road weight limits?

Weight Limits

Total gross vehicle weight is not to exceed 33,000 pounds.

Axles	Gross Vehicle Weight
2 Axles - Single Rear Tire	8,000 Pounds
2 Axles - Dual Rear Tires	18,000 Pounds
2 Axles - Farm Wagons and Fertilizer Buggies	9,000 Pounds
3 or More Axles - Dual Rear Tires	33,000 Pounds

Floaters

Axles	Gross Vehicle Weight
Axle with 1 Tire	9,000 Pounds
Axle with 2 Tires	18,000 Pounds

14. How can my organization join the Adopt-A-Highway program?

If you want to adopt a county road or a township road, call the Lee County Highway Department at 815-857-4141. If you want to adopt a state road, call the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) at 815-284-2271.

15. I accidentally drove in the fresh traffic paint. How do I remove the paint from my vehicle?

As soon as possible after getting paint from road stripes on your vehicle - wash the vehicle at a pressure car wash. This will loosen and remove most of the paint unless it has dried for more than a day. If the pressure car wash does not remove the traffic paint, allow the water to dry off the vehicle.

WD-40

Then spray the paint residue with WD-40 and allow the WD-40 to stay on the area for 1 to 3 hours and rewash the Vehicle with a pressure car washer. The WD-40 will soften the traffic paint without hurting the vehicle finish. If there is a heavy concentration, repeat the procedure.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

For heavy accumulations or traffic paint that has dried for several days, apply a liberal coating of Vaseline petroleum jelly to the dried traffic paint and allow the Vaseline to stay on the area overnight. The next day, take the vehicle to a pressure car wash and wash it. This should remove most of the traffic paint. If not, repeat the procedure.

16. How many miles of road and bridges does the county maintain?

The County maintains about 220 miles of County roads and 70 bridges.  The Highway Department also assists Township Commissioners who collectively have 906 miles of roads and 176 bridges. 

17. Who Plows in the winter?

If you live on a state or federal highway (i.e. US 52, IL 26, etc.), IDOT plows your road.  On a county road, the Highway Department does.  On a township, the respective township handles your plowing.  In a municipality, your municipality plows your road.  Please call appropriate agency with questions.

18. Can the Highway Department staff provide engineering design assistance or provide advice for engineering issues on my property?

No.  The department's staff only provides engineering services for County and Township road districts.  if you need engineering assistance, we advise contacting a local engineering firm who can provide you with the engineering services you need.

19. I need to hire a contractor to do some work on my property. Does the Highway Department staff have any recommendations?

The Highway Department doesn't make recommendations of which contractors to hire.  We suggest referencing friends, other engineers or businesses that have used contractors.

20. There is a dead deer in the ROW near my house. Will the Highway Department pick it up?

If it is the County ROW please contact the Highway Department.  If the dead deer is on another agency's road, please call the appropriate agency to see what their policy is.

21. Are there any regulations for installing a mailbox along the side of the road?

Yes.  You can find the regulations on the US Postal Service website at: https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm.  Please pay particular attention to the design of the post as it needs to be a break-away post should an errant vehicle hit it.  Remember, you are responsible to maintain your mailbox and make sure it meets the current standards.

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Probation Department

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1. What information will the Probation Officer require at my appointments?

• Current pay stub or proof of unemployment
• Verification of residence
• Proof of any treatment
• Public service work completed
• Receipts for payments made to the Courts

2. What are the rules of reporting to the Probation Department?

You must report on time the day of your appointment. If you should need to change your appointment time or date, you must speak to your Probation Officer to make those changes. No one else can make those changes for you.

3. What do I do if I am arrested while on probation?

If you are arrested or have any police contact, contact your Probation Officer immediately.

4. How do I pay my fines/court costs/restitution?

All payments, of cash/personal check/money order, need to have the case number included and need to be made to the Lee County Circuit Clerk's Office either in person at the office, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to noon and 1 pm to 4:30 pm or by mail:
309 S Galen
Suite 320
Dixon, IL 61021

5. How do I get my driver’s license back after a suspension or revocation?

Whether or not you are on probation, you must contact the Illinois Secretary of State's Office or an attorney to obtain information about the procedure to follow to get your driver's license back.

6. What do I do if I cannot get in touch with my Probation Officer by phone?

If you need to speak to your Probation Officer and they are not available when you call the department, leave them a message stating your name, contact phone number and the reason for the call and the officer will get back to you as soon as they are able. Please remember that officers are required to attend court and other meetings throughout the day.

7. What is the referral process for Drug Court?

View the Drug Court page for information on the referral process.

8. What are the Courthouse hours and rules?

The Courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday (with the exception of county holidays) 8 am to noon and 1 to 4:30 pm. 

Prohibited Items

The following are not permitted inside of the Courthouse:

• Beverages
• Cell phones
• Food
• Lighters
• Utility tools/knives

9. What do I need to bring to obtain a travel permit?

Probation clients need to bring the following information in order to obtain a travel permit from his/her officer: 

• The departure and return dates
• The method of travel including vehicle license number or flight information
• The name of individuals that will be accompanying them
• The name, address and telephone number of the destination where they will be staying

10. Are clients responsible for paying for drug tests?

The cost of drug testing for clients sentenced in Lee County is included with the probation service fees. Out of county transfer clients are responsible for paying for drug testing to the Lee County Probation Department.

11. What happens if a client appears for a probation appointment with alcohol on their breath?

If a client has been drinking and comes to the Probation Department with an odor of alcohol on their breath it will be considered a missed appointment.

12. Do I have to pay a fee to the county/state I am transferring to?

Pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/5-6-3 and the Interstate Commission on Adult Supervision (ICAOS), if you request to transfer your probation to another county/state, you will be required to pay a supervision fee to the supervising county/state and not Lee County.

13. What steps should be taken if a client has paid his/her fees in full and is requesting to be transferred to another county/state?

If you request that your probation be transferred to another county/state and you have paid your fees in full and are requesting a refund of the overpayment, it is advisable that you contact your attorney and request that they file the appropriate paperwork and schedule the matter before the sentencing judge to order the Circuit Clerk to refund the overpayment. Repayment of the lump sum will not be made unless ordered by the Court.

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Public Defender's Office

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1. What do Public Defender’s handle?

Public Defenders are responsible for all aspects of a case, including:

• Client interview
• Investigation
• Legal research and writing
• Motion and trial practice
• Witness review

Caseloads range from all felonies to misdemeanors, and juvenile abuse and neglect cases.

2. How did I get a Public Defender assigned to my case?

Following your first appearance/arraignment on one or more criminal charges, the court will make a determination of whether you are indigent and can afford counsel. This simply means the Judge inquires whether you have funds to hire your own attorney. The United States Constitution guarantees that every person who is financially unable to hire her or his own attorney in a criminal proceeding must be provided with a competent attorney at the government's expense.

Other Responsibilities

In the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, Lee County, the attorneys employed by the Office of the Public Defender represent a substantial percentage of persons who are determined to be indigent. The court also appoints attorneys engaged in the private practice of law to represent persons charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer when the Public Defender has a conflict of interest. Such attorneys are not Public Defenders and are not employed by the Public Defender's Office.

3. What if I am able to hire my own attorney?

If you are financially able to hire your own attorney, you are encouraged to do so immediately. Our services are limited to those who cannot afford counsel.

4. What else happens at my first appearance/arraignment?

The formal court process begins with those charged entering a plea of "not guilty" when they first appear in court. This plea may change subject to certain negotiations. Next, your case will be assigned to a judge who is responsible for the handling of your preliminary hearing in felony cases, otherwise, your case will be placed before your trial court judge. The end of your case could mean a trial, dismissal or the entry of a guilty plea as part of a plea bargain. Your assigned lawyer is always present at any stage of the proceedings in court to discuss your options and to advocate on your behalf.

5. What about bond and bond reductions?

The Judge at your arraignment sets bond. The bond is designed to ensure that you show up for court when required. In the event you fail to appear in court, the Judge will issue a warrant. 

Unable to Make Bond

If you are unable to make a bond your Public Defender may ask your assigned Trial Judge to lower the bond in an attempt to have you released from jail while your case is pending. The amount of the bond set by the judge at the time of arraignment is usually based on the severity of the crime you're charged with and the extent of your criminal record.

6. What if I am on probation or parole?

If you are someone who is in jail as a suspected probation or parole violator, in addition to the new charges you are facing, it is likely that a hold has been placed on you at the request of the probation or parole department. In such situations, it is unlikely that you'll be released from jail until you have completed proceedings on the new charges and have dealt with the claimed violation at either a probation violation or parole revocation hearing.

7. When do I get to speak with my attorney?

In most instances, your assigned attorney will attempt to speak with you prior to your first court appearance before the assigned Judge at the time. Again, if you are on bond, the attorney may speak with you by phone or arrange for you to come into the office for a face to face appointment.

In Jail

If you are in jail, your lawyer, time permitting, will come to see you in person. You should understand that your attorney will have no independent information about your case until he appears in court for a first pretrial conference. This usually occurs within ten to fourteen days of the date of your arraignment. Your first court date before the assigned Trial Judge is not set by your lawyer. It is the judge's responsibility to set the cases as quickly as his or her caseload permits.

On Bond

If you are on bond make sure you know when your next court date is and that your contact information with our office is up-to-date. Our inability to contact you could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and the revocation of your bond. If you are in jail, unfortunately, you may have no advance formal notice of your first pretrial and will simply be brought up on the date set by the court.

8. What is a pre-trial conference?

A pre-trial conference is not a date for the trial of your case. It is really an opportunity for your lawyer to meet with the prosecutor to gather information about your case. This gathering of information is called discovery and usually consists of an informal conversation in which the prosecutor provides a summary of the case against you and the names of the witnesses he or she intends to call against you should your case go to trial. Your attorney will file all necessary pretrial motions on your behalf and it is not necessary for you to attempt to do so on your own.

9. Will I get to see the police reports and witness statements?

Once your Public Defender gets the case information and discovery, you will have an opportunity to review it. You will not be given your own copy, however.

10. What can I do to help my lawyer help me?

If you are aware of potential witnesses who possess information regarding your case who you feel might be of help to you and your defense, be prepared to provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of such persons. Your lawyer will need to contact them in advance of any trial date to discuss with them their anticipated testimony.

Do Not Disclose

Do not discuss your case with anyone. This would most definitely include any law enforcement officer or member of the prosecution staff. If you are confined in jail, do not discuss your case with fellow inmates as it is not unusual for the police and prosecution to employ informants who could end up testifying against you. Further, keep in mind that all phone calls by inmates at the county jail are recorded.

Have no communication with the court and judge assigned to your case. This includes communications in written form and by letter. It is always best to allow any communication regarding you or your case to come through your attorney. Judges do not read your correspondence if you have counsel already. They simply forward the letter to your Public Defender. The best assistance you can give your Public Defender is being a cooperative, concerned and responsible client. Remember that you find yourself in a very serious situation requiring your complete attention,

11. What about courtroom security?

The Lee County Services Building where court is held strict security procedures to ensure the safety of anyone entering the building. If you are coming to court, understand that you will be subject to a search of your person and belongings.

Prohibited Items & Children

 If found with any kind of contraband, including, but not limited to, guns, knives, any other kind of weapon, drugs or drug paraphernalia, you will be arrested. Moreover, it is not appropriate to come to court in the company of children. Please arrange to have someone watch your children when you are required to come to court. In addition, there are no cell phones permitted by non-employees.

12. What about courtroom dress and times?

You must present yourself clean and dressed in modest clothing. Lewd messages on clothing will not be tolerated, nor will suggestive clothing be permitted to be worn in court. 

Be on Time

Please be on time. Tardiness reflects badly upon you with the court and in some instances could result in your bond being revoked. If your bond is revoked you may well be arrested and held in the county jail until your case is finished. In the event you are ill or have other problems affecting your ability to come to court, you must contact your attorney as soon as possible to see whether your case can be postponed and continued to another date. Don't assume your lawyer will be able to have your case rescheduled to a new date simply because you have called in asking for a postponement.

Understand that most judges require doctors excuses and/or some form of proof to substantiate a request for a postponement of your court date. Last-minute calls regarding sudden illness, car trouble and lack of transportation usually result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

13. Are Public Defender's real attorneys?

Yes.

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State's Attorney

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1. Can the State's Attorney help me with my legal problem if I can't afford to hire an attorney?

The State's Attorney is forbidden to practice law except in his official capacity as prosecutor and advisor to county officials. The State's Attorney's Office cannot give legal advice to private parties or represent them in civil matters such as divorce, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, or probate matters. While we are happy to refer people to appropriate resources for help with these matters, we are not able to recommend individual private attorneys.

2. I have a dispute with my neighbor. Can the State's Attorney help me?

The first resort in these very common disputes is to try to reach an agreement with your neighbor. Many of these problems can be resolved with simple communications. If that does not work, you may consult with a private attorney or, if you believe a crime has been committed, contact your local police agency. The police will refer the matter to us if a crime has been committed.

3. Can I view files or seek information about pending criminal cases?

The State's Attorney's files and materials relating to pending cases are confidential and not available to the general public. All public documentation in a case is available for review in the Circuit Clerk's Office, just down the hall from our office on the 3rd floor of the New Courts Building.

4. I believe I've been the victim of a crime. What do I do?

Although the State's Attorney has investigative authority, for practical reasons, most investigation in criminal cases is handled by local police agencies. If you believe you've been the victim of a crime, your first step is to call your local police, or if you live in rural Lee County, the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The police will investigate the matter, take a report and refer the matter to us if they believe a crime has been committed.

5. I've been charged with a violation. Can't I just come in and talk to a prosecutor?

The State's Attorney's Office is always available to talk with any member of the community. However, if you are charged with an offense and have an attorney, we cannot discuss your case with you without your lawyer's permission.

6. I'm unhappy with how my case or complaint was handled. With whom do I speak with?

If you have concerns about the conduct of any employee of the State’s Attorney’s Office, call and ask to speak to State’s Attorney Charles Boonstra. He’ll be pleased to sit down with you and listen to your concerns. If you have a concern regarding a police officer, your first step is to contact the supervisory officer of that department and arrange a time to sit down with them.

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State's Attorney - Victims / Witnesses

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1. What are my rights as a victim?

Under Section 8.1 of Article I in the Illinois Constitution, crime victims, shall have the following rights:

• The right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
• The right to notification of court proceedings.
• The right to communicate with the prosecution.
• The right to make a statement to the court at sentencing.
• The right to information about the conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the accused.
• The right to the timely disposition of the case following the arrest of the accused.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused through the criminal justice process.
• The right to be present at the trial and all other court proceedings on the same basis as the accused, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim's testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.
• The right to have present at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence, an advocate or another support person of the victim's choice.
• The right of restitution.

2. What is restitution?

The Victim-Witness Coordinator assists in the financial reimbursement of victims who have suffered out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a criminal offense. Restitution will cover out-of-pocket expenses, losses, damages, and injuries suffered by the victims as a result of the defendant's actions.

3. Am I guaranteed restitution?

Not all restitution is guaranteed. For instance if a defendant is found not guilty, you will have to pursue restitution through civil litigation.

4. How quickly will I receive restitution?

Unfortunately, restitution does not always come when a defendant pleads guilty. There is normally a date given to the defendant by which all payments must be made. In some cases, a defendant found guilty may refuse to pay or is unable to comply with restitution. The State's Attorney will attempt enforcement procedures against the defendant. If the defendant is unable to fulfill the restitution other forms of sentencing may be considered and will be done at the discretion of the court.

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Treasurer

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1. My assessed value declined; why did my tax bill increase?

Your taxes may be higher than they were last year for any or all of three general reasons:

• The local governments (such as schools and municipalities) in your area may have approved a higher tax levy than last year.
• You may not be receiving all of the exemptions for which your property is eligible.
• Other properties in your area may qualify for one or more exemptions for which you are not eligible.

2. If I think my assessment is incorrect, is it too late to file an assessment complaint?

Generally, yes; by state law, complaints to the Board of Review must have been filed within 30 days after the roll is published in the newspaper. The only exception is if there is a discrepancy in the physical data about your property, such as the assessment being based on a 2,400-square-foot house when you actually have a 2,200-square-foot house. To compare your property's physical attributes to the assessment records, contact your Township Assessor or County Assessment Office.

3. Does Lee County decide how much in property tax that the local governments (such as schools and municipalities) in my area can levy?

No, each local government makes this decision independently. Lee County has no authority to issue any property tax levy but its own.

4. How does the Tax Cap Law apply to Lee County?

Lee County is under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law which places a limitation on the total amount of property tax that can be levied by most local governments. Generally, the law limits the increase of a local government's tax levy by 5% or the rate of inflation (whichever is less) over the highest extension of the prior three years. The tax caps are not applicable to:

• Increases due to newly constructed property
• Bonded indebtedness of a local government
• Increases approved by the voters through referenda

5. What will happen if I don’t pay my property taxes?

Your taxes will be sold at the annual tax sale. If your taxes are sold, you will retain the right to redeem your property. To redeem it, you will have to pay costs and interest in addition to any tax due. For more information, contact the Tax Redemption Department of the County Clerk's Office.

6. If have further questions about my tax bill. Who do I contact?

• For questions about assessments, exemptions or appeals, call the Lee County Assessment Office at 815-288-4483.
• For questions about how tax rates are developed, call the Lee County Clerk Tax Extension Department at 815-288-3309.
• For questions about tax bills or payments, call the Lee County Treasurer at 815-288-4477.