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Rule 557.Preparation of Sentencing Orders.

Article V. Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations · Part D. Required Court Appearances, Forms and Procedures · Last amended 2019 · Last verified July 20, 2026

In one sentenceRule 557 requires a written sentencing order — drafted by the prosecutor and reviewed by the defense before it's filed — spelling out every fine, fee, and credit in a traffic, conservation, or ordinance case.

Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 557

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At the time of sentencing in a traffic case, conservation case, or ordinance violation cases, the court shall enter a written order imposing the sentence and all applicable fines, fees, assessments, and costs against the defendant and specifying applicable credits. The prosecuting entity shall draft such order and present the order for review by defendant or, if defendant is represented, by defense counsel, before submitting it to the court.
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Plain-English Summary

Once a court sentences someone in a traffic, conservation, or ordinance case, Rule 557 requires a written order that lays out the sentence along with every fine, fee, assessment, cost, and credit that applies. That written record protects both sides from confusion later about exactly what's owed.

The prosecuting entity drafts the order, but it doesn't go straight to the judge. The defendant, or defense counsel if the defendant has a lawyer, gets to review it first, catching errors before the order becomes final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who writes the sentencing order in a traffic or ordinance case?
The prosecuting entity — the state's attorney or municipal prosecutor — drafts it.
Does the defense get to check the order before it's filed?
Yes, the defendant or defense counsel reviews it before it's submitted to the court.
What must the order include?
The sentence, plus every applicable fine, fee, assessment, cost, and credit.
Does this rule apply to ordinance violations too?
Yes, alongside traffic and conservation cases.
Why does this rule matter to someone who pled guilty?
It creates a clear written record of exactly what they owe, which matters if a dispute over the amount comes up later.

Amendment History

Adopted Feb. 26, 2019, eff. March 1, 2019.

Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules, promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026. · Official source
Also known as: traffic ticket sentencing order Illinoiswho prepares a sentencing orderwritten order for a traffic finesentencing order review by defense