Rule 577.Jury Trial

Article V. Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations · Part E. Rules and Procedures for Non-Traffic/Non-Conservation Ordinance Violations · Last amended 2011 · Last verified July 20, 2026

In one sentenceRule 577 gives either side in an ordinance case the right to a six-person jury, as long as the defendant demands one and pays the jury fee at the first appearance.

Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 577

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Either party shall have the right to trial by a jury. The prosecuting entity shall make its jury demand at the time the action is commenced. The defendant shall make his or her jury demand and pay the jury demand fee at the time of entering his or her appearance, plea, answer to the charge, or other responsive pleading. Failure to pay the required jury fee to the clerk of the circuit court at the time of entering his or her initial appearance, or by a date ordered by the court, shall constitute a forfeiture of the right to a jury trial.

Because ordinance offenses do not provide for penalties in excess of $50,000, any jury request shall result in the matter being tried by a jury of six members.

End

Plain-English Summary

Either the prosecuting entity or the defendant can demand a jury trial in an ordinance case. The prosecuting entity has to make its demand when the case begins. The defendant's window comes later, but it's tight: the demand and the jury fee both have to come in at the time of the defendant's first appearance, plea, answer, or other responsive pleading — or by whatever date the court sets. Miss that deadline, and the right to a jury is forfeited.

When a jury trial does happen, it's smaller than a criminal jury: six members, reflecting the fact that ordinance penalties don't run above $50,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a jury trial for an ordinance violation?

Yes, either side can demand one.

When do I need to ask for a jury trial?

At the time you enter your appearance, plea, answer, or other responsive pleading.

Do I have to pay anything to get a jury trial?

Yes, a jury demand fee is due at the same time as the demand.

What happens if I miss the deadline to pay the jury fee?

You forfeit your right to a jury trial in that case.

How many jurors decide an ordinance violation case?

Six, since these penalties don't exceed $50,000.

Committee Comments and Commentary

(December 7, 2011)

Section 2-1105 of the Code of Civil Procedure is applicable to jury demands in ordinance violation cases. City of Danville v. Hartshorn, 53 Ill. 2d 399, 403 (1973). Section 103-6 of the Code of Criminal Procedure also applies to jury demands in ordinance violation cases. It provides: “every person accused of an offense shall have the right to a trial by jury unless *** (ii) the offense is an ordinance violation punishable by fine only and the defendant either fails to file a demand for a trial by jury at the time of entering his or her plea of not guilty or fails to pay to the clerk of the circuit court at the time of entering his or her plea of not guilty any jury fee required to be paid to the clerk.” 725 ILCS 5/103-6; 705 ILCS 105.27.1a(w)(3).

Amendment History

Adopted December 7, 2011, effective immediately.

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: jury trial for a parking ticket in Illinoisjury demand fee ordinance violationsix person jury municipal casehow to request a jury trial for a ticket