Rule 587.Notice to Accused

Article V. Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations · Part F. Rules and Procedures for Civil Law Violations · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 20, 2026

In one sentenceRule 587 requires officers issuing a civil law citation to also hand over a plain-language notice on how to contest it and demand a trial.

Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 587

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When issuing a Uniform Civil Law Citation, the officer shall also issue a written notice to the accused in substantially the following form:

CONTEST THIS VIOLATION If you intend to contest this violation or if you intend to demand a trial, so notify the clerk of the circuit court at least 10 work days before the date set for your appearance. Note that appearing in court may result in additional fines and fees. A new appearance date will be set, and you will be notified of the time and place of your appearance. When you are notified of your new appearance date, you should come to court prepared for trial and bring any witnesses you may have. You will also have the opportunity to demand a trial by jury, which would occur at a later date. If you demand a trial by jury, additional fees may apply.

Upon timely receipt of notice that the accused intends to contest the violation, the clerk shall set a new appearance date not less than 7 days nor more than 60 days after the original appearance date set by the law enforcement officer or the clerk of the circuit court and shall notify all parties of the new date and the time for appearance. If the accused demands a trial by jury, the trial shall be scheduled within a reasonable period. A jury fee may be applicable, as directed by the court.

End

Plain-English Summary

Along with a Uniform Civil Law Citation, Rule 587 requires the officer to give the accused a written notice explaining how to contest the violation: notify the clerk at least 10 work days before the scheduled appearance date. That notice also warns that showing up in court to contest the citation may add fines and fees beyond the flat amount charged for resolving it without an appearance.

Once the clerk gets timely notice that someone intends to contest the violation, a new appearance date gets set — between 7 and 60 days after the original one — and everyone involved gets notified. A jury trial demand pushes the case toward trial at a later date, and a jury fee may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the notice with my civil law citation tell me?

How to contest the violation and what to expect if you do.

How soon do I need to notify the clerk if I want to contest it?

At least 10 work days before my scheduled appearance date.

Does contesting the citation cost more than just paying it?

Appearing in court to contest it may add fines and fees beyond the flat amount for resolving it without a court date.

Can I get a jury trial on a civil law violation?

Yes, though it's requested separately and may carry its own fee.

What happens after I tell the clerk I want to contest it?

The clerk sets a new appearance date, between 7 and 60 days after the original one, and notifies everyone involved.

Amendment History

Adopted Sept. 1, 2016, eff. 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

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