Kane County 16th Judicial Court shifting to remote court access only

KANE COUNTY – The Kane County 16th Judicial Court announced that it will only allow remote access to all courts from Nov. 20 through January.

According to a news release, Chief Judge Clint Hull advises that, although the Court has already made extensive use of remote virtual hearings in 2020, it will be increasing its reliance on them to minimize the number of people who enter courthouse buildings, including traffic branch courts in Aurora, Elgin and St. Charles.

“This is a step we feel we must take to keep everyone as safe as possible,” Chief Judge Hull stated in the release. “We have been very successful in keeping the spread of the virus in our courthouses low, but we know that the risks within our community are sadly increasing. This is our way of continuing to help prevent the further spread of the virus.”

Chief Judge Hull noted that if court-users have questions about remote court access or other court procedures, they may call the Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center at 630-406-7126, or use the chat/email feature on the Law Library's website https://www.KCLawLibrary.org.

Also, some case times may need to be rescheduled. Those people involved in a court case should make sure that the Kane County Circuit Clerk has their current contact information, including email address, to ensure proper notification.

The Kane County Circuit Clerk's Office staff can also answer questions about remote court access and procedures by telephone at 630-232-3410 or the public may visit their website http://www.cic.co.kane.il.us.

“While the courts aren’t operating as they did a year ago, we have added systems (such as remote Zoom court) which weren’t available during the spring closure. Our hope is that through remote court access we can continue to keep cases moving so the public will get the closure and resolution needed on their legal issues,” Hull stated. “I am incredibly thankful for the continued good work of attorneys, court personnel, and the public, for it is through their cooperation that remote court access is possible.”