Statutes, codes, and regulations
Illinois Court Rules
Illinois Supreme Court RulesArticle V - Rules on Trial Court Proceedings in Traffic and Conservation Offenses, Ordinance Offenses, Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors, and Civil Law Violations [Effective January 1, 2023]
Part E - Rules and Procedures for Non-traffic/non-conservation Ordinance Violations [Effective January 1, 2023]
Rule 576 - Right to Counsel

Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 576

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As amended through May 30, 2024
Rule 576 - Right to Counsel

A defendant has a right to be represented by an attorney; however, there shall be no right to appointment of counsel in suits for violation of ordinances for which the penalty does not include the possibility of a jail term.

Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 576

Adopted 12/7/2011, effective immediately

Committee Comment

(December 7, 2011)

This rule reiterates the long held principle that the right to a court appointed counsel does not attach where there is no possibility of being sentenced to a jail term as a penalty for the underlying offense. See City of Urbana v. Andre N.B., 211 Ill. 2d 456 (2004); City of Danville v. Clark, 63 Ill. 2d 408 (1976).