What to Know About The DuPage County Traffic Court
Where is the DuPage County Courthouse Located?
DuPage County traffic court is located at 505 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton, IL. While there is a small surface parking lot outside the courthouse, it fills up quickly—especially in the morning. If you have court in the morning., it’s best to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to secure a spot. Otherwise, there is ample parking available in the adjacent parking garage or in the lot across the street.
When entering the courthouse, be aware that personal electronics—including cell phones—are not allowed inside for members of the general public. It’s recommended to leave your phone in the car. Upon entry, you’ll go through a security checkpoint. Once inside, traffic cases are typically assigned to courtrooms 1001, 1002, or 1003, each with its own judge and prosecuting attorneys. Before entering your assigned courtroom, you’ll need to check in at the electronic kiosk located just outside the courtroom doors.
What Goes On Inside the Courtroom?
When you enter the courtroom, take a seat and wait for your name to be called. The bailiff will typically begin calling individuals up in order, instructing them to form a line. Once your name is called, you’ll stand in line and wait your turn to approach the judge.
When your case is called, the judge will read the citations issued to you and explain any associated penalties. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense—such as aggravated speeding—the judge will likely ask if you have an attorney or if you plan to retain one, as misdemeanors carry the potential for jail time.
If you’re dealing with non-misdemeanor (petty) tickets, you may be able to resolve the case yourself, depending on factors like the type of ticket, your driving record, and what the prosecutor is offering. If the prosecutor is willing to offer court supervision, they will inform the judge, who will then ask if you accept the offer. At that point, it’s your decision whether to plead guilty and accept supervision or proceed differently.
If you choose not to plead guilty, you can inform the judge and request a trial. In DuPage County, some tickets—especially those contested—will require you to return for a second court date set specifically for trial.
Payment and Supervision Requirements
If you received court supervision or entered a guilty plea, the clerk will provide you with a payment slip indicating the amount owed, available payment methods (such as online or by phone), and your payment deadline. It is crucial to make the payment on time in order to successfully complete supervision and avoid having a conviction entered on your record.
Fees vary depending on the type of citation and the law enforcement agency that issued the ticket. In most cases, you can make the payment immediately after your court appearance by visiting the Clerk’s Office, conveniently located near the traffic courtrooms. Additionally, some cases may require you to return to court to prove that you’ve completed any court-ordered traffic school, courses, or public service hours, in addition to paying fines.
If you miss your scheduled court date, the judge may enter an ex parte conviction against you. To undo this, you’ll need to file a Motion to Vacate Ex Parte Conviction within 30 days of the conviction date. Filing this motion allows you to reopen the case.
Should You Bring a Traffic Lawyer With You?
It’s important to understand the nature of the citation you received. If you have a poor driving record, are facing a misdemeanor traffic charge, are under 21, or hold a CDL, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced traffic attorney. These factors can significantly impact your driving privileges, and legal guidance can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. If you received a petty traffic ticket, you would not need to appear in court if you retained a lawyer. An attorney can attend on your behalf and could resolve the case without you ever having to appear.
If you’ve received a traffic citation in DuPage County and you have to go to DuPage traffic court, contact us today. We’re here to help you protect your driving record and guide you through the court process.