Municipal Adjudication
Adjudication Court

The Village of Burr Ridge Adjudication Court began operations in 2021. It serves as a quasi-judicial process for the adjudication of municipal ordinance violations that were previously heard in either the Cook or DuPage County Circuit Courts. This process expedites prosecutions, reduces expenses, and allows the Circuit Court to focus on the most serious offenses. These hearings are also more convenient for residents who wish to contest a ticket or citation.

Overview

An administrative hearing is a civil (not a criminal) proceeding. Cases filed in adjudication are punishable by fines. Under the administrative hearing system, an Administrative Hearing Officer hears cases and not the municipal entity that issued the ticket, complaint, or notice of violation. Hearing Officers, all of whom are experienced attorneys, are required to undergo State mandated training to be professional, fair, and courteous. In Burr Ridge’s Administrative Adjudication process, the following types of cases may be heard:
  • Parking tickets
  • Compliance tickets
  • Zoning violations
  • Ordinance Violations
  • Administrative Tow penalties
The Administrative Hearing Process

A Village Inspector, Community Service Officer, or a Police Officer may issue a ticket, notice of violation, or file a complaint against an individual. A case may also be initiated following a citizen or community complaint.
In most cases, unless marked MUST APPEAR, the recipient can choose to plead liable and pay the fine prior to the hearing date/time, or appear at the hearing.
In certain instances, the recipient may be required to attend the listed hearing date/time; if it is a required mandatory appearance (MUST APPEAR clearly marked on the ticket).

Payments

The Village of Burr Ridge accepts payments in-person at the Police Department (Cash only), by mail, or by credit card using the Village’s online adjudication payment portal. The host of this payment site charges a $2.50 per transaction fee in addition to the Village’s 2% convenience fee.
Note: Payment for citations must be received by the Village Hall, no later than 5:00 pm on the day before your scheduled hearing or you will be required to appear at the Administrative Hearing. There are no grace periods for payments due, including final notices and collections due dates.
A continuance is not allowed unless the Hearing Officer finds good cause. Lack of preparation is not considered good cause. If an individual, or their representative, fail to appear for the scheduled hearing, they may be found in default, and the Hearing Officer may conduct the hearing in their absence.

Attending a Hearing

All hearings are held at the Village of Burr Ridge at 7660 S. County Line Road Burr Ridge, IL, 60527. They are on the first Wednesday of each month; if a Village Holiday falls on a scheduled hearing date, alternate dates will be set and listed on your citation.  
Individuals wishing to appear need to complete the Hearing Request form and return it within ten (10) days of receiving a citation. All persons requesting a hearing or failing to make payment of fines, will be issued a hearing date by mail.
It is recommended that you arrive a few minutes early. Upon entering the hearing room, you must check in with the clerk and sit down until the case is called.
Audio and video equipment, newspapers, magazines, food, drink, and chewing gum are not allowed in the hearing room. Disruptive people will be removed from the hearing room and risk having their cases heard without them as well as incurring any additional criminal charges being placed against them as appropriate.

IMPORTANT - IMPORTANTE - WAZNY

English - Anyone who cannot speak English must bring someone to assist them.
Español - Cualquier persona que no se puede hablar Inglés debe llevar a alguien para ayudarles.
Polski - Kazdy, kto nie mówi po angielsku musi przyprowadzic kogos do pomocy.

The Hearing Process

When the hearing begins, the Hearing Officer makes an opening statement which identifies themselves, their role, expectations, and the order in which cases are called. When a case is called, the individual should acknowledge it and step forward in front of the Hearing Officer. The hearing begins immediately and individuals are given an opportunity to present testimony and evidence. All live testimony is given under oath and recorded.
The ticket, complaint, or notice of violation may be enough evidence to prove or disprove the Village’s case. By law, the Village representative who issued the ticket, complaint, or notice of violation is not required to appear in court.

The Decision

After both sides have been heard, the Hearing Officer makes a determination based on the evidence presented. If they find an individual liable, fines, penalties, and costs may be imposed according to the guidelines set forth in the Village’s municipal code.
Payments can be made to the clerk at the hearing location. Acceptable forms of payment are by check, money order, cash, or credit cards (Through the online payment portal). Service fees apply to credit card transactions at Village Hall.
Anyone who disagrees with the Hearing Officer’s decision has 35 days to appeal the decision to the Circuit Court of DuPage County in Wheaton, Illinois via a judicial review.
Questions about the adjudication process can be directed to the Village of Burr Ridge Police Department at (630) 323-8181.