Downers Grove Field Court

DuPage County has branch courts (also called “field courts”) in Addison and Downers Grove. The Downers Grove Field Court is located at 4000 Saratoga Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515. It is actually located within an American Legion in Doerhoefer Park just north of Ogden Avenue (Route 34).

There is a parking lot located directly behind the building. Parking there is free. There is usually plenty of parking and it is very convenient. Once you’ve parked, you’ll want to head around to the opposite side of the building and through the front doors. Once you enter, the American Legion is on your right and the hallway to the courtroom is on your left. There is no security line or metal detectors so you can get inside quickly. But be sure to follow the county’s security rules.

Once you go to the left, you’ll see the courtroom. There is only one so it is hard to miss. Outside the room there is a bulletin board with a list of all the cases for the day. Be sure to make sure your name is on there.

Downers Grove Field Court has a morning call at 8:30 am and an afternoon court call at 1:00 pm. Court is open Monday through Friday. The courtroom only opens 15 minutes before the court call, so there is no reason to arrive any earlier as you would just have to wait outside.

The judge in Downers Grove likes to start his call right on time, so it’s not wise to be late.

Once you are in the courtroom, you can be seated. You do not have to check in with the clerk. If you have a lawyer, your lawyer will find you. We are usually up at the front of the courtroom getting a file, submitting paperwork, or speaking with the prosecutor. But don’t worry, we will call out your name and find you.

If you do not have a lawyer, just stay seated. The deputy will call out everyone’s name and provide further instructions.

What Is A Branch Court?

When a county’s main courthouse is becoming backlogged with cases, auxiliary courthouses, known as Branch Courts, are used to help relieve the caseload of the main courthouse.

What Cases Are Heard In Branch Courts?

Branch Courts typically hear cases that do not require lengthy adjudication and can therefore be done in high volumes – like traffic cases. The Downers Grove Branch Court may hear a hundred or more traffic cases related to speeding, driving on a suspended license, and other minor traffic cases.

More serious traffic cases, such as driving under the influence (DUI), are still heard in the main courthouse at 505 N. County Farm Rd. in Wheaton, IL.

A lawyer from Driver Defense Team is in the Downers Grove court nearly every day. We handle hundreds of cases there each year. We are familiar with the procedures, prosecutors, and judges there. If you have a case in this courthouse, contact us to discuss your case and how we can help you.