Traffic Court Appearances & Payment Information

Schedule & Location

If you are required — or choose — to appear in court for your traffic citation, check the bottom of your ticket for your scheduled date, time, and location.

Can't read the date or time on your ticket? Please call the Circuit Clerk’s office at 217-357-2474 to confirm your court schedule.

How to Attend

You may appear in person or remotely via Zoom. No matter which option you choose, please plan to join early.

  • In-Person

    Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time to locate your courtroom.

  • Remote (Zoom)

    Log in ahead of time to ensure your connection and audio are working properly.

Fines & Mandatory Court Costs

If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the judge will determine your fine. However, mandatory court costs are set separately by state law under the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act (705 ILCS 135/)

  • Minor Traffic Offenses (Schedule 10)

    $226 in court costs + court fine

  • Major Traffic Offenses (Schedule 9)

    $325 in court costs + court fine

Please note: Neither the Judge nor the Circuit Clerk’s office has the authority to alter or waive these statutory court costs.

Pleading Not Guilty

To plead not guilty, follow the instructions on your ticket per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 505.

How to Avoid Multiple Court Appearances

If you intend to plead not guilty or wish to demand a jury trial you must notify the Circuit Clerk at least 10 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to your scheduled appearance date.

The Clerk will issue a new appearance date so the arresting officer can be scheduled to attend. If you do not notify the Clerk in advance, you may be required to make a second trip to court after your initial appearance.

Paying Your Fines & Fees

Due Dates & Installment Plans

All court-ordered fines and fees are due in full on your court day. If you cannot pay in full at sentencing, you must set up an official payment plan with the Circuit Clerk.

  • Missed Payments

    If you cannot make a scheduled installment payment, you are required to appear in court on the second Friday of the month in Courtroom 201 to explain why.

  • Warning

    Failure to appear or stay current on your payment plan may lead to further court action or your account being sent to collections.

How to Make Plan Payments

Always include your name and case number (found on your signed agreement) with your payment.

  • In Person/Mail

    Payments may be made online or mailed/delivered to: Hancock County Circuit Clerk
    PO Box 189
    500 Main Street
    Carthage, IL 62321

    Make checks payable to Hancock County Circuit Clerk.

  • Pay Online

    Payments can be submitted through the online payment portal.

Pay Ticket Online

Paying Without Going to Court

If the bottom of your ticket is marked "No Court Appearance Required," you may be eligible to settle your ticket online or by mail before your scheduled court date.

Important: Paying prior to court means you are pleading guilty, and a conviction will be reported to the Secretary of State. Once paid prior to the court date, DO NOT appear in court.

Court Appearance

  • Fee

    $164 total (705 ILCS 135/15-60 – Schedule 12).

  • Multiple Tickets Restriction

    Per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, if you received more than one ticket during the same stop, you are not eligible for pre-payment and must appear in court.