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Scott Ealy’s
Guide to Daily Court
In Effingham County, Illinois |
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Daily Court
Approximately 95% of all traffic court and criminal case outcomes are determined here - in Daily Court - on the first floor of the Effingham County Courthouse. Generally speaking, this courtroom is a very busy place each weekday beginning at approximately 8:45 a.m. Criminal and traffic court defendants appear here for almost all proceedings in their cases - up until the date of jury trial.
Legend:
A = Judge’s Chair. This seat usually is occupied these days by the Hon. Judge James R. Harvey.
B = Calendar. Advice: Never miss a court date, and make sure that all of your fines were paid on schedule . . . a long time ago. If not, be sure to bring a toothbrush to your next court appearance. You may need it, just in case you get escorted next door - to the Effingham County Jail.
C = Clock. Advice: An untimely appearance may result in an untimely arrest warrant. Appear promptly, and also remember that CLEAN IS GOOD!
D = Clerk’s Chair. The Circuit Clerk (Hon. Becky Jansen) - or one of her assistants - presides here and helps to schedule court proceedings and payments.
E = Clerk’s Computer. This powerful instrument indicates who’s been naughty AND not nice, and also who has overdue fines. Do you have a prior conviction or other issues? Better ‘fess up early on.
F = Prosecutor’s Box. The documentary evidence in these files can make or break you. This box belongs to the office of the State’s Attorney (Hon. Edward C. Deters).
G = THIS IS MY HOUSE! Defense counsel and his client(s) usually address all pre-trial issues from this table.
H = Witness Stand. Only the bravest of souls ventures here. Trust me, it’s a lot easier to ask silly questions than to have to answer them. Reminder: Perjury (or telling a lie under oath) is a Class 4 felony offense punishable by up to three-years in prison and a maximum fine of $ 25,000.00-dollars. Please be governed accordingly.
Not Pictured = Court Reporter. This person usually sits near the witness stand and types away unobtrusively, transcribing stenographically or by shorthand everything that is spoken during the proceedings. Need a transcript? The court reporter is your friend.
It’s Your Very First Court Appearance? Click Here
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