by Attorney Eric D. PuryearIn Rock Island County, Illinois, there are two courthouse buildings in which custody, divorce, traffic, DUI, misdemeanor, felony, and other cases can be heard.
The “Old Courthouse” building, formally called the “Courthouse” is the brick building that served as Rock Island County’s courthouse for many years, and continues to be used for many cases. The first floor is where most traffic ticket, DUI, and misdemeanor cases take place. The second and third floors are commonly used for civil matters including general lawsuits, child custody, divorce, child support, small claims, etc.
The Justice Center is the newer building that was built next to and connecting with the Rock Island County, IL jail. It is used mainly for criminal felony cases, although some civil cases are handled in the justice center. Most felony court matters take place on the 5th floor of the justice center. First appearance court for those in jail is generally held in the “jail courtroom” on the first floor in the jail area.
Finding the right courtroom can sometimes be done by looking up the case on Judici, although judges do sometimes relocate court from one courtroom to another, or from one building to another. As such, checking the court schedule in the courthouse is the best way to determine where court is taking place.
The Rock Island County Courthouse (and Justice Center) can be found at 210 15th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. The “old courthouse” is located on the corner, and the Justice Center is next door, across the parking lot (to the West of the courthouse). There is a parking lot, which is often full, and street parking available for those visiting the courthouse.