What to Expect at the Daley Center for a Criminal Case: Zoom Court Information and Remote Appearances
If you have a criminal case at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago, you may not have to physically appear in the courthouse for every court date.
Many First Municipal District proceedings allow for remote appearances through Zoom, depending on the courtroom and the type of hearing. Knowing how to access your Zoom hearing, what information you need, and what is expected of you can help prevent unnecessary problems.
The most important thing to remember:
A Zoom court appearance is still a court appearance.
Treat it with the same seriousness and preparation as if you were walking into the courtroom.
What Is the Daley Center?
The Richard J. Daley Center is the main courthouse for the Circuit Court of Cook County's First Municipal District, which covers the City of Chicago.
The courthouse is located at:
Richard J. Daley Center
50 West Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
The First Municipal District handles many criminal matters, including misdemeanor cases, felony preliminary hearings, traffic matters, and other criminal proceedings arising in Chicago.
Do I Have to Go to Court in Person?
Not always.
Depending on your courtroom and the type of hearing scheduled, you may be permitted to appear remotely through Zoom.
If your hearing is scheduled as a remote proceeding, you will need:
The correct Zoom Meeting ID
The Zoom passcode
A device with internet access
A quiet location where you can participate appropriately
The Circuit Court of Cook County provides Zoom information by courtroom for First Municipal District proceedings. You should confirm the Zoom information for your assigned courtroom before your court date.
How Do I Find My Daley Center Zoom Information?
Your Zoom information depends on the courtroom where your case is assigned.
The Circuit Court of Cook County provides courtroom-specific Zoom Meeting IDs and passcodes for First Municipal District courtrooms, including Daley Center courtrooms.
Some commonly used Daley Center criminal courtrooms include:
Courtroom 1104 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 980 6912 3450
Passcode: 195933
Courtroom 1105 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 913 0323 9166
Passcode: 858607
Courtroom 1106 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 912 0010 9326
Passcode: 455806
Courtroom 1107 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 944 9552 6331
Passcode: 228046
Courtroom 1108 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 964 2925 3412
Passcode: 241565
Courtroom 1109 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 997 7936 4780
Passcode: 652062
Courtroom 1110 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 937 6444 5664
Passcode: 172880
Courtroom 1111 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 954 6902 6707
Passcode: 121953
Courtroom 1112 – Daley Center
Zoom Meeting ID: 939 2925 9564
Passcode: 821022
Because courtroom assignments can change, always verify that the information matches your specific court date and courtroom.
How Should I Prepare for a Zoom Court Appearance?
A remote hearing does not mean you can treat court casually.
Before your hearing:
Test your internet connection.
Make sure your camera and microphone work.
Charge your device.
Find a quiet, private location.
Remove distractions.
Log in early.
Use your real name so the court can identify you.
Avoid appearing from:
A vehicle
A noisy restaurant
A workplace where you cannot focus
Any location where you cannot participate respectfully
The judge expects the same level of respect and professionalism during a Zoom hearing as an in-person appearance.
What Happens When I Join the Zoom Hearing?
After joining:
Enter your name so the court can identify you.
Wait for the courtroom to begin your case.
Keep your microphone muted until instructed otherwise.
Listen carefully for your name.
Follow your attorney's directions.
Do not leave the Zoom hearing just because your case has not been called yet. Court calendars can move slowly, and your case may be called later in the session.
Can I Talk to the Judge Through Zoom?
Your attorney will generally handle communication with the judge and prosecutor.
Many people feel tempted to explain their situation when their case is called. They may believe that telling their side of the story will help.
However, statements made during court proceedings can affect your case.
Do not discuss the facts of your case unless your attorney advises you to do so.
Remember:
Say Nothing. Call Me.
Be Careful of Zoom Court Scams
The Circuit Court of Cook County has warned about scams involving people using the Zoom chat feature during virtual court proceedings.
Scammers may pretend to be court officials, attorneys, or pretrial officers and request money through electronic payment services.
The court will not direct people to make payments through services such as Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or similar apps.
If someone contacts you through Zoom asking for money, do not provide payment information.
What If I Cannot Access Zoom?
If you have trouble accessing your remote hearing, contact your attorney immediately.
The court also provides remote access resources for individuals who need assistance connecting to Zoom. The Daley Center has a Remote Access Center available for litigants who need equipment or help accessing remote proceedings.
What If I Miss My Zoom Court Date?
Missing a Zoom hearing can have the same consequences as missing an in-person court appearance.
The court may:
Issue a warrant
Modify your release conditions
Create additional legal problems
If you have technical problems preventing you from appearing, document the issue and contact your attorney immediately.
Do I Still Need a Lawyer If My Hearing Is on Zoom?
Yes.
A Zoom hearing is still a legal proceeding, and the decisions made during that hearing can affect the outcome of your case.
A criminal defense attorney can help:
Explain what is happening
Protect your rights
Communicate with the judge and prosecutor
Review evidence
Negotiate possible resolutions
Prepare a defense strategy
Say Nothing. Call Me.
A criminal case at the Daley Center can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out court procedures, Zoom requirements, and what happens next.
Whether your hearing is in person or online, preparation matters.
If you have a criminal case at the Daley Center or anywhere in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, Will County, or the surrounding areas, Waller Law Office can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Do not wait until your next court date to get help.
Say Nothing. Call Me.
