Bail

In Illinois, a person can be kept in custody, released on his or her own recognizance, or released on bail. If released on bail, there is a bond that must be paid. ... In Illinois the Bond is a sum of money equal to 10% of the bail and deposited with the clerk.

Videoconferencing in Cook Colunty Courts

Effective June 26, 2020, until further order of the court, in light of the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, and in order to protect the health and safety of the general public and court employees, the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court entered General Administrative Order 2020-02 (Link to GAO 2020-02). Until further order of court, effective July 6, 2020, the circuit court will begin hearing all matters in all Districts and Divisions of the court with the exception of jury trials.

Judges will be available in person or remotely in each Division, Department, and District to hear emergency matters , as determined by the Presiding Judge of the respective division or district.

Except as otherwise ordered by the assigned judge, all hearings shall be conducted by videoconferencing. If it is not reasonably possible to conduct a hearing by videoconference, it may be conducted by teleconference. 

Driver's License For Immigrants

The State of Illinois issues a special driver's license to non-citizens who cannot get a SSN. The license is called Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). You can apply for a TVDL if you have a lawful immigration status. If you are an undocumented immigrant, you may be able to get a TVDL as well. A TVDL cannot serve as a government-issued ID.

TVDL is valid for three years. After that, you have to re-apply as a new applicant.