Judicial Review in Cook County Circuit Court (35-Day Appeal)
If the administrative hearing officer rules against you, you may file a civil lawsuit for administrative review in the Circuit Court of Cook County (Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, 6th Floor) within 35 days under the Illinois Administrative Review Law (735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq.). The state filing fee applies (~$300). The court reviews the ALO's decision under the manifest weight of the evidence standard. Successful appeals frequently raise: (1) due process violations (Pinkston-style); (2) ALO ignored documentary evidence; (3) incorrect application of statutes; (4) facial defects in the violation notice. This is also the appropriate forum to challenge the constitutionality of city policies.
Legal basis
735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq. (Administrative Review Law); Chicago Municipal Code §9-100-070(d), §9-100-080, §9-100-090; Pinkston v. City of Chicago, 2023 IL 128575
Sample appeal wording
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS [FULL_NAME], Plaintiff v. CITY OF CHICAGO, et al., Defendants CASE NO. ____ COMPLAINT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW NOW COMES Plaintiff, [FULL_NAME], and pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq., complains as follows: 1. On [DATE], the City of Chicago issued violation notice [NUMBER] to Plaintiff. 2. On [DATE], an Administrative Law Officer of the Department of Administrative Hearings issued a final determination finding Plaintiff liable for $[AMOUNT]. 3. The decision was against the manifest weight of the evidence and contrary to law because [DETAILED GROUNDS]. 4. Plaintiff seeks: (a) reversal of the determination; (b) refund of fines paid; (c) costs. WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully prays the Court reverse the determination and grant such other relief as is just. Respectfully submitted, [FULL_NAME] [ADDRESS] Date: [DATE]
Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.
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- 735 ILCS 5/3-101 et seq.
- Chicago Municipal Code §9-100-070(d), §9-100-080, §9-100-090
- Pinkston v. City of Chicago, 2023 IL 128575