Cook County, IL Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order No. 2013-01 (Portable Electronic Devices), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. NO. Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham) bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry. Last checked
⚠️ Rideshare & Transit Warning ("The Uber Trap")
Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham) bans cell phones for general visitors AND has NO storage lockers at the entrance. Sheriff deputies will NOT hold your phone at the security checkpoint. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus without a parked car to lock your phone inside, you will be turned away at the door. Missing your court call can trigger a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham)
- Address
- 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (312) 603-5030
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~6,200 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.cookcountycourt.org/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Free Validated Lots at Suburban Districts (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham); Paid Garages near Daley Center ($18–$35/day, transit card issued)
- How to Validate
- Suburban Cook County courthouses (Districts 2–6) provide free juror surface lots adjacent to the courthouse. Downtown Chicago (Daley Center & Leighton Criminal at 2600 S. California) provides free parking at 26th & California juror lot or CTA transit reimbursement.
- Public Transit
- Served by Chicago local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Cook County)
Authority: Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order No. 2013-01 (Portable Electronic Devices) · Verification: Official .gov Administrative Order + Sheriff Security Desk Verification
| Rule / Amenity | Cook County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order 2013-01: "Cell phones and portable electronic devices are prohibited in the Leighton Criminal Courthouse (26th & California) and regulated across Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham). Summoned jurors with a juror badge and licensed attorneys are exempt."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · NO lockers at door | “Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order 2013-01: "Cell phones and portable electronic devices are prohibited in the Leighton Criminal Courthouse (26th & California) and regulated across Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham). Summoned jurors with a juror badge and licensed attorneys are exempt."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | NO lockers — leave phone in vehicle | “Cook County Sheriff Court Services Notice: "Deputy Sheriffs at courthouse security checkpoints will NOT store, hold, or safeguard cell phones. Visitors arriving via rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or CTA bus at banned facilities without lockers will be denied entry until the device is stored off-site."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | TRAP: Phones banned & NO lockers at door! | “Cook County Sheriff Court Services Notice: "Deputy Sheriffs at courthouse security checkpoints will NOT store, hold, or safeguard cell phones. Visitors arriving via rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or CTA bus at banned facilities without lockers will be denied entry until the device is stored off-site."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Free Validated Lots at Suburban Districts (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham); Paid Garages near Daley Center ($18–$35/day, transit card issued) | “Cook County Office of the Jury Commissioner: "Free parking is available at the Leighton Criminal Court Building (enter off 31st St) and all five suburban courthouses (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham). Downtown Daley Center jurors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order 2013-01: "Cell phones and portable electronic devices are prohibited in the Leighton Criminal Courthouse (26th & California) and regulated across Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham). Summoned jurors with a juror badge and licensed attorneys are exempt."” |
| Security line wait times | ~30 mins peak (arrive 35 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (30 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Cook County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order 2013-01: "Cell phones and portable electronic devices are prohibited in the Leighton Criminal Courthouse (26th & California) and regulated across Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham). Summoned jurors with a juror badge and licensed attorneys are exempt."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Cook County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard J. Daley Center (Downtown Civil/Domestic) Civil, Law, Probate & Domestic Relations · 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers (phones allowed on silent) | No free lot ($18–$35 commercial garages; take CTA) |
| George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building (26th & California) Felony Criminal & Grand Jury · 2600 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 |
Banned for Public | No lockers at entrance — strict ban | Free Juror Parking Lot (enter off 31st Street) |
| Skokie Courthouse (2nd Municipal District) Traffic, Misdemeanor, Civil & Jury · 5600 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, IL 60077 |
Banned for Public | No public lockers at checkpoint | Free on-site surface lot next to courthouse |
| Rolling Meadows Courthouse (3rd Municipal District) Traffic, Criminal & Civil · 2121 Euclid Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 |
Banned for Public | No public lockers at checkpoint | Free multi-level garage & surface lot on site |
| Maywood Courthouse (4th Municipal District) Traffic, Criminal & Civil · 1500 Maybrook Dr, Maywood, IL 60153 |
Banned for Public | No public lockers at checkpoint | Free surface parking lot north of building |
| Bridgeview Courthouse (5th Municipal District) Traffic, Criminal & Civil · 10220 S 76th Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455 |
Banned for Public | No public lockers at checkpoint | Free expansive surface lot in front of facility |
| Markham Courthouse (6th Municipal District) Traffic, Criminal & Civil · 16501 S Kedzie Pkwy, Markham, IL 60428 |
Banned for Public | No public lockers at checkpoint | Free surface lot directly outside entrance |
What to Know Before You Go to Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Cook County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Leave your phone, smartwatch, and AirPods locked inside your car out of sight. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~30 minutes. Arrive at least 35 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Cook County, IL
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Cook County, IL, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, IL?
No for the general public. Under Circuit Court of Cook County General Administrative Order No. 2013-01 (Portable Electronic Devices), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Cook County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
NO. Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham) bans public cell phones and has NO storage lockers at the security checkpoint. Sheriff deputies will not hold your phone. If you arrive by Uber, Lyft, or bus with a phone, you will be denied entry.
Where do I park for jury duty at Cook County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Free Validated Lots at Suburban Districts (Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview, Markham); Paid Garages near Daley Center ($18–$35/day, transit card issued). Suburban Cook County courthouses (Districts 2–6) provide free juror surface lots adjacent to the courthouse. Downtown Chicago (Daley Center & Leighton Criminal at 2600 S. California) provides free parking at 26th & California juror lot or CTA transit reimbursement.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Cook County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Cook County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 30-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 35 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Cook County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (312) 603-5030 or consult a local Cook County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
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Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Richard J. Daley Center & Suburban Municipal District Courthouses (Skokie, Bridgeview, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, Markham)? Submit a verified update.