Criminal Defense Exhibits for Illinois Courts
Illinois criminal defense cases require strict compliance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules 411-415 governing discovery. Cook County, handling a significant portion of Illinois criminal matters, has specific procedures that differ from downstate counties. This guide covers exhibit preparation for felonies, misdemeanors, DUI cases, and white-collar criminal matters in Illinois courts.
Illinois Quick Reference
| E-Filing System | File & ServeIllinois (Odyssey) ↗ |
| File Size Limit | 15 MB per document |
| Exchange Deadline | Discovery per 725 ILCS 5/114-13 |
| Primary Rule | Illinois Supreme Court Rules 411-415 |
Common Criminal Defense Exhibits in Illinois
Illinois Criminal Defense Tips
- 1Illinois Supreme Court Rule 412 governs prosecution disclosure - ensure you receive all materials
- 2Cook County has specific exhibit procedures at 26th and California - check division requirements
- 3Downstate counties may have varying local rules - always verify with clerk
- 4Electronic evidence must be authenticated per Illinois Rules of Evidence 901
- 5Brady material must be disclosed - document all discovery requests
- 6Motions to suppress require specific exhibit formatting
- 7DuPage and Lake County criminal divisions have their own procedures
Common Criminal Defense Filing Mistakes in Illinois
Criminal Defense Exhibits in Illinois: FAQ
What are the discovery requirements in Illinois criminal cases?
Illinois Supreme Court Rules 411-415 govern discovery in criminal cases. Rule 412 requires the prosecution to disclose police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and expert reports. Defense must disclose witness lists and certain evidence under Rule 413.
How do Cook County criminal exhibit procedures differ from other Illinois courts?
Cook County Criminal Court at 26th and California has specific procedures for exhibit marking and exchange. Felony and misdemeanor divisions may have different requirements. Always check with the specific courtroom or division for current rules.
What file size limits apply to Illinois criminal court e-filings?
File & ServeIllinois has a 15 MB limit per document. For lengthy video evidence or large discovery materials, you may need to submit via CD/DVD or arrange alternate delivery with the court.
How should I organize exhibits for an Illinois criminal defense case?
Organize exhibits chronologically or by category (police reports, witness statements, physical evidence). Use clear defense exhibit numbering (Def. Ex. 1, 2, 3). ExhibitPrep can batch stamp all documents consistently.
Are there specific rules for digital evidence in Illinois criminal cases?
Digital evidence must be authenticated under Illinois Rules of Evidence 901. This includes establishing chain of custody, demonstrating the evidence hasn't been altered, and having a witness who can testify to its authenticity.
Related Resources
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