Visiting the Courthouse
Courtroom Etiquette
It does not matter whether you are the plaintiff, defendant, or member of the jury, you should present a professional appearance to the best degree possible. It is important to be comfortable, as you may be sitting for long periods of time. You do not have to wear business attire, but your clothing should be appropriate for a courtroom. This means that clothing should be clean and well-fitting, and should not be revealing or display offensive writing or slogans. It is a good idea to avoid shorts, flip flops, or short skirts. Each judge has different rules for his or her courtroom, but it is generally good practice to err on the side of more conservative clothing. Dress for the season, though it is also a good idea to bring layers, as the courtroom may sometimes be cold.
Lactation Room
There is a lactation room available on the first floor of the courthouse.
Children in the Courthouse
There is no childcare available at the courthouse. If you have a scheduled court appearance, please be aware that you should not bring your children with you unless a judge has ordered them to testify.
If you are getting married at the courthouse, children are allowed to attend subject to capacity.
Parking and Transit
Parking
There is limited parking on the streets around the Champaign County Courthouse, but there is metered parking in the Municipal Parking Lot at the corner of Main St. and Broadway Ave., as well as metered parking at the Urbana Civic Center on the north side of E. Water St. between Broadway Ave. and N. Vine St. Parking is head-in only, and the cost is 50¢ per hour for the first two hours, and $1.00 for each additional hour. This lot is enforced by the City of Urbana Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Transit
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District offers regular bus service at the Downtown Urbana Transfer Plaza. The bus shelter is located directly to the west of the courthouse on Broadway Avenue just north of Lincoln Square, between Main and Elm streets.
Courthouse Security
Entering the Courthouse
It is a good idea to arrive at the Courthouse at least 15 minutes before your scheduled business. Upon entering the Courthouse, you will be asked to proceed through metal detectors. This process helps ensure the safety of all Courthouse visitors. You may be asked to remove items from your pockets, remove a belt, and to open any beverage containers.
Prohibited Items
By order of the Champaign County Sheriff, the following items cannot be brought into the Courthouse:
- You may bring electronics into the courthouse and use them appropriately in public areas. Devices must always be on “silent” mode and may never be used in courtrooms. For more information, you may review Champaign County Administrative Order 2022-01
- Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
- Knives of any size (to include swords, box cutters, or any edged weapons)
- Personal protective spray (mace) or any aerosol spray
- Any item whose possession is prohibited by Illinois State Statute (controlled substances, illegal weapons)
- Any item that could be considered threatening (this may include manicure kits, knitting needles, scissors, or laser pointers)
Rules of Conduct
All those entering the Champaign County Courthouse are subject to search of their property and person.
Loitering is prohibited both outside and inside the Courthouse.
Any behavior which threatens the orderly and secure environment of the Courthouse and its visitors is prohibited.
Violation of the rules or possession of a prohibited item may result in removal or arrest.