Circuit Clerk

Please note: The office of the Circuit Clerk cannot give legal advice.

The Circuit Clerk is elected on a Whiteside County-wide basis by the citizens for a four-year term as a non-judicial office of the Judicial Branch of Illinois State Government.

The duties of the Circuit Clerk are set forth by Statute, Rules of the Supreme Court, and Administrative orders of the local Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining a record of all traffic, civil, and criminal cases filed and heard in Whiteside County.

On a daily basis, the office interacts with the public and Attorneys performing several functions including the collection and disbursement of fines and fees. 

If you are paying for a May Appear (no court appearance required) traffic citation:

  1. You can plead guilty and Pay Online.
  2. You can pay in person with a signed guilty plea.
  3. You can mail a money order or certified check with a signed guilty plea to the Circuit Clerk’s office.

Personal checks are not accepted and do not send cash in the mail.

Payments on court payable matters (cases that have been to court and have fines, fees, and costs already assessed) can be paid by cash, money order, or certified check. They can also be paid by credit card at the Morrison office or Online.

The office is also responsible for recording filed documents and maintaining a record of all Court proceedings.

The Clerk and/or the Deputy Clerks are required to attend sessions of the Court and keep and preserve all records and files of the Court.

The Circuit Clerks' office handles every type of case from a traffic ticket to a felony case, from Small Claims to a large personal injury suit, and from adoption cases to probate of an estate case.

There are currently two Circuit Judges and one Associate Judge that preside over cases.

  • Court is held at the Whiteside County Courthouse.
    200 East Knox Street
    Morrison, IL
    Morrison Main Number, 815-772-5188
  • Satellite Office at the Eastern Branch Facility
    101 East Third Street
    Sterling, IL
    Sterling main number, 815-535-4530

Divisions

  • General Division-Morrison 
    200 East Knox Street 
    Morrison, IL. 61270
    815-772-5164
  • General Division-Sterling 
    101 East Third Street
    Sterling, IL. 61081

    815-535-4530

  • Probate Division 
    200 East Knox Street
    Morrison, IL. 61270
    815-772-5168

  • Child Support 
    200 East Knox Street
    Morrison, IL. 61270
    815-772-5163

  • Small Claims-Morrison Division
    200 East Knox Street
    Morrison, IL. 61270
    815-772-5164

  • Small Claims-Sterling Division
    101 East Third Street
    Sterling, IL. 61270
    815-535-4534

  • Traffic - Morrison Division
    200 East Knox Street        
    Morrison, IL. 61270
    815-772-5165 or 815-772-5188

  • Traffic-Sterling Division 
    101 East Third Street
    Sterling, IL. 61081
    815-535-4531