Federal case files are maintained electronically and are available through the internet-based Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service. PACER allows anyone with an account to search and locate appellate, district, and bankruptcy court case and docket information. Register for a PACER account.
Transcripts of digitally recorded court proceedings must be ordered and transcribed through the Office of Official Court Reporters: In Person: George Dunne Administration Building, Suite 1920. By Phone: (312) 603-8400.
Introduce yourself to the Court. Explain how you know (and how long you have known) the defendant. Make it personal when describing the defendant's characteristics. Can you think of examples of good deeds done by the defendant (hard work, dedication to family/church/community, generosity, etc).
Be sure to include the case name and case number on both the letter and the envelope. The salutation (opener) is either ``May it please the Court'' (preferred) or ``May it please Your Honour'' (``Your Honor'') -- this wording works for any jurisdiction in the world in a letter from a non-lawyer.
If you need copies of your court records in Cook County Circuit Court, you need to go in person to the courthouse. While Cook County provides online case information access to some types of records, it does not provide online access to formal criminal records.
If you need copies of your court records in Cook County Circuit Court, you need to go in person to the courthouse. While Cook County provides online case information access to some types of records, it does not provide online access to formal criminal records.
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Outline your relationship with the person who is the subject of the legal proceedings. Acknowledge the charges that have been brought against the person. State your opinion of the person's general character.
General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...
In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
Steps Check if the court has blank motion forms. Some courts have "check the boxes" or "fill in the blank" motion forms. Create your caption. Title your motion. Draft the introductory paragraph to the body of the motion. Request relief. Lay out the applicable facts. Make your legal argument. Insert a signature block.