In the state of Illinois, a jury demand is a formal request for a trial by jury in misdemeanor, traffic, or ordinance cases. In criminal matters, a jury demand is an important right afforded to defendants by the state. In misdemeanor cases, defendants can demand a jury trial, which is a trial based on the evidence presented in a case. The defendant must make their demand before the start of the trial. The jury must consist of 6 to 12 members and a unanimous verdict must be reached in order for the defendant to be found guilty. In traffic cases, a jury demand is a request for a trial by jury in a traffic law violation. This kind of trial is more informal than a criminal trial, and the jury size is smaller, consisting of 5 to 7 members. The verdict must be unanimous for the defendant to be found guilty. In ordinance cases, a jury demand is a request for a trial by jury in a case involving a violation of a local ordinance. This type of trial is also more informal than a criminal trial, and the jury size is also smaller, consisting of 5 to 7 members. The verdict must be unanimous for the defendant to be found guilty. In all cases, the jury demand must be made before the start of the trial. A jury demand is an important right that defendants have in Illinois and should not be taken lightly.