Cook County allows remote appearances for many pretrial hearings by leave of court, particularly on misdemeanor DUI. Zoom appearances became standard after 2020 and remain available at many branches. However, arraignment, evidentiary hearings, plea entry, and trial typically require in-person appearance. Judge preferences vary by courtroom. The chicagoduilawyer.net brand routinely files motions for remote appearance where the defendant lives far from Illinois. Denial is possible, especially on aggravated felony cases. Out-of-state defendants should budget for at least two Illinois travel dates on a typical misdemeanor DUI case, and more if the case goes to trial or evidentiary hearing.
