Self-Representation

person on laptop

Our Legal Self-Help Centers make available correct and current information on Illinois law and court proceedings. A navigator is present during normal working hours to assist individuals with using the available computer and print resources. Be advised, Navigators and employees of the Circuit Clerk’s Office cannot give out legal advice or tell you which forms to fill out.

Associate Judge John H. Young

Assignment – Criminal Division

Chambers Telephone: 815-547-8115
Chambers Facsimile: 815-547-9213

Boone County Courthouse
Courtroom 2 / Chambers 2
601 North Main Street
Belvidere, Illinois 61008

Biography

Belvidere High School (1978); Judson College (B.A. with distinction 1982); Drake University Law School (J.D. with honors 1985); Reno & Zahm LLP (private practice 1985 –2007); Associate Judge, 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Illinois (appointed 2007 – present).

Associate Judge Donald P. Shriver

Assignment –Winnebago County

 

Biography

Auburn High School (1989); Knox College (B.S. Economics, cum laude1993); Washington University (J.D. 1996); Shriver, O’Neill & Thompson (1996-1999, 2002-2017); Roeser & Vucha (1999-2002); Appointed Associate Judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit, Illinois (2017-present).

Outline of Procedures - Post-Judgment Call

Probate Standing Order 1

Probate Standing Order 2

Associate Judge Donna R. Honzel

Assignment – Juvenile Division

Administrative Assistant: Kelsey Schorsch
Chambers Telephone: 815-516-2412

Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center
Courtroom 1
211 South Court Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101

Assigned Docket

Judge Honzel is assigned to the Juvenile Division and presides over Juvenile Delinquency ("JD") cases in Courtroom 1 of the Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center.

 

Associate Judge Randy Wilt

Assignment – Criminal Division

Administrative Assistant: Marie "Toni" Hagerman
Chambers Telephone: 815-319-4804

Winnebago County Courthouse
Courtroom 478
400 West State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101

Biography

Ohio State University (B.A. Political Science, 1977); Loyola University of Chicago College of Law (JD 1980); Hickey&Debruyne, (1980-1982); Swanson & Wilt (1982-1985); Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office (1985-1996); Sreenan & Cain, P.C. (1996-2011); Associate Circuit Judge 17th Judicial Circuit, State of Illinois (2011- present).

Assigned Docket

Judge Wilt presides in the Criminal Division. He regularly hears felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in which involve violence between intimate partners. He also hears all related Domestic Violence Order of Protections.

Court Schedule

Judge Wilt’s jury weeks are the first and third full weeks of each month. During non-jury weeks he hears misdemeanor cases on Monday and Thursday mornings. Felony cases are heard on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and afternoons. All other court times are generally a combination of both felony and misdemeanor cases.

Standing Orders

Standing Orders for Courtroom 478

Visit one of our self-help centers in person, use our Online Self Help Center to the right or visit ILAO for more resources and information. 

Winnebago County Self-Help Center

Winnebago County Courthouse
400 West State Street, Room 304 (inside the law library)
Rockford, Illinois 61101
Navigator's Hours: 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
815-319-4526 or AskTheCourtNav@gmail.com

Boone County Self-Help Center

Boone County Courthouse
601 North Main Street  (inside the law library)
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Navigator's Hours: 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday
815-547-8083

ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF
THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT

Coming to Court

Virtual Court

Self Rep

Records Search and Payments

Local Rules

Accessibility

400 W State St
Rockford, IL 61101

Effective May 5, 2025

the entrance to the
Winnebago County Courthouse will be located at:

403 Elm Street, 
Rockford, Illinois 61101

One block south of the current entrance, near the corner of Elm and Church. Across from the Winnebago County Administration Building.

temp entrance v2