Whiteside County Courts Zoom Information

Welcome to the Whiteside County Courts Zoom Information Page

"Attorneys and Litigants physically present in the Courtroom will have priority on Court days.
Physically present parties will have their cases heard first. If you choose to use Zoom - please be aware that your case will be delayed until the Judge has dealt with those cases physically present first. You may experience up to an hour delay depending on the Court call that day"

To view the "Formal Documents" for Zoom and "Phone in Meetings" please pdf click this link (2.73 MB)

Please read the below Rules before joining a Zoom Court Session

Remember even though you are using Zoom, you are attending a Court Procedure and all Court Rules should be followed.

Conduct during a Zoom appearance

• Be appropriately attired for court. No clothing or background with inappropriate messages or images.

• Do not use vulgar or offensive language.

• Use full names on your remote account. Nicknames or offensive names will not be allowed access. If you are an attorney, please designate that on your remote account.

• If appearing in any fashion by telephone only, contact your counsel, opposing counsel, or the clerk to identify yourself.

• Always maintain a muted connection, unless otherwise directed by the judge presiding.

• No recording of proceedings is allowed.

• No smoking or drinking beverages is permitted.

• Turn off all music, televisions, ceiling fans, and other distractions and noises during your appearance.

• Appear from a location with adequate lighting, sound control, and no visible distractions in the background.

• If appearing in a vehicle, it must not be in motion.

• Observe proper courtroom decorum.

• Do not interrupt or speak over the judge.

• In civil matters, it is helpful if the petitioner/plaintiff speaks first so parties are not talking at once and over each other.

• If you do not appear at the time designated, your case may be heard without you.

• If you are unable to connect remotely, or do not respond to the Court, you will be shown as not appearing in the Court's records. 

  ATTORNEYS: Note that if you are planning to appear remotely in a civil matter (except during regularly scheduled CMC calls) that is non-testimonial in nature, please file with the Clerk a notice of your intent to appear remotely at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled hearing.  Hearing transcripts involving at least one remote party are likely to contain "inaudible" entries.

  If these guide lines are not being followed the Judge does have the right to disconnect your Zoom session and have you appear in person, in the Court Room.

If your traffic/misdemeanor case is scheduled in STERLING on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month, you should join the VISITING JUDGE link; otherwise, join JUDGE HEUERMAN’s link.  If your traffic/misdemeanor case is scheduled in MORRISON on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of the month, you should join JUDGE HEUERMAN’s link; otherwise, join the VISITING JUDGE link.

If you are not sure which judge is hosting the meeting that you need to attend please call the Morrison Circuit Clerks Office at 815-772-5188 or the Sterling Circuit Clerks Office at 815-535-4530

Judge Senneff - Court Hours -- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am -10:00 am   --- (except during jury week)
To Join Judge Senneff's Zoom Hearing, Please click the button below -- To "Call In" please call 1-312-626-6799 - meeting ID 878 5385 4899
Judge Senneff Zoom Meeting Judge Senneff, please click this Button 

Judge Steines - Court Hours -- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 am -10:00 am, (except during jury week)  
To Join Judge Steines's Zoom Hearing, Please click the button below -- To "Call In" please call 1-312-626-6799 - meeting ID 854 4100 6493

Judge Steines Zoom Meeting

Judge Heuerman - Court Hours -- Monday - Friday, 9:00 am -12:00 pm and Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm and Tuesdsay and Thursday, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm   
To Join Judge Heuerman's Morning or Afternoon Zoom Hearing, Please click the button below -- To "Call In" please call 1-312-626-6799 - Meeting ID 878 6798 4782
Judge Heuerman Zoom Meeting     

Judge Rangel-Kelly - Court Hours -- TBD   
To Join Judge Kelly's Morning or Afternoon Zoom Hearing, Please click the button below -- To "Call In" please call 1-312-626-6799 - Meeting ID 897 1625 5379
Judge Rangel-Kelly Zoom Meeting

Visiting Judge - Court Hours -- Wednesday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm   
To Join the Visiting Judge's Hearing, Please click the button below -- To "Call In" please call 1-312-626-6799 - Meeting ID 878 5385 4899
Visiting Judge Zoom Meeting