The caseload  includes a variety of cases but primarily DUI cases.  The DUI cases include both misdemeanors and felonies.

 

The cases currently pending number in the thousands and date from the present time back at least ten years.  Cases, new and old, are handled with the goal of efficient closure.  The cause of old cases to be pending for extended periods of time is generally related to defendants failure to appear at assigned court dates.  Upon a failure to appear the court will issue a warrant for the defendant's arrest and the file is then monitored by returning the file to the courtroom periodically for warrant review.

 

Based on numbers received from the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court the number of new DUI cases generated in Kane County each month are as follows:

 

                           2001                 141 cases

 

                           2002                 161 cases

 

                           2003                 152 cases (January 1st to June 30th)

 

The court hears DUI returns Tuesdays through Fridays and hears Jury trials on Mondays.

 

In addition to DUI cases, various other matters are assigned  for jury trials.  These include: all traffic and misdemeanor cases arising in the Elgin, Aurora and St. Charles branch courts when jury demands are made by defendants; some Domestic Battery cases;  and Mental Health jury cases.  

 

In addition to the above, Judge Hallock also hears Petitions for Emergency Orders of Protection on an overflow basis to assist the Family Court judges during times of high volume.

 

In addition to the case load assigned to Judge Hallock, he also performs weddings two or three times per month.