What Happens If a Notice of Violation is Ignored?

If you ignore the Notice, a hearing officer may enter a Default Judgment against you based on the evidence presented. A "Default Judgment" is similar to a Judge's order in that it can be used to place a lien on your property, garnish your wages and/or affect your credit. The city usually requests that the maximum fine be imposed in default matters.

What Can I Do About a Default Judgment?

If you: 1) missed your hearing date for a good reason; 2) have good reason to believe that the Notice went to the wrong address; or 3) believe that the city cited the wrong person, business or property, you may file a written Motion to Set-Aside a Default Judgment with the Department of Administrative Hearings. In general, your Motion must be filed within 21 days of the mailing date stamped on top of the default judgment order. Motions are not granted automatically. You must file your motion on time and you must provide good reason why you did not respond to the Notice of Violation. A motion form may be obtained from and filed in person Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Main Information Desk, 400 West Superior Street location only. See City of Chicago Municipal Code, section 2-14-108 or Department Rules and Regulations, rule 11.2.

What Happens If Someone Does Not Comply with a Hearing Officer's Order?

A hearing officer's order can be enforced in the same manner as a Judge's order in that it can be used to place a lien on your property, garnish your wages and/or affect your credit. The city may also file a criminal or quasi-criminal action in state court where a Judge could impose additional penalties and jail time.

How Can I Pay a Fine?

Fines are paid directly to the Chicago Department of Finance. Payment can be made online, directly at one of there payment processing centers or by mail City of Chicago, P.O. Box 71429, Chicago Illinois 60621-3929. The Department of Finance also has cashiers available at all hearing facilities.

For further payment information, please call the Chicago Department of Finance; at 312.742.3317.