Complaint Resolution

Complaint Resolution

Individuals have the right to file a complaint when they believe the Administrative Office of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois and its employees have acted in a manner that violates this policy. Individuals are encouraged to attempt to resolve any issues that arise informally with the staff person involved and/or a supervisor. If the problem cannot be solved at that level, individuals may use the following grievance procedure which has been established to promptly and fairly resolve conflicts or disputes pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Grievance Procedure

Complaints should be addressed to the Court Disability Coordinator (CDC):
Elizabeth Bogie
Court Administration
18 N County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085-4359

Special Notes

Please contact the CDC if you require a reasonable accommodation to file a complaint or if you require this procedure and the attached form in an alternative format.
  1. Use of this grievance procedure is completely voluntary. An individual’s right to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint filed hereunder shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of an ADA complaint with the responsible federal department or agency as permitted under law.
  2. A complaint should be filed in writing using the Circuit Court’s Grievance Form. All complaints must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing it, and briefly describe the alleged violation.
  3. A complaint should be filed within 30 calendar days after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation. Complaints may be delivered in person or mailed or submitted via email to the attention of the CDC.
  4. The CDC or a designee shall attempt to schedule a meeting in person or via telephone after receipt of the completed complaint form. The purpose of the meeting will be to explore ways to fairly resolve the complaint. If the meeting results in an acceptable solution, the solution shall be put in writing, with one copy sent to the individual who initiated the complaint and 1 copy kept in the Administrative Office’s files.
  5. If an initial meeting does not result in a solution, the CDC shall investigate the matter further. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
  6. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the CDC and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than fifteen calendar days after its filing.
  7. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances where he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration must be in writing and filed within five calendar days to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall respond in writing within 10 calendar days with a final resolution of the complaint.
  8. These rules shall be construed to protect the substantive rights of interested persons to meet appropriate due process standards and to assure that the Administrative Office of the Circuit Court of Lake County complies with the ADA and implementing regulations.
  9. The CDC shall maintain all files and records relating to the complaints filed with the Administrative Office of the Circuit Court of Lake County.

Prohibition of Retaliation

The Circuit Court will not discriminate against any individual because that individual opposed any act or practice made unlawful by Title II of the ADA, or because that individual filed a complaint or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Title II of the ADA.  The Circuit Court will not coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any individual in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by Title II of the ADA on his or her own behalf or on behalf of another individual.