Administrative Adjudication

Administrative Adjudication Overview

The Village of Palatine's Administrative Adjudication Program hears a wide range of cases involving violations of municipal ordinances, traffic, parking, and local laws. Hearings are civil, leading to fines and penalties. The goal is for the Village to attain compliance and reach resolutions.

Hearing Locations & Times:

Administrative Hearings:

• Where: Village Hall, 200 E. Wood St., Council Chambers (2nd Floor)
• Time: 10:00 AM
• What to Bring: Documents to support your case.
• Arrival: Fill out an appearance form and hand it to the clerk before taking a seat.

Police Hearings:

• Where: Police Headquarters, 595 N. Hicks Rd. 
• Times:
  • Traffic/Truck: 9 AM
  • Local/Parking/Traffic: 10:30 AM
  • Juvenile A Tickets: 1:30 PM
• Arrival: Wait in the lobby until your hearing is called.

Important Information

Important Information:

• Notice of Violation: This will show your hearing time and location.
• Attendance: You must attend your hearing. If you don’t show up, the judge will decide based on available evidence, and you’ll receive a decision by mail.
• Translation: If English isn't your primary language, bring a translator.
• Appeals: You or the Village can appeal the judge’s decision within 35 days.

Payment and Collections

• If fines are unpaid after 35 days, a Final Notice will be sent.
• After 50 days, fines go to Municipal Collections of America (MCOA).
• Unpaid fines may also go to the Local Debt Recovery Program, affecting your income tax returns.

The Village contracts with a collection agency for any unpaid citations. Adjudication citation judgements that have gone to collections must be paid through the collection company, along with any collection fees.  The Village cannot accept payment at Village Hall once a violation is sent to collections.  

The collection company is Municipal Collections of America.  To make your payment, go to the MCOA website at https://muncoa.com/ .  The MCOA phone number is 708-455-4030.

Unpaid Judgments and Lien Process

If judgments remain unpaid, the Village may place a lien against your property. You will be notified if this occurs.

Steps to Release an Adjudication Lien

1.    Payment Verification:

Provide proof of payment to either:

• MCOA or
• Village of Palatine Administrative Hearing Division

(Located in the Administration Office at Village Hall, Second Floor). You can submit this in person or via email.

2.    Request Payoff Letter:

• Ask for an Adjudication Lien Payoff Letter from the Administrative Hearing Division.

3.    Make Payment:

Pay the amount specified in the Payoff Letter to the Village of Palatine Finance Department at Village Hall.

• Accepted payment methods: Cash, Check, or Credit Card.
• Note: The payment includes any interest owed on the lien and recording fees.

4.    Request Release of Lien:

After payment, request a Release of Lien from the Administrative Hearing Division. You will be notified when it is ready for pickup.

5.    Record the Release:

Important: The lien is not officially released until you record the original Release of Lien at the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

• Location: 118 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602
• Contact: 312-443-5500 (for updated recording locations).

For further assistance, please contact the Village of Palatine Administrative Hearing Division at 847-359-9050.

Illinois Local Debt Recovery Program

Illinois has a Local Debt Recovery Program (LDRP) that helps local governments collect unpaid debts. The Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) provides this free service to local governments, including municipalities, counties, and circuit courts. The LDRP can help collect debts such as: parking tickets, traffic fines, court fines, utility bills, and community college tuition and fees. 

The LDRP allows the city to take funds from state tax payments, like income tax returns, until the debts are cleared or seven years pass.

More Information

For more details, consult the Village of Palatine Code.