Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Re: Disorderly Conduct

If it's an ordinance violation, then the fine stated on the face of the ticket is the maximum punishment you can receive for it. The ticket should say whether you are required to appear in court and on what date and where. If the court date is not mandatory, you may simply send in the amount of the forfeiture (follow the directions on the ticket for doing so) and they will enter a plea of "guilty" for you, process your fine and it will stay on your record. If you want to contest the matter, then you should go to court on the date specified, even if it's not a mandatory appearance that you have to make. Sometimes, you can get the whole thing dismissed by going to court because anything can happen then, especially if the judge sets a trial date and the cops or other necessary witnesses do not show up!