Appeal Procedure.pdf

File a Notice of Appeal within 7 days to inform the circuit court and other parties of the appeal, stating the relief sought from the appellate court. Send the Notice of Appeal to other parties within 7 days and file a notice of filing and proof of service with the appellate court clerk.

Step 2: Request Preparation of Record on Appeal
Request the circuit court clerk to prepare the Record on Appeal, which includes all pleadings, orders, motions, evidence, and documents filed in the circuit court. Attach the request to the Docketing Statement.

Step 3: Request Transcript
Ask the court reporter to prepare a transcript of the hearing or trial. If not recorded, complete a Bystander's Report or Agreed Statement of Facts. Attach the request to the Docketing Statement.

Step 4: File Docketing Statement
File a Docketing Statement to inform the appellate court of the appeal, including the required steps taken. Pay the $50 docketing statement fee or obtain a fee waiver.

Step 5: File Appellant's Brief
Submit an Appellant's Brief to present arguments explaining why the circuit court's decision should be overturned, citing the Record on Appeal and relevant legal authority.

Step 6: File Appellee's Brief (Optional)
The appellee may file a brief to respond to the Appellant's Brief, arguing that the circuit court's decision was correct.

Step 7: File Appellant's Reply Brief (Optional)
The appellant may file a reply brief to address issues raised in the Appellee's Brief, without raising new issues.

Step 8: Decision
The appellate court will issue a decision, which may affirm, reverse, remand, or take other action. If dissatisfied, a Petition for Rehearing or Petition for Leave to Appeal may be filed with the Illinois Supreme Court.