Contest Your Citation

Citations issued for violations of the City of Crystal Lake's False Alarms code may be contested if you believe they were issued in error. 

The citations are contested through a hearing process called "Administrative Adjudication". An Administrative Law Judge evaluates any evidence you submit, including your testimony if you so desire, to contest the citation in order to make a determination as to the validity of the citation. Hearing dates are pre-determined and listed on the citation. 

Failure to Appear at a Scheduled Hearing

If you have a valid reason for not appearing at your scheduled hearing date, you may provide a written petition within 14 days of the original hearing date to request a new hearing date.

Valid reasons for not appearing at your scheduled hearing may include:

1. A serious illness or accident involving the defendant, a close family member, or the defendant's domestic partner.

2. A death involving the defendant, a close family member, or the defendant's domestic partner.

3. A verifiable emergency involving the defendant, a close family member, or the defendant's domestic partner.

4. The defendant was out of the state or country from the period the violation was issued until and including the date of the Administrative Hearing.

5. The defendant was prevented from having knowledge of the violation from the period of issuance until and including the date of Administrative Hearing due to incarceration, hospitalization, or being otherwise institutionalized.