States Attorney

About the Office:

The primary role of the State’s Attorney’s office is to serve as the chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor for Clay County Board and office holders. The Clay County State’s Attorney’s office is responsible for the prosecution of crimes committed in Clay County.

The State’s Attorney cannot offer legal advise on civil matters, including but not limited to divorce, custody issues, social security disability, small claims, property disputes, and landlord/tenant issues. A civil attorney must be contacted for legal advice in those matters.

Criminal Complaints:

If you have been a victim of a crime that took place inside the City of Flora limits, you should contact the Flora Police Department. That number is (618) 662-9111.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department should be contacted for crimes in all other areas inside Clay County. That number is (618) 665-3316.

Representatives from the respective law enforcement agencies conduct the investigation and if warranted, file reports of their investigations with the State’s Attorney’s office. The Clay County State ‘s Attorney reviews the cause, among other factors, exists, and if so, the appropriate charges to file.

Traffic Supervision:

If you are 18 years of age or older, you may apply for court supervision if the ticket indicates that no court appearance is required. This would be for minor traffic offenses such as speeding, disobeying traffic control device, and similar traffic offenses.

Supervision is a disposition where no conviction is entered against you for the offense and no points assigned, provided that you successfully complete the 90-day supervision period without violating any criminal or traffic laws. Your traffic record will reflect that you received the citation, and received a disposition of supervision.

Please complete the applicable form, sign the document on the line that says “Defendant’s signature,” and return it to my office at post office box 190, Louisville, IL 62858, with a CASHIER’S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO CRYSTAL BALLARD, CIRCUIT CLERK for the amount shown on the order portion of the application. If you posted cash bond, reduce the total due by that amount and pay the balance.

Upon receiving the completed application form and payment, the State’s Attorney or her assistant will review the form and determine whether supervision is warranted. Eligibility is contingent upon an individual’s prior driving record and any previous supervision. The Judge makes the final determination whether to grant supervision. Forms to apply for supervision are available at the State’s Attorney’s office or by downloading here.

► Speeding (1 – 20 mph over limit)
► Speeding ( 21 – 30 mph over limit)
► Other non-court appearance traffic offenses

Bad Check Restitution Program:

Introduction

The State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to fighting the negative impact of bad checks passed to local merchants. The primary purpose of the Bad Check Restitution Program is to recover full restitution for the victim without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.

Eligibility

A check is eligible for the program if all of the following factors exist:

► The signature must be legible and signed in the presence of the individual accepting the check
► The check must have been received in Clay County , deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services, and presumed “good” at the time of acceptance
► A “courtesy notice” was sent to check writer allowing seven days to make the check good
► A photo ID (driver’s license, State ID card) was recorded at the time of the transaction
►The check was processed by the bank twice with at least seven days between these processings

The information contained on this website is believed to be accurate. The County of Clay , Illinois nor the development company for this website shall be held responsible for any errors or omissions.We do not offer legal advice, opinions or legal descriptions.