State & Local Laws

Compliance with Laws & Ordinances

Northwestern students are not only members of the University community, they are also Evanston residents. As such, they are expected to comply with all state and local ordinances and laws.

Both Evanston police and University police have the authority to issue "municipal code violation citations" (also known as "c-tickets") to students who are believed to have violated state or local laws. Students who receive c-tickets may be required (or may elect) to attend an administrative hearing at the Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201. These hearings are traditionally held on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in room 2700.

In addition, both police forces have the authority to arrest students for alleged criminal violations. Students who are arrested may be required to appear before the Cook County Circuit Court in Skokie (5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077).

City of Evanston Resources

• Evanston City Code
• Evanston Police Department
• Evanston Administrative Hearings - Basic Description (scroll down to second half of page)
  • Guide to the Division of Administrative Hearings (pdf)
  • Rules & Procedures for Administrative Hearings (Evanston City Code, Title 11, Chapter 1)
  • Google Map to Evanston Civic Center (2100 Ridge Ave, Room 2700, Evanston, IL 60201)

State Laws & Resources

• Illinois Compiled Statutes (Criminal Offenses are outlined in Chapter 720)
• Cook County Circuit Court
  • Google Map to Cook County Circuit Court in Skokie (5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077)

New Illinois Social Host Law: Illinois passed a new law, effective Jan. 1, 2013, that allows individuals (including students) to be arrested and prosecuted if they allow minors to consume alcohol on their premises - even if the individual did not directly supply the minors with alcohol.

Attorneys and Legal Advice

Our office is unable to provide students with legal advice, but students may access the following resources for legal referrals or advice:

• Legal Services for Grad & Kellogg Students - Free service for full-time students in The Graduate School and Kellogg (there is no analogous service for undergraduate students)
• Finding an Attorney - a resource from the Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court, this page provides a Guide to Legal Services in Cook County, plus links and contact information to Lawyer Referral Services, Legal Assistance Hotlines, Legal Clinics, and Legal Agencies.