Clerk Iris Martinez Highlights Collaboration in Best Serving the Community in State Address

Clerk Iris Martinez Highlights Collaboration in Best Serving the Community in State Address

CHICAGO – Clerk of the Circuit Court Iris Y. Martinez delivered her annual

state address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in effectively serving the community.

“We have worked with over 120 municipalities, the OCJ, States Attorney’s office and Public Defender’s office to quash and recall approximately 11,436 non-violent old misdemeanor warrants that have been in the system for over five years,” said Clerk Martinez to a packed room at 69 W Washington Street.

During her state address, Clerk Martinez spoke about the importance of taking the Office to where people live. The Clerks in the Community initiative not only makes the services of the Clerk of the Circuit Court more accessible; it fosters better understanding of the needs of the Public.

Madame Clerk emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility. “This year we opened a Customer Service Call Center that enables the public to navigate the courts more efficiently and provide easier access to court information,” she said.

Members of the community can dial one central phone number, speak to an actual person, and make inquiries without having to physically go to Cook County Court facilities. Clerks can assist callers in 200 different languages. Since June we have taken over 106,000 calls, with an average hold time of under one minute.

Clerk Martinez also spoke about how expungements play a crucial role in helping individuals with criminal records rebuild their lives. “We understand the impact that a criminal record can have on a person's future opportunities, including employment, housing, and education,” she said. “More needs to be done and that is why next year we will dedicate an entire division to expungements and sealing of records.”

In her concluding remarks, Clerk Martinez extended her gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and emphasized her determination to work tirelessly in their best interests.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Cook County, and to lead such an extraordinary office, and I look forward to continuing this important work, because as I have always said, there is always more work to do.”

Clerk Iris Y. Martinez is a dedicated public servant committed to serving the community and ensuring access to public resources. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Clerk Martinez aims to enhance public services and create a more inclusive community.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves the residents of Cook County and the participants in the judicial system in an efficient, effective and ethical manner. All services, information and court records are provided with courtesy and cost efficiency.

For more information on Clerk Iris Y. Martinez and her initiatives, please visit

https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/ or contact Cesar Rolon,

Crrolon@cookcountycourt.com, 312-603-5690.


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