Article IV. Rules on Criminal Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part C. Trials · Last amended 2019 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 452 requires a written sentencing order listing the sentence and all fines, fees, and credits, drafted by the state and reviewed by the defense before the judge signs it.
Full Text of Ill. S. Ct. R. 452
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At the time of sentencing in a criminal case, the court shall enter a written order imposing the
sentence and all applicable fines, fees, assessments, and costs against the defendant and specifying applicable credits. The State shall draft such order and present the order for review by defendant or, if defendant is represented, by defense counsel, before submitting it to the court.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 452 makes sure a criminal sentence ends up as a clear, written record rather than something pieced together later from the transcript. At sentencing, the court has to enter a written order that spells out the sentence, every fine, fee, and assessment imposed, and any credits the defendant is owed.
The state drafts that order, but it doesn't go straight to the judge. The defendant, or defense counsel if the defendant has one, gets a chance to review it first, which gives both sides an opportunity to catch mistakes in the numbers before the order becomes final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for drafting the sentencing order?
The state drafts the order.
Does the defense get to review the order before it's finalized?
Yes. The state presents the draft to the defendant or defense counsel for review before submitting it to the court.
What must the sentencing order include?
The sentence imposed, all applicable fines, fees, assessments, and costs, and any credits the defendant is entitled to.
Is the sentencing order required to be in writing?
Yes, Rule 452 requires a written order at the time of sentencing.
Why does the rule build in a defense review before the order is submitted?
Catching errors in the fines, fees, or credits before the order becomes final helps avoid disputes and corrections later.
Amendment History
Adopted Feb. 26, 2019, eff. March 1, 2019.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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