Judge Kristyna C. Ryan is assigned to the Fourth Municipal District and presides over civil, misdemeanor and felony matters. She currently presides over both Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. She is advocate for expanding the problem solving courts in Cook County. Problem-Solving Courts, also known as specialty courts or therapeutic courts, seek to help non-violent felony criminal defendants suffering from underlying mental health, or substance abuse problems from becoming repeat offenders. Problem-Solving Courts achieve this goal by providing treatment and intensive supervision.
She was elected to the bench in 2008. She has previously been found qualified and recommended by every bar association that has reviewed her credentials for retention.
Judicial Experience
Judge Ryan has been assigned to the Fourth Municipal District since 2010. Since 2015, Judge Ryan has presided over Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. From 2008 to 2010, Judge Ryan was assigned to the First Municipal District handling traffic matters and misdemeanor cases.
Education
Juris Doctor, Chicago-Kent College of Law
Bachelor of Science, The Ohio State University
Bar Association Memberships
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Illinois Judges Association
Illinois Association of Problem Solving Courts
AllRise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
Judge Ryan attends and donates to various philanthropic organizations but hold no official posts or offices due to position as active Judge, including University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Intern for Northern Cook County, Secret Santa Program for Humboldt Park Schools, Arbor Day Foundation, Chicago Botanic Garden, Morton Arboretum, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo, WFMT, WTTW.