Boone County Correctional Facility Inmate Bail & Bonds
Boone County Pretrial Release Guide
Arrests in Boone County lead to the Boone County Correctional Facility, 615 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008. Jail staff answer at 815-544-9322. To check on a booking, start with VINELink. Money stopped deciding release in this county on September 18, 2023, with the Pretrial Fairness Act (725 ILCS 5/110). Locally, a judge sets release rules or orders detention.
Is there still cash bail in Boone County?
A judge cannot put a dollar figure on release. Before 2023, local families paid 10 percent deposits. The Pretrial Fairness Act did away with it.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Hang up and call 815-544-9322 if someone asks for release money.
- Some local release rules carry fees, which are not bail.
How fast is the first hearing in this county?
A person kept in custody sees a judge within 48 hours. In Boone County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 601 N. Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008, or over a video link from the County Jail. The judge reads the charge (725 ILCS 5/109-1) and rules on release; the Public Defender can be appointed.
- The 48-hour clock runs through holidays.
- For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
What if someone from the county is charged with a federal crime?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The court is the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse, 327 S. Church Street, Rockford, IL 61101 (815-987-4355). The Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142, applies. Unlike state court in Belvidere, federal court may still require a bond in a case. While the federal case in Rockford is open, custody rests with the U.S. Marshals Service. After the defendant is sentenced, look on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listCan a judge in Boone County keep someone in jail until trial?
Yes, but only after a hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The prosecutor must file first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). A hearing follows, normally within 24 to 48 hours.
Detention in this county needs clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge is detainable under the law;
- the person threatens others or may run;
- and no conditions could fix that risk.
The defense can answer, call witnesses and offer a plan. A detention order can be appealed under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h).
↑ Back to the question listWill the county keep someone for ICE?
In most cases, no. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) bars holding anyone on a detainer (Form I-247A) alone. The exception is a judge's warrant.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.
How do I look up a state prisoner from the county?
A prison term begins at an Illinois Department of Corrections reception center. Once classified, they appear on the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search. Read our Illinois state prisons guide.
↑ Back to the question listHow are minors handled after an arrest?
No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. A judge picks the youth Detention Center (705 ILCS 405/5-410). The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. No public list shows youth.
↑ Back to the question listWhat factors does the court weigh for release?
725 ILCS 5/110-5 guides the judges. They look at:
- the charge and the police report,
- past record and missed court dates,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and the least strict rules that would work.
Ability to pay is not part of it. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone breaks release rules in the county?
Two rules always apply: come to every court date and break no law. 725 ILCS 5/110-10 allows more, such as:
- reporting to a pretrial officer,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- GPS monitoring or a curfew,
- alcohol testing and no weapons.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listIs my family member in custody in Boone County?
Search by name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 815-544-9322. More tips are in our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question listWhich court handles criminal cases here?
Boone County is part of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit; its court sits at the courthouse, 601 N. Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008. The clerk answers at 815-544-0371. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL and Judici.
The county has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listDoes this county have a public defender?
The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 815-544-0371. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat can I do now for someone arrested in Boone County?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Attend court in Belvidere if you can.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Sign up on VINELink.
Illinois in Now a NO CASH BAIL state
Illinois is now a NO CASH BAIL state. Instead, it will use a “pretrial release” system as allowed by the SAFE-T Act.
A judge can still order that you be detained if they determine:
- That you pose a specific, real and present threat to a person, or
- That you are likely to flee.
This determination will vary based on the judge and county. But in general, if you are not a 'threat to society', or are not a 'flight risk', you will be released pending trial.
For more information, scroll down this page.
Boone County Correctional Facility
Address:
615 North Main Street
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone:
815-544-9322
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Boone County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Boone County?
Who can set bail in Boone County?
When is bail set in Boone County Illinois?
Does Boone County have bail?
No, Illinois does not use a cash bail system. The SAFE-T Act does not require the posting of cash bail as a condition of pre-trial release.
As of September 2023, Illinois became the first state in the nation to implement cashless bail. Under the new system, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states.
People who are arrested for serious felonies (including first- and second-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, violent robberies and burglaries, home invasions and vehicular invasions) can still be denied pretrial release. Prosecutors must request a detention hearing and the decision whether to hold someone will be made at the judge’s discretion. This ruling will be based on several factors including the likelihood that the defendant will flee or any public safety risk that they may present.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Boone County?
Under the new system, if a Boone County judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states and can be considered a type of bond because a document will need to be agreed upon and signed.
Who can set bail in Boone County?
The SAFE-T Act does not require bail; however, it may require a hearing to determine if the defendant qualifies for release. If a hearing is required a judge will determine eligibility.
When is bail set in Boone County Illinois?
In many cases defendants will be release after processing with a citation requiring the defendant to appear at a later date. If a defendant is not released immediately, a hearing will be scheduled before a judge. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, the defendant’s potential flight risk, and defendant’s potential risk to the community the hearing will be scheduled within 90 days.
What is Bail?
Bail is what the arrested in Boone County must pay or do to stay out of jail until the first court appearance. The agreement to bail acts as a promise that the arrested will return to court for court dates and trial.
As of September 2023, Illinois became the first state in the nation to implement cashless bail. Under the new system, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states.
People who are arrested for serious felonies (including first- and second-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, violent robberies and burglaries, home invasions and vehicular invasions) can still be denied pretrial release and the person will be detained in the Boone County Correctional Facility until the case is resolved and the defendant either released or transferred to a state prison.
Conditions for bail might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. These conditions are supervised by Pretrial Services.
If released, the defendant will be issued a summons to appear to court within 21 days.
What is the difference between Bail and Bond?
In Illinois, bail is what the judge dictates must be done (conditions) to be released until court appearances and bond is the document that is presented and agreed upon. Examples of conditions might be to obey all court orders and laws, maintain contact with the lawyer, report changes in residence or have no contact with the victim. Family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court. Compliance with these conditions is supervised by a Pretrial Services Officer.
What are the different types of bonds in Boone County?
Based on a review of information from the arrest, the judge or bail officer will determine and notify the accused of which conditions of release are available to them. Professional bond companies are not permitted to operate in Illinois.
There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information. If so, this is a scam.
Does Boone County have bail?
No, Illinois does not use a cash bail system. The SAFE-T Act does not require the posting of cash bail as a condition of pre-trial release.
As of September 2023, Illinois became the first state in the nation to implement cashless bail. Under the new system, if a judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states.
People who are arrested for serious felonies (including first- and second-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, violent robberies and burglaries, home invasions and vehicular invasions) can still be denied pretrial release. Prosecutors must request a detention hearing and the decision whether to hold someone will be made at the judge’s discretion. This ruling will be based on several factors including the likelihood that the defendant will flee or any public safety risk that they may present.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Boone County?
Under the new system, if a Boone County judge decides a defendant does not pose a public safety or willful flight risk, then they will be released without being required to post any money. This is called released on their own recognizance in all states and can be considered a type of bond because a document will need to be agreed upon and signed.
Who can set bail in Boone County?
The SAFE-T Act does not require bail; however, it may require a hearing to determine if the defendant qualifies for release. If a hearing is required a judge will determine eligibility.
When is bail set in Illinois?
In many cases defendants will be release after processing with a citation requiring the defendant to appear at a later date. If a defendant is not released immediately, a hearing will be scheduled before a judge. Depending on the seriousness of the crime, the defendant’s potential flight risk, and defendant’s potential risk to the community the hearing will be scheduled within 90 days.
Can I get the bail or bond reduced in Boone County Illinois?
Because Illinois does not utilize a cash bail system there is no reason to request a reduction in bail. However, those previously denied release may have their attorney petition the court for another hearing to reevaluate eligibility.
In Boone County Illinois, who can pay bail for me?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
Can bail be paid online in Boone County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Boone County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because bail money is not recognized.
Will I get all my bond money back in Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
Can I get bail or a bond with no money down in Boone County?
Illinois does not require money down because it is a no bail state. There might be fees to pay however.
What are the least expensive and affordable bail bonds in Illinois?
There are scammers who call families of arrested asking for information to process a bond. Not only are bondspersons not permitted to call for this information for any type of arrests, but they are also particularly offensive since there are no bail bond companies permitted in Illinois.