Clinton County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Getting Someone Out of Jail in Clinton County
After an arrest in Clinton County, adults go to the Clinton County Jail, 810 Franklin Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. The jail phone is 618-594-4556. For a name check, open VINELink. Illinois ended cash bail on September 18, 2023, under the Pretrial Fairness Act (725 ILCS 5/110). A judge at the county courthouse now makes that call.
Is there still cash bail in Clinton County?
There is no price on release in Clinton County anymore. Years ago, relatives paid a 10 percent deposit at the county courthouse. That ended with the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (618-594-4555) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Clinton County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Clinton County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231, 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.
- Saturdays and Sundays count in the 48 hours.
- For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
What if someone breaks release rules locally?
Everyone released in Clinton County must attend court in Carlyle. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- reporting to a pretrial officer,
- no contact orders,
- an ankle monitor,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ 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. The Fourth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:
- the facts of the case,
- past record and missed court dates,
- ties to family, work and school,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.
↑ Back to the question listDoes the county have a public defender?
The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 618-594-6615. For appeals, the state has the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhen can Clinton County hold a person before trial?
It can happen, within limits set in 2023. A petition to deny release comes first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). The detention hearing then takes place within 24 to 48 hours.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the offense is one that allows detention;
- the person is dangerous or may flee;
- and conditions would not solve the problem.
The defense answers at the hearing. Rule 604(h) gives the defense a fast appeal.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I find someone moved from the county to prison?
A prison sentence starts at an Illinois Department of Corrections reception center. Each transfer appears on the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search. Read our Illinois state prisons guide.
↑ Back to the question listWhich court handles criminal cases locally?
Cases from Clinton County are heard in the courthouse, 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. The clerk answers at 618-594-6615. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Clinton County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listCan ICE hold someone arrested locally?
Not on a detainer alone. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) bars holding anyone on a detainer (Form I-247A) alone. This county acts only on 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 a name and birth country.
Where can I look up an inmate?
Type the last name into VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 618-594-4556. See our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone from Clinton County is charged with a federal crime?
A federal case does not stay in the county. They are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Melvin Price U.S. Courthouse, 750 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62201 (618-482-9371). A magistrate judge rules on release under 18 U.S.C. 3142. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Pretrial custody is with the U.S. Marshals Service. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held locally?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Attend court in Carlyle if you can.
- See the phone call guide.
- Add money: see our money guide.
- VINELink sends custody alerts.
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.
Clinton County Jail
Address:
810 Franklin Street
Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone:
618-594-4556
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Clinton County
Does Clinton County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Clinton County?
Who can set bail in Clinton County?
When is bail set in Clinton County Illinois?
Does Clinton 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 Clinton County?
Under the new system, if a Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton County Jail 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton County?
Under the new system, if a Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton 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 Clinton County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Clinton 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 Clinton 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.