DeWitt County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
DeWitt County Pretrial Release Guide
Most adults arrested in DeWitt County are held at the DeWitt County Jail, 101 West Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727. Jail staff answer at 217-935-2913. To check on a booking, start with 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 DeWitt County?
There is no price on release in DeWitt County anymore. Before 2023, local families paid 10 percent deposits. That ended with the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Hang up and call 217-935-9507 if someone asks for release money.
- Testing or GPS fees in DeWitt County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In DeWitt County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 201 W. Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727, 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.
Does 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 217-935-7750. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens in a federal case from DeWitt County?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The federal court that covers the Sixth Judicial Circuit area is the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701 (217-492-4020). A magistrate judge sets release under 18 U.S.C. 3142. Money bonds are still allowed there (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 listWhat is a detention hearing here?
Only for some charges listed in 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The prosecutor must file first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). The detention hearing then takes place within 24 to 48 hours.
Detention in DeWitt County needs clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge qualifies for detention;
- the person threatens others or may run;
- and no conditions could fix that risk.
The defense answers at the hearing. Rule 604(h) gives the defense a fast appeal.
↑ Back to the question listWhere can I look up an inmate?
Type the last name into VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 217-935-2913. Step-by-step help is in our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question listHow does a judge in DeWitt County decide who goes home?
Section 110-5 (725 ILCS 5/110-5) tells the judge to weigh:
- the charge and the police report,
- prior convictions and court attendance,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Under the 2023 law, money is not a factor. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I reach the circuit clerk?
Local criminal cases go to the courthouse, 201 W. Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727. Circuit clerk: 217-935-7750. Search local cases on re:SearchIL and Judici.
DeWitt County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWill this county keep someone for ICE?
No. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) forbids a 48-hour hold on a Form I-247A. 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.
What comes after a prison term locally?
A prison term begins 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 listWhere do juveniles from this county go?
No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. Under 705 ILCS 405/5-415, a youth gets a hearing within 40 hours, minus weekends and holidays. The Sixth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in DeWitt County must attend court in Clinton. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- reporting to a pretrial officer,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- home detention,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held locally?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Family may attend court in Clinton.
- Read our phone guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- 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.
DeWitt County Jail
Address:
101 West Washington Street
Clinton, IL 61727
Phone:
217-935-2913
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in DeWitt County
What kind of bonds are accepted in DeWitt County?
Who can set bail in DeWitt County?
When is bail set in DeWitt County Illinois?
Does DeWitt 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 DeWitt County?
Under the new system, if a DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt County?
Under the new system, if a DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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 DeWitt County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in DeWitt 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 DeWitt 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.