Fayette County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Release After an Arrest in Fayette County
Someone arrested in Fayette County is booked into the Fayette County Jail, 221 South 7th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471. For the jail, call 618-283-2141. 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.
How much is bail in Fayette County?
There is no price on release in Fayette County anymore. Before 2023, local families paid 10 percent deposits. That step is gone under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (618-283-2141) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Fayette County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Fayette County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 221 S. Seventh Street, Vandalia, IL 62471, 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.
- Weekends count toward the 48 hours.
- For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
What if a teen is arrested here?
Youth under 18 are kept out of the County Jail. Youth go to a juvenile Detention Center the court chooses. 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 if someone from Fayette County is charged with a federal crime?
A federal case does not stay locally. The court is 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). 18 U.S.C. 3142 governs release there. Federal judges in East St. Louis can still require a bond (18 U.S.C. 3142). Before trial, a defendant stays in U.S. Marshals Service custody. A federal sentence means checking the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is a detention hearing locally?
Only for some charges listed in 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. A petition to deny release comes first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). A hearing follows, normally within 24 to 48 hours.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge qualifies for detention;
- release would endanger someone;
- and no mix of conditions would work.
The defense answers at the hearing. Rule 604(h) gives the defense a fast appeal.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in Fayette County must attend court in Vandalia. 725 ILCS 5/110-10 allows more, such as:
- pretrial check-ins,
- 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 listWhat comes after a prison term in Fayette County?
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 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 618-283-5009. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
725 ILCS 5/110-5 guides the judges. They look at:
- the facts of the case,
- any record of missing court,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, wealth decides nothing. The Public Defender can use proof of work.
↑ Back to the question listWhere can I look up an inmate?
Look up the person in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 618-283-2141. Step-by-step help is in our inmate lookup guide for the county.
↑ Back to the question listWhich court handles criminal cases locally?
Local criminal cases go to the courthouse, 221 S. Seventh Street, Vandalia, IL 62471. Clerk's phone: 618-283-5009. Search county cases on re:SearchIL and Judici.
Fayette County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listDoes this county hold people for immigration?
Not on a detainer alone. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) bars holding anyone on a detainer (Form I-247A) alone. The county acts only on a judge's warrant.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with a name and birth country.
How can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Attend court in Vandalia if you can.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Get release alerts from VINELink.
Fayette County Jail
Address:
221 South 7th Street
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone:
618-283-2141
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Fayette County
Does Fayette County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Fayette County?
Who can set bail in Fayette County?
When is bail set in Fayette County Illinois?
Does Fayette 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 Fayette County?
Under the new system, if a Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette County?
Under the new system, if a Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette 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 Fayette County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Fayette 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 Fayette 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.
Fayette County Online Bail Bond Payments
Fayette County Jail uses a service called Court Money for paying an inmate's Bail Bond over the phone. This can also be used for other inmate expenses such as commissary.
Call them at 877-222-4668 for assistance.
To make a payment, you will need the following:
- Court of Jurisdiction - Fayette County or the Municipal Court.
- Fayette County Jail
- Payment Amount plus fees
- Full name of Arrestee/Defendant for whom payment is being made
- Arrestee/Defendant's Date of Birth
- Arrestee/Defendant's Booking Number
You can also pay an inmate's bond in the following ways:
- Local, licensed bail bondsman
- Cash
- Money Order
- Cashier's Check
- Credit Card
- Property Bond