Ford County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Ford County Bail and Pretrial Release
People taken into custody in Ford County land at the Ford County Jail, 235 N. American, Paxton, IL 60957. The jail phone is 217-379-2324. 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 Ford County?
There is no price on release in Ford County anymore. Up to 2023, a family would post 10 percent of a bond. The Pretrial Fairness Act did away with it.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (217-379-2324) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Ford County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Ford County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 200 W. State Street, Paxton, IL 60957, 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 comes after a prison term here?
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 listWhere can I look up an inmate?
Enter a last name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 217-379-2324. More tips are in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is a detention hearing locally?
It can happen, within limits set in 2023. A petition to deny release comes first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). A hearing comes next, within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge qualifies for detention;
- release would endanger someone;
- 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 listWhich court handles criminal cases here?
Ford County is part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit; its court sits at the courthouse, 200 W. State Street, Paxton, IL 60957. The clerk answers at 217-379-9400. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL and Judici.
Ford County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
Section 110-5 (725 ILCS 5/110-5) tells the judge to weigh:
- how serious the charge is,
- prior convictions and court attendance,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, wealth decides nothing. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens with ICE detainers here?
Not on a detainer alone. 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.
- Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with a name and birth country.
What are common release conditions in this county?
Everyone released in Ford County must attend court in Paxton. 725 ILCS 5/110-10 allows more, such as:
- regular calls with probation staff,
- a stay-away order,
- GPS monitoring or a curfew,
- testing and surrender of firearms.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if a teen is arrested in this county?
Youth under 18 do not go to the jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. A detention hearing must happen within 40 hours, not counting weekends (705 ILCS 405/5-415). Juvenile records stay private.
↑ Back to the question listDoes the county have a public defender?
Yes, the public defender. Call the clerk, 217-379-9400. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone from Ford County is charged with a federal crime?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. Those cases belong to 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. Cash bonds remain possible under 18 U.S.C. 3142(c), unlike state cases. Before trial, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody. After sentencing, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held locally?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- Read our phone guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Get release alerts from 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.
Ford County Jail
Address:
235 N. American
Paxton, IL 60957
Phone:
217-379-2324
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Ford County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ford County?
Who can set bail in Ford County?
When is bail set in Ford County Illinois?
Does Ford 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 Ford County?
Under the new system, if a Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford County?
Under the new system, if a Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Ford 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 Ford 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.