Where county cases are heard:

• Gallatin County Courthouse
  Address: 484 Lincoln Boulevard East, Shawneetown, IL 62984. Phone 618-269-3140. Hears: all criminal, traffic, juvenile (single courthouse).

Illinois abolished separate city and justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964, so city courts are gone. Under 65 ILCS 5/1-2.1-1, towns may hear ordinance tickets themselves.

For a warrant check, phone the Sheriff's Office at 618-269-3137. An open case on re:SearchIL can show a warrant. The Public Defender or your lawyer can set a date (618-269-3140).

A prisoner sent from the county jail goes to state intake first. Use the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search and our Illinois state prisons guide.

The courthouse is open. Detainees stay at the White County Jail, 108 North Main Cross Street, Carmi, IL 62821, phone 618-382-7149.

The county falls within 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. For someone held by the U.S. Marshals, a magistrate sets detention (East St. Louis, 18 U.S.C. 3142). Until trial, the U.S. Marshals Service may hold a defendant in a county jail; check VINELink. For federal prisoners, see the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

The circuit court hears both (618-269-3140). Felonies (a year or more) go to Second Judicial Circuit judges (618-269-3140). Associate judges hear DUI and traffic cases (625 ILCS 5/11-501). Federal charges leave Gallatin County for the Southern District of Illinois.

1. A Form I-247A detainer can be sent to the White County Jail.
2. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) means Gallatin County ignores the hold request.
3. The Illinois Courthouse Civil Rights Act (705 ILCS 90) bars civil arrests of people attending court.
4. Detainees often leave Illinois; check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
5. Immigration consequences matter; tell the public defender or your lawyer before any plea.

1. Go to re:SearchIL (free sign-up).
2. Select Gallatin County and type the case number.
3. Some counties also post on Judici.
4. Or ask the clerk: 618-269-3140.

Here, juvenile court hears youth cases under 705 ILCS 405. Detained local youth go to a juvenile detention center chosen by the court. For anyone under 18, hearings are private.

1. Charge, lawyer and release are set within 48 hours. See our release guide.
2. Preliminary hearing or grand jury, within 30 days if held (725 ILCS 5/109-3.1).
3. Arraignment in the courtroom.
4. Motions and plea offers.
5. Trial within 120 days if held in jail (725 ILCS 5/103-5), unless delayed by the defense.
6. A judge sets the sentence.

The Fifth District Appellate Court, 14th and Main Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, hears local appeals. Appellate clerk: 618-242-3120.

1. First, a motion in the court within 30 days.
2. Notice of appeal: within 30 days, to the county clerk (Rule 606).
3. Low income? The judge can appoint the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
4. Transcripts travel to Mount Vernon (618-242-3120), then briefs are filed.
5. The Illinois Supreme Court may take the case on petition.

For a detention order, Rule 604(h) sets a fast track. 725 ILCS 5/122-1 allows a post-conviction petition locally.

• Find the person: County inmate search.
• Plan a visit with our visitation page.
• Money for local accounts: money guide.
• Letters and calls to the jail at 108 North Main Cross Street, Carmi, IL 62821: our mail and phone guides.