There is no price on release in Jackson 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.
• Hang up and call 618-687-3822 if someone asks for release money.
• Testing or GPS fees in Jackson County are separate from bail.

Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Jackson County, that hearing is held at the Jackson County Circuit Clerk (courthouse), 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966, 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.

Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The federal court that covers the First Judicial Circuit area 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). 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)). Before trial, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

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. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.

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.

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). The detention hearing then takes place within 24 to 48 hours.

Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:

• the charge qualifies for 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.

Local criminal cases go to the Jackson County Circuit Clerk (courthouse), 1001 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966. Clerk: 618-687-7300. Search local cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.

Jackson County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.

Everyone released in Jackson County must attend court in Murphysboro. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:

• reporting to a pretrial officer,
• no contact orders,
• home detention,
• alcohol testing and no weapons.

Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.

No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. Youth go to a juvenile Detention Center the court chooses. Under 705 ILCS 405/5-415, a youth gets a hearing within 40 hours, minus weekends and holidays. The First Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.

Enter a last name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 618-684-2177. See our inmate lookup guide for the county.

Not on a detainer alone. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) blocks I-247A holds locally. The exception is a judge's warrant.

• Agents may wait outside after a release.
• Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
• Try the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.

The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 618-687-7300. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.

• Keep the case number handy.
• Go to the hearing; it is open.
• Read our phone guide.
• Our money page covers deposits.
• Sign up on VINELink.