Jersey County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Release After an Arrest in Jersey County
Arrests in Jersey County lead to the Jersey County Jail, 114 North Washington Street, Jerseyville, IL 62052. For the jail, call 618-498-6881. 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 Jersey County?
There is no price on release in Jersey 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 618-498-6881 if someone asks for release money.
- Testing or GPS fees in Jersey County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Jersey County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 201 W. Pearl Street, Jerseyville, IL 62052, 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 are common release conditions here?
Everyone released in Jersey County must attend court in Jerseyville. 725 ILCS 5/110-10 allows more, such as:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- no contact orders,
- a curfew or home confinement,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ 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 618-498-6881. See our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is a detention hearing here?
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 offense is one that allows detention;
- release would endanger someone;
- and conditions would not solve the problem.
The defense answers at the hearing. Rule 604(h) gives the defense a fast appeal.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone from Jersey County is charged with a federal crime?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The federal court that covers the Seventh 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, a defendant stays in U.S. Marshals Service custody. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I find someone moved from Jersey County to prison?
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 listDoes this county hold people for immigration?
Not here. 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 an A-number or name.
Where is the courthouse for local criminal cases?
This county is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit; its court sits at the courthouse, 201 W. Pearl Street, Jerseyville, IL 62052. Circuit clerk: 618-498-5571. Look up local case numbers on re:SearchIL and Judici.
Jersey County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listHow are minors handled after an arrest?
Minors stay out of the adult jail here. A judge picks the youth Detention Center (705 ILCS 405/5-410). The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. Juvenile records stay private.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:
- the facts of the case,
- prior convictions and court attendance,
- steady work or school in this county,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, wealth decides nothing. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.
↑ Back to the question listDoes the county have a public defender?
Low income? The court names the public defender. Reach that office through the courthouse at 618-498-5571. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Sign up on 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.
Jersey County Jail
Address:
114 North Washington Street
Jerseyville, IL 62052
Phone:
618-498-6881
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Jersey County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Jersey County?
Who can set bail in Jersey County?
When is bail set in Jersey County Illinois?
Does Jersey 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 Jersey County?
Under the new system, if a Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey County?
Under the new system, if a Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Jersey 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 Jersey 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.