Lake County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Lake County Pretrial Release Guide
Most adults arrested in Lake County are held at the Lake County Jail, 29 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. Jail staff answer at 847-377-4150. Family can check the sheriff inmate records search. On September 18, 2023, Lake County stopped using money bail 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 Lake County?
There is no price on release in Lake County anymore. Years ago, relatives paid a 10 percent deposit at the county courthouse. 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 (847-377-4050) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Lake County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Lake County, that hearing is held at the courthouse and Circuit Court Clerk, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, 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.
How do I reach the circuit clerk?
Cases from Lake County are heard in the courthouse (this county), 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Clerk: 847-377-3380. All five court locations in Lake County are on our court page (847-377-4050). Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Lake County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listDoes the county have a public defender?
Low income? The court names the public defender. Call the court line, 847-377-3380. For appeals, the state has the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in Lake County must attend court in Waukegan. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- no contact orders,
- home detention,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listWhere do federal charges from Lake County go?
A federal case does not stay here. Lake County is covered by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, 219 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60604 (312-435-5670). 18 U.S.C. 3142 governs release there. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). A defendant held for the Chicago court is in U.S. Marshals Service custody. A federal sentence means checking the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens with ICE detainers locally?
Not in this county. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) forbids a 48-hour hold on a Form I-247A. The exception is a judge's warrant.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.
What 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 offense is one that allows 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 if a teen is arrested locally?
Youth under 18 do not go to the jail. The Lake County Juvenile Detention serves youth. 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?
Section 110-5 (725 ILCS 5/110-5) tells the judge to weigh:
- how serious the charge is,
- prior convictions and court attendance,
- ties to family, work and school,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Under the 2023 law, money is not a factor. The Public Defender can use a lease from this county.
↑ Back to the question listWhat comes after a prison term locally?
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?
Type the last name into the sheriff inmate records search.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 847-377-4150. Step-by-step help is in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- See the phone call guide.
- Our money page covers deposits.
- Sign up on VINELink.
Using GTL/gettingout to make bail payments
How to make a bail payment using gettingout.com/Viapath
- gettingout.com/Viapath assists you in using their banking system to make bail payment for your inmate.
- You can call them at 866-516-0115.
- Gettingout, also known as Viapath, limits your 24 hour online deposit to $3,000.00. So if the bail is higher, it may take multiple deposits over the same number of days.
Lake County Jail
Address:
29 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone:
847-377-4150
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Lake County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Lake County?
Who can set bail in Lake County?
When is bail set in Lake County Illinois?
Does Lake 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 Lake County?
Under the new system, if a Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County?
Under the new system, if a Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Lake 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 Lake 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.