LaSalle County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

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LaSalle County Jail

Address:
707 Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350

Phone:

815-434-8383

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in LaSalle County


Does LaSalle County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in LaSalle County?

Who can set bail in LaSalle County?

When is bail set in LaSalle County Illinois?


 

 

Does LaSalle 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 LaSalle County?

Under the new system, if a LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle County? 

Under the new system, if a LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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 LaSalle County Illinois?

This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.

What options are there to pay bail in LaSalle 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 LaSalle 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.

Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in LaSalle County

Since bail bond procedures in LaSalle County and Illinois are subject to change, it’s best to call LaSalle County Jail at 815-434-8383, or the court in the applicable jurisdiction (Municipal Court, District Court, etc.), right after an arrest has been made to get updated information.

You should ask the staff at LaSalle County Jail or the LaSalle County Court Clerk the following questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail?
  2. What is the bail amount and are there additional fees?
  3. Where can I go to pay the bail?
  4. Are there any time restrictions for posting bail?
  5. What types of payment are accepted (cash, credit, property, surety bonds)?
  6. Will I need to use a bail or bond agent?

If the bail amount seems high, contact a lawyer or the defendant’s public defender to explore the possibility of a bail reduction. Starting the process early can help secure the release sooner.

The process can be smoother with a criminal attorney or bail agent handling the details for you.

Option 1 - How to Post Cash Bail at LaSalle County Jail

A cash bond requires the full bail amount to be paid in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.

Bail amounts can vary from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the crime.

You can post a cash bond at LaSalle County Jail or the court where the bail hearing occurred. Going to the jail directly will expedite the release process, as paperwork from the court must be processed at the jail.

Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made out to LaSalle County Jail, the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, or the LaSalle County Court.

Money orders can be obtained at Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.

Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond at LaSalle County Jail

If you don’t have the full bond amount, a surety bond is an option. A bail agent posts the bond, and you pay the agent a premium, which is typically 10-15% of the bail amount.

For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium would range from $500 to $750.

The bail agent may require collateral such as property, a car, or valuables to ensure compensation if the defendant skips court.

By signing with a bail agent, you take responsibility for the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.

Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond at LaSalle County Jail

Property owners in LaSalle County can post a property bond using real estate as collateral. All owners must be present to sign the bond documents.

For properties outside of LaSalle County, consult a local bail agent or attorney for assistance.

Click here for more details on posting bail at LaSalle County Jail.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at LaSalle County Jail?

Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.

In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.

Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a Illinois state licensed Bail Bond firm.

Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.

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