Lee County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate in Lee County

Lee County Jail

Address:
240 East Progress Drive
Dixon, IL 61021

Phone:

815-284-5217

Frequently Asked Questions

Pay an Inmate's Bond Online

Lee County Jail uses a service called allpaid (also known as GovPayNet) for paying an inmate's Bail Bond online for an inmate.

Register with them online or call them at 877-392-2455 for assistance.


To make a payment, you will need the following:

  • Court of Jurisdiction
  • Payment Amount
  • The Pay Location Code (PLC #) if you can get it. Call 815-284-5217 to ask for this.
  • Name of Arrestee/Defendant for whom payment is being made
  • Arrestee/Defendant's Date of Birth
  • Arrestee/Defendant's Booking Number

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Lee County


Does Lee County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Lee County?

Who can set bail in Lee County?

When is bail set in Lee County Illinois?


 

 

Does Lee 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 Lee County?

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

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

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

What options are there to pay bail in Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County

Because bail bond procedures in Lee County and Illinois can change, it’s always a good idea to call either Lee County Jail at 815-284-5217, or the court in the relevant jurisdiction (i.e., Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) immediately after the defendant has been booked.

Ask the staff at Lee County Jail or the Lee County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. What is the amount of bail or bond, and are there any additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to post the bail or bond?
  4. Are there certain hours when bail cannot be posted?
  5. What forms of payment are accepted—cash, credit, or money order? Can I use property or a surety bond?
  6. Do I need to hire a bail or bond agent?

If you think the bail amount is too high, contact a lawyer or the public defender to discuss the possibility of a bail reduction. Acting quickly will help secure the defendant’s release sooner.

Working with a criminal attorney or bail agent can streamline the process and make it less stressful.

Option 1 - How to Post Bail with Cash at Lee County Jail

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

The amount could range from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the charge.

To pay the bond, you can go directly to Lee County Jail or to the court where the hearing occurred. Going to the jail will speed up the process, as paperwork from the court needs to be sent there for the release.

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

You can purchase money orders at Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.

Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond for a Defendant at Lee County Jail

If you don’t have the full bail amount, you can post a surety bond by working with a bail agent. The agent posts the bond in exchange for a premium, which is usually 10-15% of the bail amount.

For instance, if the bail is $5,000, the premium will cost between $500 and $750.

The bail agent may require collateral, such as property or valuable items, to ensure payment if the defendant doesn’t appear in court.

When you sign an agreement with a bail agent, you are responsible for paying the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.

Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Lee County Jail

Property owners in Lee County may be able to post a property bond using real estate as collateral. All property owners must be present to sign the bond.

For information on using property outside of Lee County, consult a local bail agent or defense attorney.

Click here for more details about posting bail at Lee County Jail.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at Lee 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Lee County Jail inmate's bond online?
Yes, you can pay a Lee County Jail inmate's bond online using a third-party service called 'allpaid'. The instructions are easy... From their website, look up Lee County Jail or Lee County, input the inmate's name, and then use your credit or debit card to deposit the bond amount. As soon as the payment is processed and the information is sent to the Lee County Jail, the jail will begin the release process. You do not have to be present for all of this to take place. Learn more about how to bail or bond out an inmate in the Lee County Jail, call allpaid directly at 877-392-2455, or call the jail at 815-284-5217.

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