Livingston County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Livingston County Pretrial Release Guide
People taken into custody in Livingston County land at the Livingston County Jail, 844 W. Lincoln Street, Pontiac, IL 61764. Jail staff answer at 815-844-5774. For a name check, open 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.
How much is bail in Livingston County?
No money is needed, since Livingston County sets no bail amount. Until 2023, the circuit clerk took 10 percent deposits. The Pretrial Fairness Act did away with it.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Hang up and call 815-844-2774 if someone asks for release money.
- Testing or GPS fees in Livingston County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Livingston County, that hearing is held at the Law and Justice Center, 110 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL 61764, 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 are minors handled after an arrest?
No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. Youth go to a juvenile Detention Center the court chooses. The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listWhere is the courthouse for local criminal cases?
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit hears county cases at the Law and Justice Center, 110 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL 61764. Clerk's phone: 815-844-2602. Search county cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Livingston County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat are common release conditions locally?
Everyone released in Livingston County must attend court in Pontiac. A judge may add terms under 725 ILCS 5/110-10:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- home detention,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listCan ICE hold someone arrested here?
In most cases, no. 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.
- Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System by A-number.
When can Livingston County hold a person before trial?
It can happen, within limits set in 2023. The prosecutor must file 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;
- 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 listDoes this county have a public defender?
Yes, the public defender. Reach that office through the courthouse at 815-844-2602. For appeals, the state has the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ 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. Phone: 815-844-5774. More tips are in our inmate lookup guide for this county.
↑ Back to the question listWhat comes after a prison term here?
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 do federal charges from Livingston County go?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. This county is covered by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701 (217-492-4020). 18 U.S.C. 3142 governs release there. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Pretrial custody is with the U.S. Marshals Service. After sentencing, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ 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,
- criminal history and any skipped hearings,
- steady work or school locally,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. Hand the Public Defender a lease or a work schedule.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- Read our phone guide.
- Add money: see our money guide.
- VINELink sends custody alerts.
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.
Livingston County Jail
Address:
844 W. Lincoln Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone:
815-844-5774
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Livingston County
Does Livingston County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Livingston County?
Who can set bail in Livingston County?
When is bail set in Livingston County Illinois?
Does Livingston 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 Livingston County?
Under the new system, if a Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County?
Under the new system, if a Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Livingston 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 Livingston 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.