Macoupin County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Last updated by Elizabeth Boyle

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Macoupin County

Illinois pretrial release

Getting Someone Out of Jail in Macoupin County

People taken into custody in Macoupin County land at the Macoupin County Jail, 215 South East Street, Carlinville, IL 62626. Jail staff answer at 217-854-3135. 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.

Is there still cash bail in Macoupin County?

No money is needed, since Macoupin County sets no bail amount. Until 2023, the circuit clerk took 10 percent deposits. That ended with the Pretrial Fairness Act.

  • Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
  • Hang up and call 217-854-3135 if someone asks for release money.
  • Testing or GPS fees in Macoupin County are separate from bail.
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How fast is the first hearing here?

The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Macoupin County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 201 E. Main Street, Carlinville, IL 62626, 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.
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Where can I look up an inmate?

Search by name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 217-854-3135. Step-by-step help is in our inmate search page.

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How do I reach the circuit clerk?

Local criminal cases go to the Macoupin County Courthouse, 201 E. Main Street, Carlinville, IL 62626. Circuit clerk: 217-854-3211. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.

Macoupin County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.

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What are common release conditions here?

Everyone released in Macoupin County must attend court in Carlinville. Extra rules under 725 ILCS 5/110-10 can include:

  • pretrial check-ins,
  • staying away from an alleged victim,
  • home detention,
  • alcohol testing and no weapons.

Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.

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What if someone from Macoupin County is charged with a federal crime?

Federal charges skip the county courthouse. Federal cases from here go to 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. A federal sentence means checking the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

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What is a detention hearing here?

Yes, but only after a hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. A petition to deny release comes first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). A hearing comes next, within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.

Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:

  • the charge qualifies for detention;
  • the person is dangerous or may flee;
  • and no mix of conditions would work.

The defense answers at the hearing. Rule 604(h) gives the defense a fast appeal.

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Does the county hold people for immigration?

In most cases, no. 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.

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What comes after a prison term here?

A prison term begins 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.

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What matters at a release hearing?

The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:

  • the charge and the evidence,
  • any record of missing court,
  • ties to family, work and school,
  • and whether conditions could protect others.

Since 2023, wealth decides nothing. Hand the Public Defender a lease or a work schedule.

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Does this county have a public defender?

Yes, the public defender. Call the court line, 217-854-3211. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.

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Where do juveniles from the county go?

Youth under 18 are kept out of 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 Seventh Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.

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How can I help someone held locally?

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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.

Macoupin County Jail

Address:
215 South East Street
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone:
217-854-3135

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Macoupin County


Does Macoupin County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Macoupin County?

Who can set bail in Macoupin County?

When is bail set in Macoupin County Illinois?

 

 

Does Macoupin 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 Macoupin County?

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

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

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

What options are there to pay bail in Macoupin 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 Macoupin 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.

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Macoupin County

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.