Madison County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Madison County

Illinois pretrial release

Getting Someone Out of Jail in Madison County

An adult picked up in Madison County is taken to the Madison County Jail, 405 Randle Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Jail staff answer at 618-692-1064. Family can check the inmate search. 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.

1. Is there still cash bail in Madison County?

No money is needed, since Madison 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.
  • Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (618-692-6087) never asks for it.
  • Testing or GPS fees in Madison County are separate from bail.
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2. How fast is the first hearing locally?

The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Madison County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 155 N. Main Street, Suite 120, Edwardsville, IL 62025, 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.

  • The 48-hour clock runs through holidays.
  • For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
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3. Where can I look up an inmate?

Search by name in the inmate search.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 618-692-1064. More tips are in our inmate search page.

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4. Where do federal charges from Madison County go?

A federal case does not stay here. Madison County is covered by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Melvin Price U.S. Courthouse, 750 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62201 (618-482-9371). A magistrate judge sets release under 18 U.S.C. 3142. Cash bonds remain possible under 18 U.S.C. 3142(c), unlike state cases. Before trial, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

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5. What conditions might a judge set?

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

  • regular calls with probation staff,
  • no contact orders,
  • an ankle monitor,
  • drug tests and giving up guns.

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

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6. Does the county have a public defender?

The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 618-296-4470. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.

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7. What happens with ICE detainers 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.

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8. Which court handles criminal cases locally?

Local criminal cases go to the Madison County Criminal Justice Center, 509 Ramey Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Clerk's phone: 618-296-4470. All three court locations in Madison County are on our court page (618-692-6087). Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.

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

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9. What matters at a release hearing?

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

  • how serious the charge is,
  • prior convictions and court attendance,
  • a job, a home and family nearby,
  • and whether conditions could protect others.

Wealth has not mattered since 2023. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.

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10. What 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.

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11. What if a teen is arrested here?

Youth under 18 are kept out of the County Jail. The county has the Madison County Juvenile Detention Home. The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. The Third Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.

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12. What is a detention hearing locally?

Only for some charges listed in 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The prosecutor must file 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;
  • the person threatens others or may run;
  • 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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13. How can I help someone held locally?

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Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in Madison County

The Madison County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in Madison County.

However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:

  • You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in Madison County, or in some cases the state of Illinois, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Madison County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond in Illinois is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
  • Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the Madison County Jail, or the courthouse in Madison County where the offense took place.

Call 618-692-1064 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Madison County inmate locator.

Madison County Jail

Address:
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Phone:

618-692-1064

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Madison County


Does Madison County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in Madison County?

Who can set bail in Madison County?

When is bail set in Madison County Illinois?


Does Madison 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 Madison County?

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

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

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

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