Mason County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Mason County Bail and Pretrial Release
After an arrest in Mason County, adults go to the Mason County Jail, 102 West Market Street, Havana, IL 62644. Reach the jail at 309-543-2231. To check on a booking, start with 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 Mason County?
No money is needed, since Mason County sets no bail amount. Before 2023, local families paid 10 percent deposits. That step is gone under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (309-543-2231) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Mason County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Mason County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 125 N. Plum Street, Havana, IL 62644, 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.
Where can I look up an inmate?
Enter a last name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-543-2231. Step-by-step help is in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listCan someone in Mason County get a free lawyer?
Yes, the public defender. Ask the county clerk, 309-543-6619. Appeal help: Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhere is the courthouse for local criminal cases?
Local criminal cases go to the Mason County Courthouse, 125 N. Plum Street, Havana, IL 62644. Clerk: 309-543-6619. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Mason County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
725 ILCS 5/110-5 guides the judges. They look at:
- the charge and the police report,
- prior convictions and court attendance,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.
↑ Back to the question listWhat comes after a prison term locally?
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 listWhat 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). The detention hearing then takes place 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 is dangerous or may flee;
- 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 listWhat conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in Mason County must attend court in Havana. A judge may add terms under 725 ILCS 5/110-10:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- a stay-away order,
- a curfew or home confinement,
- alcohol testing and no weapons.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listWill the county keep someone for ICE?
Not in this county. 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.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Try the ICE Online Detainee Locator System by A-number.
Where do juveniles from the county go?
Youth under 18 are kept out of the County Jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. Under 705 ILCS 405/5-415, a youth gets a hearing within 40 hours, minus weekends and holidays. The Eighth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone from Mason County is charged with a federal crime?
A federal case does not stay here. Mason 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). 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.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Family may attend court in Havana.
- 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.
Mason County Jail
Address:
102 West Market Street
Havana, IL 62644
Phone:
309-543-2231
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Mason County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Mason County?
Who can set bail in Mason County?
When is bail set in Mason County Illinois?
Does Mason 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 Mason County?
Under the new system, if a Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason County?
Under the new system, if a Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason 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 Mason County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Mason 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 Mason 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.