McDonough County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds

No money is needed, since McDonough County sets no bail amount. Up to 2023, a family would post 10 percent of a bond. 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 (309-833-2323) never asks for it.
• Testing or GPS fees in McDonough County are separate from bail.

The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In McDonough County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL 61455, 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.

• Saturdays and Sundays count in the 48 hours.
• For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.

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.

No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. A judge picks the youth Detention Center (705 ILCS 405/5-410). A detention hearing must happen within 40 hours, not counting weekends (705 ILCS 405/5-415). No public list shows youth.

A federal case does not stay here. McDonough 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. Money bonds are still allowed there (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Before trial, a defendant stays in U.S. Marshals Service custody. Later, check the prisoner on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

Local criminal cases go to the McDonough County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL 61455. Circuit clerk: 309-837-4889. Search local cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.

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

Search by name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-833-5245. See our inmate search page.

The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 309-837-4889. Appeals go through the Office of the State Appellate Defender.

Only for some charges listed in 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 offense is one that allows detention;
• release would endanger someone;
• and no conditions could fix that risk.

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

Everyone released in McDonough County must attend court in Macomb. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:

• check-ins with pretrial services,
• no contact with a named person,
• an ankle monitor,
• drug tests and giving up guns.

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

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.

• Agents may wait outside after a release.
• Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
• Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System by A-number.

Under 725 ILCS 5/110-5, the judge weighs:

• the charge and the evidence,
• past record and missed court dates,
• ties to family, work and school,
• and whether conditions could protect others.

Wealth has not mattered since 2023. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.

• Note the charge and local hearing date.
• Attend court in Macomb if you can.
• See the phone call guide.
• Deposits: sending money.
• Get release alerts from VINELink.