McLean County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds
Release After an Arrest in McLean County
After an arrest in McLean County, adults go to the McLean County Detention Center, 104 West Front Street, Bloomington, IL 61702. Reach the jail at 309-888-5065. For a name check, open the sheriff app custody list. 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. How much is bail in McLean County?
There is no price on release in McLean County anymore. Years ago, relatives paid a 10 percent deposit at the county courthouse. 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 (309-888-5034) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in McLean County are separate from bail.
2. How fast is the first hearing locally?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In McLean County, that hearing is held at the McLean County Circuit Clerk, 104 W. Front Street, Bloomington, IL 61701, 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.
3. How are minors handled after an arrest?
No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. The McLean County Juvenile Detention Center serves youth. 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 list4. What comes after a prison term in McLean County?
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.
↑ Back to the question list5. Which court handles criminal cases locally?
Local criminal cases go to the circuit clerk, 104 W. Front Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Circuit clerk: 309-888-5301. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL and Judici.
McLean County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question list6. Can ICE hold someone arrested here?
Not on a detainer alone. 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 with a name and birth country.
7. What matters at a release hearing?
Under 725 ILCS 5/110-5, the judge weighs:
- how serious the charge is,
- criminal history and any skipped hearings,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. The Public Defender can use a lease from this county.
↑ Back to the question list8. What rules can come with release locally?
Everyone released in McLean County must attend court in Bloomington. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- regular calls with probation staff,
- a stay-away order,
- GPS monitoring or a curfew,
- testing and surrender of firearms.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question list9. Does this county have a public defender?
The judges appoint the Public Defender for those who can't pay. Reach that office through the courthouse at 309-888-5301. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question list10. What happens in a federal case from McLean County?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The court is the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701 (217-492-4020). The Bail Reform Act, 18 U.S.C. 3142, applies. Cash bonds remain possible under 18 U.S.C. 3142(c), unlike state cases. Before trial, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody. After sentencing, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list11. Where can I look up an inmate?
Enter a last name in the sheriff app custody list.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-888-5065. More tips are in our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question list12. 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). 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 is detainable under the law;
- 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 list13. How can I help someone held locally?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- Read our phone guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Sign up on VINELink.
Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in McLean County
The McLean County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Detention Center, or the courthouse in McLean County where the offense took place.
Call 309-888-5065 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the McLean County inmate locator.
McLean County Detention Center
Address:
104 West Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61702
Phone:
309-888-5065
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in McLean County
What kind of bonds are accepted in McLean County?
Who can set bail in McLean County?
When is bail set in McLean County Illinois?
Does McLean 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 McLean County?
Under the new system, if a McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Detention Center 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County?
Under the new system, if a McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in McLean 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 McLean 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.
There are multiple ways to add money to pay an inmate's bond that is in McLean County Detention Center, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits
1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.
Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132
Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.
5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.
Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages
Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Email: customerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.