Mercer County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Release After an Arrest in Mercer County
People taken into custody in Mercer County land at the Mercer County Jail, 906 S.W. 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231. Booking can be reached at 309-582-5020. Family can check 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 Mercer County?
There is no price on release in Mercer County anymore. Until 2023, the circuit clerk took 10 percent deposits. That step is gone under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Hang up and call 309-582-5194 if someone asks for release money.
- Testing or GPS fees in Mercer County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Mercer County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 100 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231, 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.
What is a detention hearing locally?
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 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 conditions could fix that risk.
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 Mercer County must attend court in Aledo. 725 ILCS 5/110-10 allows more, such as:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- no contact orders,
- GPS monitoring or a curfew,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listWill this county keep someone for ICE?
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.
- Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.
What if a teen is arrested here?
Youth under 18 are kept out of 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.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens in a federal case from Mercer County?
A federal case does not stay here. Mercer 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 listWhat 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.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I reach the circuit clerk?
Cases from the county are heard in the courthouse, 100 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231. Circuit clerk: 309-582-7122. Local records are on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Mercer 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 facts of the case,
- any record of missing court,
- steady work or school in this county,
- 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 listDoes the county have a public defender?
Low income? The court names the public defender. Call the clerk, 309-582-7122. Appeal help: Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhere can I look up an inmate?
Type the last name into VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 309-582-5020. See our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Family may attend court in Aledo.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Sign up on VINELink.
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.
Mercer County Jail
Address:
906 S.W. 3rd Street
Aledo, IL 61231
Phone:
309-582-5020
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Mercer County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Mercer County?
Who can set bail in Mercer County?
When is bail set in Mercer County Illinois?
Does Mercer 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 Mercer County?
Under the new system, if a Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County?
Under the new system, if a Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Mercer 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 Mercer 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.