Pike County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Pike County Pretrial Release Guide
Arrests in Pike County lead to the Pike County Jail, 204 East Adams Street, Pittsfield, IL 62363. For the jail, call 217-285-5263 (press 1). 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.
Is there still cash bail in Pike County?
There is no price on release in Pike County anymore. Up to 2023, a family would post 10 percent of a bond. The Pretrial Fairness Act did away with it.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (217-285-5011) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Pike County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Pike County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 100 East Washington Street, Pittsfield, IL 62363, 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.
Where can I look up an inmate?
Look up the person in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Phone: 217-285-5263 (press 1). More tips are in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listWhen can Pike County hold a person before trial?
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 comes next, within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge qualifies for 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.
↑ Back to the question listCan ICE hold someone arrested here?
Not on a detainer alone. 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.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with a name and birth country.
How are minors handled after an arrest?
No one under 18 goes to the County Jail. A judge picks the youth Detention Center (705 ILCS 405/5-410). The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. The Eighth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listWhere are local cases heard?
The Eighth Judicial Circuit hears local cases at the Pike County Courthouse, 100 East Washington Street, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Clerk's phone: 217-285-6612. Find the court dates on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Pike County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat rules can come with release here?
Everyone released in Pike County must attend court in Pittsfield. Extra rules under 725 ILCS 5/110-10 can include:
- pretrial check-ins,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- home detention,
- alcohol testing and no weapons.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listDoes 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 217-285-6612. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat happens in a federal case from Pike County?
A federal case does not stay here. Pike 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. After sentencing, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ 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,
- steady work or school here,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Wealth has not mattered since 2023. The Public Defender can use proof of work.
↑ Back to the question listWhat comes after a prison term here?
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 listHow can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Attend court in Pittsfield if you can.
- Read our phone guide.
- Add money: see our money guide.
- VINELink sends custody alerts.
Pike County Jail
Address:
204 East Adams Street
Pittsfield, IL 62363
Phone:
217-285-5263 Press 1
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Pike County
What kind of bonds are accepted in Pike County?
Who can set bail in Pike County?
When is bail set in Pike County Illinois?
Does Pike 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 Pike County?
Under the new system, if a Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike County?
Under the new system, if a Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Pike 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 Pike 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.