Local criminal courts:

• Scott County Courthouse
  Address: 35 E. Market Street, Winchester, IL 62694. Phone 217-742-5217. Hears: all criminal, traffic, juvenile.

Illinois abolished separate city and justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964, so city courts are gone. Under 65 ILCS 5/1-2.1-1, towns may hear ordinance tickets themselves.

1. Open re:SearchIL and make a free account.
2. Select Scott County and type the case number.
3. You can also try Judici.
4. Or ask the clerk: 217-742-5217.

For someone leaving the county jail for prison, classification comes first. Use the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search and our Illinois state prisons guide.

The circuit court hears both (217-742-5217). Felonies (a year or more) go to Seventh Judicial Circuit judges (217-742-5217). Associate judges hear DUI and traffic cases (625 ILCS 5/11-501). Federal charges leave Scott County for the Central District of Illinois.

The courthouse is open. The sheriff's record address is 101 East Market, Winchester, but adults in custody are held at the Morgan County Jail, 300 West Court, Jacksonville, IL 62650, phone 217-245-4143.

Locally, juvenile court hears youth cases under 705 ILCS 405. Detained local youth go to a juvenile detention center chosen by the court. For anyone under 18, hearings are private.

1. Charge, lawyer and release are set within 48 hours. More in our pretrial release page.
2. Preliminary hearing or grand jury, within 30 days if held (725 ILCS 5/109-3.1).
3. Arraignment, where the defendant pleads.
4. Pretrial motions and plea talks.
5. Speedy trial: 120 days in custody, 160 days on release, after a demand (725 ILCS 5/103-5).
6. Sentencing: probation, county jail time or state prison.

Local federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois: U.S. Courthouse, 600 E. Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62701, 217-492-4020. For someone held by the U.S. Marshals, a magistrate sets detention (Springfield, 18 U.S.C. 3142). While the case is open, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody; VINELink can help. For federal prisoners, see the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

For a warrant check, phone the Sheriff's Office at 217-742-3141. An open case on re:SearchIL can show a warrant. The Public Defender or your lawyer can set a date (217-742-5217).

The Fourth District Appellate Court, 201 West Monroe Street, Springfield, IL 62704, hears local appeals. Clerk: 217-782-2586.

1. Within 30 days, file a post-trial motion in Winchester (new trial, plea withdrawal, or sentence review).
2. Notice of appeal: within 30 days, to the county clerk (Rule 606).
3. Low income? The judge can appoint the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
4. Transcripts travel to Springfield (217-782-2586), then briefs are filed.
5. The Illinois Supreme Court may take the case on petition.

Detention orders have a faster appeal under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 604(h). 725 ILCS 5/122-1 allows a post-conviction petition here.

1. ICE can file an I-247A with the Morgan County Jail.
2. Under the Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15), Scott County won't add the 48 hours.
3. The Illinois Courthouse Civil Rights Act (705 ILCS 90) bars civil arrests of people attending court.
4. Detainees often leave Illinois; check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
5. Immigration consequences matter; tell the public defender or your lawyer before any plea.

• Find the person: Local inmate search.
• Plan a visit with our visitation page.
• Money for local accounts: money guide.
• Calls and mail for the county jail: phone guide and mail guide.