No money is needed, since Stark County sets no bail amount. Until 2023, the circuit clerk took 10 percent deposits. That ended with the Pretrial Fairness Act.

• Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
• Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (309-286-2541) never asks for it.
• Testing or GPS fees in Stark County are separate from bail.

The first court date comes within about 48 hours. In Stark County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 130 W. Main Street, Toulon, IL 61483, 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.

Stark County is part of the Tenth Judicial Circuit; its court sits at the courthouse, 130 W. Main Street, Toulon, IL 61483. Clerk's phone: 309-286-5941. Search local cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.

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

Yes, the public defender. Ask the county clerk, 309-286-5941. Appeal help: Office of the State Appellate Defender.

Youth under 18 do not go to the jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. The Tenth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.

No. 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.
• Check the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.

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

• regular calls with probation staff,
• a stay-away order,
• a curfew or home confinement,
• alcohol testing and no weapons.

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

Look up the person in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-286-2541. More tips are in our inmate search guide.

It can happen, within limits set in 2023. 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 is dangerous or may flee;
• and no mix of conditions would work.

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

A federal case does not stay here. Stark 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). 18 U.S.C. 3142 governs release there. Money bonds are still allowed there (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Pretrial custody is with the U.S. Marshals Service. Later, check the prisoner on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.

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.

The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:

• how serious the charge is,
• any record of missing court,
• ties to family, work and school,
• and whether conditions could protect others.

Under the 2023 law, money is not a factor. The Public Defender can use a lease from this county.

• Note the charge and local hearing date.
• Go to the hearing; it is open.
• See the phone call guide.
• Deposits: sending money.
• VINELink sends custody alerts.