Tazewell County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Tazewell County Bail and Pretrial Release
After an arrest in Tazewell County, adults go to the Tazewell County Jail, 101 S. Capitol Street, Pekin, IL 61554. For the jail, call 309-477-2253. For a name check, open the inmate search. 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. Is there still cash bail in Tazewell County?
There is no price on release in Tazewell 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.
- Hang up and call 309-478-5607 if someone asks for release money.
- Testing or GPS fees in Tazewell County are separate from bail.
2. How fast is the first hearing locally?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Tazewell County, that hearing is held at the Tazewell County Justice Center, 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554, 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.
3. Does 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 309-477-2775. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question list4. What matters at a release hearing?
Under 725 ILCS 5/110-5, the judge weighs:
- the facts of the case,
- any record of missing court,
- a job, a home and family nearby,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, a bank balance changes nothing. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.
↑ Back to the question list5. Where do federal charges from Tazewell County go?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. They are heard 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)). Before trial, a defendant stays in U.S. Marshals Service custody. Later, check the prisoner on the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question list6. What conditions might a judge set?
Everyone released in Tazewell County must attend court in Pekin. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- regular calls with probation staff,
- no contact orders,
- a curfew or home confinement,
- drug tests and giving up guns.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question list7. How are minors handled after an arrest?
Youth under 18 do not go to the jail. The court sends local youth to a juvenile Detention Center. Under 705 ILCS 405/5-415, a youth gets a hearing within 40 hours, minus weekends and holidays. The Tenth Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question list8. Does this county hold people for immigration?
Not in this county. 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.
- Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with a name and birth country.
9. What 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 list10. Where can I look up an inmate?
Type the last name into the inmate search.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-477-2253. See our inmate search guide.
↑ Back to the question list11. What is a detention hearing here?
It can happen, within limits set in 2023. The prosecutor must file 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 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 list12. Where are county cases heard?
The Tenth Judicial Circuit hears local cases at the Tazewell County Justice Center, 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554. Circuit clerk: 309-477-2775. County records are on re:SearchIL or Judici.
Tazewell County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question list13. How can I help someone held here?
- Keep the case number handy.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- See the phone call guide.
- Our money page covers deposits.
- Get release alerts from 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.
Tazewell County Jail
Address:
101 S. Capitol Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Phone:
309-477-2253
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Tazewell County
Does Tazewell County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Tazewell County?
Who can set bail in Tazewell County?
When is bail set in Tazewell County Illinois?
Does Tazewell 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 Tazewell County?
Under the new system, if a Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell County?
Under the new system, if a Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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 Tazewell County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Tazewell 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 Tazewell 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.
Paying an Offender's Bond in Tazewell County
- You can pay a detainee's bond either at the Tazewell County Justice Center (call 309-477-2253 to get the exact amount owed) or over the phone using a credit card by calling 800-352-9870. Paying by phone is available 24 hours a day.
- In addition to the bond amount, there is a $35 fee for each case, $75 fee for warrants, and if you are paying by credit, an 8% credit card processing fee.
Tazewell County Justice Center
101 S. Capitol Street
Pekin, IL 61554
If you pay by credit card over the phone, you will need:
- The Inmate’s Name, Detainee Number, and Facility Code of (IL1296).
- Call 800-352-9870
- A processing fee of 8% will be added
- Once the bond is processed, the company, Court Money, will then fax a receipt to the the Justice Center to facilitate the release.