Courts that hear local criminal cases:

• Union County Courthouse
  Address: 309 W. Market Street, Room 108, Jonesboro, IL 62952. Phone 618-833-5913. 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.

Local federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois: Melvin Price U.S. Courthouse, 750 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62201, 618-482-9371. For someone held by the U.S. Marshals, a magistrate sets detention (East St. Louis, 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.

The circuit court hears both (618-833-5913). Felonies (a year or more) go to First Judicial Circuit judges (618-833-5913). Associate judges hear DUI and traffic cases (625 ILCS 5/11-501). Federal charges leave Union County for the Southern District of Illinois.

1. ICE may send a Form I-247A detainer to the Jackson County Jail.
2. Under the Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15), Union 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.

1. Charge, lawyer and release are set within 48 hours. Details: Local bail and release.
2. Preliminary hearing or grand jury, within 30 days if held (725 ILCS 5/109-3.1).
3. Arraignment: the plea is entered locally.
4. Motions and plea offers.
5. Trial: Illinois speedy-trial law sets 120 days for those held (725 ILCS 5/103-5).
6. Sentencing: probation, county jail time or state prison.

The Fifth District Appellate Court, 14th and Main Street, Mount Vernon, IL 62864, hears local appeals. Appellate clerk: 618-242-3120.

1. Within 30 days, file a post-trial motion in Jonesboro (new trial, plea withdrawal, or sentence review).
2. Notice of appeal: within 30 days, to the county clerk (Rule 606).
3. Ask for the Office of the State Appellate Defender if the person cannot pay.
4. Transcripts travel to Mount Vernon (618-242-3120), then briefs are filed.
5. The Illinois Supreme Court may take the case on petition.

For a detention order, Rule 604(h) sets a fast track. 725 ILCS 5/122-1 allows a post-conviction petition locally.

1. Go to re:SearchIL and register for free.
2. Select Union County and type the case number.
3. Older county cases may be on Judici.
4. Or phone the clerk, 618-833-5913.

A prisoner sent from the county jail goes to state intake first. Use the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search and our Illinois state prisons guide.

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.

For a warrant check, phone the Sheriff's Office at 618-833-5500. An open case on re:SearchIL can show a warrant. The Public Defender or your lawyer can set a date (618-833-5913).

The courthouse is open. Detainees stay at the Jackson County Jail, 1001 Mulberry Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966, phone 618-684-2177.

• Find the person: County inmate search.
• Visits: Local visiting guide.
• Money for local accounts: money guide.
• Letters and calls to the jail at 1001 Mulberry Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966: our mail and phone guides.