White County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Getting Someone Out of Jail in White County
An adult picked up in White County is taken to the White County Jail, 108 North Main Cross, Carmi, IL 62821. For the jail, call 618-382-7149. 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 White County?
No money is needed, since White County sets no bail amount. Before 2023, local families paid 10 percent deposits. The Pretrial Fairness Act did away with it.
- Illinois outlawed for-profit bail bonds in 1963.
- Do not wire money; the Sheriff's Office (618-382-5321) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in White County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing here?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In White County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 301 E. Main Street, Carmi, IL 62821, 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.
- Saturdays and Sundays count in the 48 hours.
- For a petty offense, the Sheriff's Office may issue only a ticket.
What happens in a federal case from White County?
Federal charges skip the county courthouse. The court is 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). 18 U.S.C. 3142 governs release there. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Pretrial custody is with the U.S. Marshals Service. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I find someone moved from White County to prison?
A prison sentence starts 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 listWhich court handles criminal cases here?
Cases from White County are heard in the courthouse, 301 E. Main Street, Carmi, IL 62821. Circuit clerk: 618-382-2321. Search local cases on re:SearchIL or Judici.
White County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is a detention hearing locally?
Yes, but only after a hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The prosecutor must file first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). The detention hearing then takes place within 24 to 48 hours.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the charge qualifies for 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.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone breaks release rules locally?
Everyone released in White County must attend court in Carmi. Under 725 ILCS 5/110-10, judges may add:
- reporting to a pretrial officer,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- 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 listDoes this county have a public defender?
Yes, the public defender. Ask the county clerk, 618-382-2321. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhere do juveniles from the county go?
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. Juvenile records stay private.
↑ Back to the question listDoes the county hold people for immigration?
Not on a detainer alone. The Illinois TRUST Act (5 ILCS 805/15) blocks I-247A holds in this county. The county acts only on a judge's warrant.
- Agents may wait outside after a release.
- Since 2022, no Illinois jail rents beds to ICE.
- Try the ICE Online Detainee Locator System with an A-number or name.
What matters at a release hearing?
725 ILCS 5/110-5 guides the judges. They look at:
- the charge and the police report,
- any record of missing court,
- steady work or school locally,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Wealth has not mattered since 2023. Bring the Public Defender school records or rent receipts.
↑ Back to the question listIs my family member in custody here?
Search by name in VINELink.The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 618-382-7149. Step-by-step help is in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held here?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Family may attend court in Carmi.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- Sign up on 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.
White County Jail
Address:
108 North Main Cross
Carmi, IL 62821
Phone:
618-382-7149
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in White County
What kind of bonds are accepted in White County?
Who can set bail in White County?
When is bail set in White County Illinois?
Does White 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 White County?
Under the new system, if a White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White County?
Under the new system, if a White 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 White 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 White 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 White 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 White County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in White 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 White 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.
White County Online Bail Bond Payments
White County Jail uses a service called Court Money for paying an inmate's Bail Bond over the phone. This can also be used for other inmate expenses such as commissary.
Call them at 877-222-4668 for assistance.
To make a payment, you will need the following:
- Court of Jurisdiction - White County or the Municipal Court.
- White County Jail
- Payment Amount plus fees
- Full name of Arrestee/Defendant for whom payment is being made
- Arrestee/Defendant's Date of Birth
- Arrestee/Defendant's Booking Number
You can also pay an inmate's bond in the following ways:
- Local, licensed bail bondsman
- Cash
- Money Order
- Cashier's Check
- Credit Card
- Property Bond