Woodford County Jail Inmate Bail & Bonds
Release After an Arrest in Woodford County
Most adults arrested in Woodford County are held at the Woodford County Jail, 111 E. Court Street, Eureka, IL 61530. Booking can be reached at 309-467-2375. For a name check, open the inmate list. Money stopped deciding release in Woodford County on September 18, 2023, with the Pretrial Fairness Act (725 ILCS 5/110). A judge at the county courthouse now makes that call.
Is there still cash bail in Woodford County?
No money is needed, since Woodford 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 (309-467-2375) never asks for it.
- Testing or GPS fees in Woodford County are separate from bail.
How fast is the first hearing locally?
Illinois expects a first appearance within 48 hours. In Woodford County, that hearing is held at the courthouse, 115 N. Main Street, Eureka, IL 61530, 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.
How are minors handled after an arrest?
Youth under 18 are kept out of the County Jail. Youth go to a juvenile Detention Center the court chooses. The Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-415) sets a 40-hour hearing deadline. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit keeps juvenile files closed to the public.
↑ Back to the question listHow do I reach the circuit clerk?
Woodford County is part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit; its court sits at the courthouse, 115 N. Main Street, Eureka, IL 61530. The clerk answers at 309-467-3312. Search local cases on re:SearchIL and Judici.
Woodford County has no city court: Illinois ended justice-of-the-peace courts in 1964.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is a detention hearing here?
Only for some charges listed in 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. A petition to deny release comes first (725 ILCS 5/110-6.1). A hearing comes next, within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
Keeping someone in the county jail takes clear and convincing proof that:
- the offense is one that allows detention;
- release would endanger someone;
- 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 listDoes the county have a public defender?
Yes, the public defender. Ask the county clerk, 309-467-3312. After a conviction, help comes from the Office of the State Appellate Defender.
↑ Back to the question listWhat matters at a release hearing?
The law at 725 ILCS 5/110-5 lists the factors:
- how serious the charge is,
- criminal history and any skipped hearings,
- ties to family, work and school,
- and whether conditions could protect others.
Since 2023, wealth decides nothing. Give the Public Defender pay stubs or a lease.
↑ Back to the question listWhat comes after a prison term here?
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 listDoes 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.
Where can I look up an inmate?
Look up the person in the inmate list.VINELink works as a backup. The Sheriff's Office may post new bookings late. Or call 309-467-2375. More tips are in our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listWhat rules can come with release locally?
Everyone released in Woodford County must attend court in Eureka. Extra rules under 725 ILCS 5/110-10 can include:
- check-ins with pretrial services,
- staying away from an alleged victim,
- a curfew or home confinement,
- testing and surrender of firearms.
Violations lead to a new hearing under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.
↑ Back to the question listWhat if someone from Woodford County is charged with a federal crime?
A federal case does not stay here. Woodford 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). A magistrate judge rules on release under 18 U.S.C. 3142. A magistrate may set a money bond (18 U.S.C. 3142(c)). Before trial, the U.S. Marshals Service has custody. Once sentenced, search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
↑ Back to the question listHow can I help someone held locally?
- Note the charge and local hearing date.
- Go to the hearing; it is open.
- See the phone call guide.
- Deposits: sending money.
- 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.
Woodford County Jail
Address:
111 E. Court Street
Eureka, IL 61530
Phone:
309-467-2375
Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in Woodford County
Does Woodford County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Woodford County?
Who can set bail in Woodford County?
When is bail set in Woodford County Illinois?
Does Woodford 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 Woodford County?
Under the new system, if a Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford County?
Under the new system, if a Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford 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 Woodford County Illinois?
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
What options are there to pay bail in Woodford 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 Woodford 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.