Address:
235 N. American
Paxton, IL 60957
Phone:
217-379-2324
A judge can still order that you be detained if they determine:
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.
What kind of bonds are accepted in Ford County?
Who can set bail in Ford County?
When is bail set in Ford County Illinois?
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.
Under the new system, if a Ford 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.
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.
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.
Bail is what the arrested in Ford 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 Ford 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.
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.
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.
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.
Under the new system, if a Ford 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.
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.
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.
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.
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
This would not apply to Illinois because bail money is not recognized.
This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.
Illinois does not require money down because it is a no bail state. There might be fees to pay however.
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.
Since Ford County and Illinois may periodically update their bail bond procedures, it is always a good idea to contact either Ford County Jail at 217-379-2324, or the court in the appropriate jurisdiction (i.e., Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) where the defendant was charged, immediately after an arrest has been made.
When you contact Ford County Jail or the Ford County Court Clerk, be sure to ask the following important questions:
If the bail amount seems too high, you can seek a reduction by contacting a lawyer or the defendant's public defender, who may be able to expedite the process and secure a lower bail.
Having a criminal attorney or a bail agent manage this process will often make it more efficient and less stressful.
Option 1 - How to Post Bail with Cash for a Defendant at Ford County Jail
One way to post bail is by paying the full amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Depending on the crime, the bail could range from $100 to $75,000 or more.
To post a cash bond, visit Ford County Jail or the court where the bail hearing took place. Visiting the jail directly can expedite the defendant’s release, as paperwork from the court must first be transferred to the jail.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Ford County Jail, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, or the Ford County Court, depending on where the defendant is being held.
Money orders can be purchased from Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Private or Surety Bond for a Defendant at Ford County Jail
If the full bond amount is not available, a private bond or surety bond is another option. This involves working with a bail agent or bondsman who will post the entire bail amount in exchange for a premium payment, usually 10-15% of the total bond.
For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium would typically cost between $500 and $750.
Bail agents may require collateral, such as a lien on a house, car, or valuable items like jewelry, to secure the bond. This collateral ensures the bail agent is compensated if the defendant fails to appear in court.
By signing an agreement with a bail agent, the signatory accepts responsibility for the full bail amount if the defendant does not show up in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Ford County Jail
If you own property in Ford County, you may be able to post a property bond to secure the defendant's release. Property located within Ford County can be used as collateral, but all property owners must be present to sign the bond.
For questions about using property outside Ford County, contact a local bail agent or defense attorney for guidance.
For more information, click here for details on posting bail at Ford County Jail.
Anyone over the age of 18 who can produce a valid government-issued photo ID can post bail. Accepted forms of ID include a Photo Driver's License, Passport, or Motor Vehicle issued ID.
In many circumstances, if the defendant has the resources, they can post their own cash bail from jail.
Surety Bonds are arranged by a third party, typically a Illinois state licensed Bail Bond firm.
Juveniles may only be bailed or bonded out of custody by a parent or legal guardian.