Address:
844 W. Lincoln Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone:
815-844-5774
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.
Does Livingston County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Livingston County?
Who can set bail in Livingston County?
When is bail set in Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 bail bond procedures can vary in Livingston County and Illinois, it is always best to contact Livingston County Jail at 815-844-5774 or the court where the defendant was charged, such as the Municipal or District Court, immediately after an arrest. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
When calling Livingston County Jail or the Livingston County Court Clerk, be sure to ask the following questions:
If the bail amount seems too high, you may want to contact a lawyer or public defender to explore the possibility of getting it reduced. Starting this process quickly will help speed up the defendant's release.
A criminal attorney or bail agent can help manage the process and make it more efficient.
Option 1 - How to Post Bail with Cash at Livingston County Jail
A cash bond requires you to pay the full amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Bail amounts can range from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the offense.
To post the bond, visit Livingston County Jail or the court where the bail hearing took place. Going to the jail directly will expedite the release, as paperwork from the court must be sent there.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made out to Livingston County Jail, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, or the Livingston County Court.
You can purchase money orders at Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond for a Defendant at Livingston County Jail
If you cannot afford the full bail amount, a surety bond is another option. A bail agent will post the bond in exchange for a premium, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount.
For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium will be between $500 and $750.
Bail agents often require collateral, such as property or valuables, to secure the bond in case the defendant does not appear in court.
When you sign an agreement with a bail agent, you are responsible for paying the full bail amount if the defendant fails to appear in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Livingston County Jail
If you own property in Livingston County, you may be able to post a property bond. All owners of the property must be present to sign the bond in order for it to be valid.
To find out if property outside Livingston County can be used, contact a local bail agent or attorney.
For more information, click here for details on posting bail at Livingston 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.
