McLean County Detention Center Inmate Bail & Bonds

Search for an Inmate in McLean County

McLean County Detention Center

Address:
104 West Front Street
Bloomington, IL 61702

Phone:

309-888-5065

Frequently Asked Questions

Paying an Inmate's Bail or Bond in McLean County

The McLean County Sheriff recommends that you might want to use a bail bond agent licensed to do business in McLean County.

However if you don't want to use a bail bond agent:

  • You can always pay a cash bond yourself, or use your home in McLean County, or in some cases the state of Illinois, but the benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in McLean County, and if they don't, then they take the financial responsibility.
  • The typical fee for a bond in Illinois is between 10-20% of the bail amount; usually 15% or less.  So if an offender has a bail of $10,000.00, their bond will be $1,500.00.
  • Pay by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit card at the McLean County Detention Center, or the courthouse in McLean County where the offense took place.

Call 309-888-5065 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the McLean County inmate locator.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bail and Bonds in McLean County


Does McLean County have bail?

What kind of bonds are accepted in McLean County?

Who can set bail in McLean County?

When is bail set in McLean County Illinois?


 

 

Does McLean 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 McLean County?

Under the new system, if a McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Detention Center 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County? 

Under the new system, if a McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County Illinois?

This would not apply to Illinois because money bail is not recognized.

What options are there to pay bail in McLean 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 McLean 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.

There are multiple ways to add money to pay an inmate's bond that is in McLean County Detention Center, using Access Corrections Secure Deposits

1. Online - Making a deposit using a verified Visa or Mastercard online, or using their Apple or Android App.
2. By phone - Dial 866.345.1884 to reach their 24/7 Access Corrections domestic call centers.
3. Jail Lobby Kiosk - Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
4. Mail-in Lockbox - Friends or Family who do not have a credit or debit card can mail money orders to their secure lockbox to make deposits to an inmate’s account. Depositors use a customized form that captures all needed information. Upon receipt, they process and post the deposits to the inmate's trust fund in approximately 48 hours.

Money orders may be mailed to inmates at:
Access Corrections
P.O. Box 12486
St. Louis, MO 63132

Money orders must be made out to "Access Secure Deposits".
Include the state, city, inmate name and ID number on all money orders.

5. Walk-in Cash Deposits - Go to any Cash Pay Today location to deposit cash to your inmate's account.

Secure Deposits - Frequently Asked Questions
Secure Deposits - Video Tutorial on How it Works
Secure Deposits - Help Pages

Customer Service Contacts:
Phone: 866-345-1884
Emailcustomerservice@accesscorrections.com
Online Chat - Look for 'bubble' on bottom right of the page linked here.

Instructions on how to post Bail or Bond in McLean County

Because bail bond procedures in McLean County and Illinois can change, it’s always a good idea to call either McLean County Detention Center at 309-888-5065, or the court in the relevant jurisdiction (i.e., Municipal Court, District Court, etc.) immediately after the defendant has been booked.

Ask the staff at McLean County Detention Center or the McLean County Court Clerk these specific questions:

  1. Is the defendant eligible for bail or a bond?
  2. What is the amount of bail or bond, and are there any additional fees?
  3. Where do I go to post the bail or bond?
  4. Are there certain hours when bail cannot be posted?
  5. What forms of payment are accepted—cash, credit, or money order? Can I use property or a surety bond?
  6. Do I need to hire a bail or bond agent?

If you think the bail amount is too high, contact a lawyer or the public defender to discuss the possibility of a bail reduction. Acting quickly will help secure the defendant’s release sooner.

Working with a criminal attorney or bail agent can streamline the process and make it less stressful.

Option 1 - How to Post Bail with Cash at McLean County Detention Center

A cash bond requires you to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.

The amount could range from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the charge.

To pay the bond, you can go directly to McLean County Detention Center or to the court where the hearing occurred. Going to the jail will speed up the process, as paperwork from the court needs to be sent there for the release.

Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made out to McLean County Detention Center, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, or the McLean 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 McLean County Detention Center

If you don’t have the full bail amount, you can post a surety bond by working with a bail agent. The agent posts the bond in exchange for a premium, which is usually 10-15% of the bail amount.

For instance, if the bail is $5,000, the premium will cost between $500 and $750.

The bail agent may require collateral, such as property or valuable items, to ensure payment if the defendant doesn’t 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 McLean County Detention Center

Property owners in McLean County may be able to post a property bond using real estate as collateral. All property owners must be present to sign the bond.

For information on using property outside of McLean County, consult a local bail agent or defense attorney.

Click here for more details about posting bail at McLean County Detention Center.

Who can post Bail or Bond for a Defendant at McLean County Detention Center?

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.

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