Address:
650 West State Street
Rockford, IL 61102
Phone:
815-319-6600
A Bond Out fee of $50.00 is charged in addition to the required bond amount when getting an inmate out of jail.
The Bond and bond fee must be posted in person at the Bond Out office. The entrance to the Bond Out office is separate from the main entrance and is located off of West State Street.
Inmates either being bonded out or released can be picked up at the Bond Out office. The length of time to process an inmate for release may vary, but you can expect up to two hours.
The benefit of using a bail bond agent is that they take responsibility for making sure the inmate shows up for court in Winnebago County, and if they don't, then they take the responsibility.
Call 815-319-6600 to find out the exact bond (plus other fees) amount, or look it up online by looking up the information on the Winnebago County inmate locator.
Does Winnebago County have bail?
What kind of bonds are accepted in Winnebago County?
Who can set bail in Winnebago County?
When is bail set in Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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.
Bail bond procedures in Winnebago County and Illinois can vary, so it is best to contact Winnebago County Jail at 815-319-6600 or the court in the jurisdiction where the defendant was charged (e.g., Municipal Court, District Court) right after the arrest to confirm current policies.
Ask the staff at Winnebago County Jail or the Winnebago County Court Clerk these key questions:
If the bail amount seems high, you can contact a lawyer or the defendant’s public defender to explore options for a bail reduction. Starting the process early will help expedite the defendant’s release.
Having a lawyer or bail agent handle the details can help the process go smoothly.
Option 1 - How to Post Cash Bail at Winnebago County Jail
To post a cash bond, you need to pay the full bail amount in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
Bail amounts range from $100 to $75,000 or more depending on the charges.
You can post a cash bond at Winnebago County Jail or the court where the bail hearing took place. Going directly to the jail will speed up the process, as paperwork from the court must be transferred there.
Cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Winnebago County Jail, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, or the Winnebago County Court.
Money orders can be obtained from Western Union, Moneygram, or any Post Office.
Option 2 - How to Post a Surety Bond for a Defendant at Winnebago County Jail
If the full bond amount is not available, a surety bond is an option. A bail agent will post the bond in exchange for a premium, usually 10-15% of the total bail amount.
For example, if bail is set at $5,000, the premium will range from $500 to $750.
The bail agent may require collateral, such as property or valuables, to secure the bond in case the defendant fails to appear in court.
By signing an agreement with a bail agent, you become responsible for the full bail amount if the defendant does not appear in court.
Option 3 - How to Post a Property Bond for a Defendant at Winnebago County Jail
If you own property in Winnebago County, you may be able to post a property bond. All owners must be present to sign the bond agreement.
For properties outside of Winnebago County, contact a local bail agent or attorney for guidance.
Click here for more details about posting bail at Winnebago 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.
