Persons arrested are normally allowed to post bond. The amount of bond is determined by law or by a judge. The state of Illinois allows it's residents to post ten-percent of the actual amount, but it does not recognize Bail Bondsmen (businesses established for the purpose of loaning individuals money to post bond). Most courts, including Williamson County, do not take personal checks or credit cards for bond. There are provisions for property bonds, however it is an involved process. Real estate must be worth at least twice the amount of the actual bond and have a clear title.

For traffic cases, the driver is allowed to post a valid operator's license, bail bond card, or cash to guarantee appearance.

All felony arrests require an appearance before a judge to determine bond. Non-felony charges have an established bond amount by law.

Most warrants have an established bond amount. For some civil or small claims warrants, the judge may elect to require the full bond amount instead of the ten-percent. On cases of contempt or failure to appear, the judge may order the person to appear before his/her court before setting a bond amount.

A cash bond can be posted at the Sheriff's Office 24-hours a day, 7-days per week. If you post bond for someone else, you may indicate on the bonding papers that the money is to be returned to you after the case is completed. You should also understand that if the person you post bond for does not appear in court as ordered, YOU MIGHT NOT GET YOUR BOND BACK. Bond is a guarantee that the person will appear in court. If they do not appear, the money is turned over to the county to cover expenses in finding that person.

Bond can only be reduced from an established amount by order of a judge. This is done is a "Bond Reduction Hearing". The Sheriff's Department or it's officers have no authority to take a lesser amount than called for by law or a judge.