SAFE-T Act & No-Cash Bail in Illinois: How Pretrial Detention Works in Sangamon County

How the SAFE-T Act Changed Pretrial Release in Illinois

Illinois no longer uses cash bail to decide who gets released before trial. A person is not supposed to stay in jail only because they cannot afford to pay money.

Instead, courts focus on risk.

Judges decide whether a defendant should be released, released with conditions, or detained while the criminal case is pending. This process is handled under Article 110 of the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure, including 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1, which governs denial of pretrial release.

How Pretrial Detention Hearings Work in Sangamon County

In Sangamon County, pretrial hearings usually happen early after an arrest. The court decides whether the person can be released while the case continues or whether detention is legally justified.

Sangamon County criminal cases are handled through the 7th Judicial Circuit. The Sangamon County Courthouse is located at 200 South 9th Street, Springfield, IL 62701.

If prosecutors want the defendant held in custody before trial, they must file a verified petition and ask the judge to deny pretrial release. The judge then holds a detention hearing and decides whether the legal standard for detention has been met.

Who Controls Pretrial Release Decisions in Illinois

A judge makes the detention decision.

The prosecutor may request detention, but detention is not automatic. The State must ask for it and present reasons why release would not be enough.

The defense can argue for release, challenge the State’s claims, and propose conditions that address the court’s concerns.

Possible release conditions may include:

• No-contact orders
• Travel restrictions
• Check-ins with pretrial services
• Electronic monitoring
• Weapon restrictions
• Drug or alcohol restrictions
• Court appearance requirements

What Illinois Judges Consider Before Releasing Someone Pretrial

Judges review the facts of the case before deciding whether a person should be released or detained.

Common factors include:

• The charge
• The person’s criminal history
• The strength of the evidence
• Public safety concerns
• Willful flight risk
• Prior failures to appear
• Whether release conditions can reduce risk
• Whether a specific person may be at risk
• Whether weapons were involved
• Whether the person has community ties

The question is not whether the person has money. The question is whether the law allows detention and whether release conditions are enough.

What To Expect at a Pretrial Hearing in Springfield, IL

Sangamon County is part of Illinois’ 7th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Morgan, and Scott counties.

Pretrial hearings in Springfield can move fast. A defendant or family member may need to understand the charge, release conditions, detention petition, court date, and next steps within a short time.

Local court procedure matters because the hearing affects whether the defendant goes home or remains in custody while the case continues.

How Defense Attorneys Challenge Pretrial Detention Requests

Andrew Affrunti can review the arrest, charge, police reports, detention petition, and release concerns before the hearing.

At a pretrial hearing, he may argue for release, challenge the State’s detention request, propose release conditions, and explain why detention is not necessary.

He may also address:

• Public safety claims
• Flight risk claims
• No-contact conditions
• Electronic monitoring
• Work or family obligations
• Weak evidence
• Search or arrest issues
• Prior court appearance history
• Sangamon County court procedure

Early defense matters because pretrial decisions can shape the rest of the case.

What Families Should Do Right After a Springfield Arrest

Families often feel confused after an arrest because the process moves quickly. One of the first questions is whether the person will be released or detained.

If your loved one is in custody, gather basic information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Charge if known
• Arresting agency
• Court date if available
• Location of custody
• Any paperwork received
• Any release conditions already ordered

Do not contact alleged victims or witnesses if a no-contact order may apply. Do not encourage the defendant to explain the case to police or anyone else without legal advice. Learn more about what happens when you’re arrested in Springfield, IL.

If you need help with a detention hearing or criminal charge, a criminal defense attorney in Springfield IL can review the case and protect your rights from the start.

If someone was arrested and needs immediate guidance, read our guide on what to do after being arrested in Springfield IL. If you’re facing DUI charges, learn about the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test.

Common Questions About Illinois SAFE-T Act Hearings

What Does the Illinois SAFE-T Act Actually Do?

The SAFE-T Act is a broader Illinois criminal justice law. One major part, the Pretrial Fairness Act, ended cash bail and changed how courts decide release or detention before trial.

Is Cash Bail Still Used in Illinois?

No. Illinois no longer uses cash bail. Judges decide whether someone is released, released with conditions, or detained based on legal standards, not the ability to pay money.

What Does Pretrial Detention Mean in Sangamon County?

Pretrial detention means a person stays in custody while the criminal case is pending. In Sangamon County, a judge decides detention after reviewing the charge, public safety, flight risk, and whether release conditions would be enough.

Who Decides Pretrial Release in Illinois Criminal Cases?

A judge decides whether someone is released or detained before trial. Prosecutors may request detention, and the defense may argue for release or propose conditions.

What Happens During an Illinois Detention Hearing?

At a pretrial detention hearing, prosecutors explain why they believe detention is necessary. The defense can challenge that request, present arguments, and ask for release with conditions.

What Release Conditions Can Illinois Courts Impose?

The court may order conditions such as no-contact orders, travel limits, check-ins, electronic monitoring, weapon restrictions, drug or alcohol restrictions, and required court appearances.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps at a Detention Hearing

Yes. A lawyer can review the detention request, argue for release, challenge the State’s claims, and propose conditions that address the judge’s concerns.