Adult Pre-Trial Services

Pre-trial services provide initial bond reports on remanded (non-capital) felons to the judges and supervise defendants released into the community pending disposition.

Home Detention

The Home Detention Program incorporates electronic monitoring and serves as available alternative to secure detention as ordered by the Judge. Prescreening of potential candidates for the program is essential as it works best for selected cases where maximum parental responsibility and cooperation prevail.

Electronic Monitoring

This program is one of several supervision tools used by this department to provide effective services and enhance community safety. The primary purpose of electronic monitoring is to supplement probation officer contact in certain adult and juvenile cases. Electronic monitoring is used primarily by pre-trial supervision, and juvenile Home Detention.

Public Service

Public/Community Service is a valuable sentencing option. It allows offenders to pay for their crimes by working in the community at no cost to the agency or taxpayers. Public/Community Service also provides an opportunity for an offender to develop skills, which might aid him/her in experiencing a more productive life. Public service is utilized by both the adult and juvenile courts.

Victim Impact Panel

The Adult Division has organized and coordinated the McHenry County Victim Impact Panel Program since its inception in February 1993. The Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists has helped with the program. Participants are mostly D.U.I. offenders; however, some judges have ordered individuals charged with underage drinking and open liquor in vehicles to also attend to deter future law violations.

The panel consists of several speakers who volunteer to relate their personal stories, which usually involve tragic accidents, caused by drunk drivers. Speakers have experienced the death of a family member and/or they have endured serious injuries as well. Victim Impact Panels help offenders realize the potential harm they may inflict if they continue to drink and drive.

Specialty Courts

Information on specialty courts can be found through the 22nd Judicial Circuit's Office of Special Projects.