Intake Process

Individuals who have been placed under arrest may be transported to the Winnebago County Jail located in Forest City, Ia. In most cases the arresting agency makes the determination if an individual is to be held for bond or released at the time of arrest. Determining factors include, but are not limited to, the seriousness of the offense and the flight risk of the individual arrested, employment and ties to the community.

Upon arrival at the Jail, the individual arrested will be required to complete the following procedures:
• Property Inventory • Medical Screening • Fingerprinting • Photographing

Bond & Release

Individual bond is set by the Judicial Magistrate or District Court Judge, depending on the court of jurisdiction at the time of arrest. Persons arrested will appear before a magistrate judge within 24 hours of incarceration. The Magistrate sets his/her own schedule, method, and location for setting bond.

In most cases cash is the only acceptable method of posting bond. A Judge or Magistrate may accept cash or surety in some cases. All methods of bonding a person out of jail, other than cash, are the sole jurisdiction of the Court, not the Sheriff's Office.