A court may order a defendant to pretrial supervision during an ongoing criminal case. OSPS oversees pretrial supervision for defendants in 82 of Illinois’ 102 counties.
Important Facts About Pretrial Supervision
- Supervision requirements vary by case and defendant.
- Requirements can include check-ins with Pretrial Service Officers, drug tests and GPS monitoring, among others.
- A judge can change requirements during the case.
- OSPS is required to report compliance to the court.
- Failure to comply can result in court-imposed sanctions, including pretrial detention.
To understand your specific supervision requirements, please consult the records provided to you in court, contact your attorney and contact your assigned Pretrial Service Officer.
Please use the Pretrial Service Directory to locate your Pretrial Service Officer, case information and court contact information.
For general questions about supervision, please reach out to pretrialservices@ilosps.gov.
If a defendant is ordered to GPS monitoring, it may include:
- An order to stay in a specific location during specific hours. This is called an ‘inclusion zone’ and is typically the defendant’s residence.
- An order to stay away from specific locations, also called ‘exclusion zones.’
Depending on the court order, GPS monitoring may allow the defendant to leave their inclusion zones for specific purposes and/or during specific days and hours.
To understand your specific GPS requirements, please consult the records provided to you in court, contact your attorney and contact your Pretrial Service Officer.
Contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit
For general questions:
em@ilosps.gov
217-280-5872
To request movement please fill out this form.
To request a change of address please fill out this form.
Frequently Asked Questions about Supervision
What is Pretrial Supervision?
Pretrial Supervision is court-ordered monitoring of a defendant awaiting trial. OSPS monitors compliance with release conditions and provides support as needed.
What are the requirements of my pretrial supervision?
Supervision conditions are set by the judge and may include check-ins, drug testing, GPS monitoring, or curfews. Check your court orders or contact your attorney or Pretrial Service Officer for the details of your case.
How long will I be on pretrial supervision?
If
you are placed on pretrial supervision, you will remain on supervision until
the court enters an order removing supervision or your case is resolved.
How often do I have to report to my Pretrial Service Officer?
Reporting frequency is individualized and depends on the circumstances of your case. Speak with your Pretrial Service Officer for details on reporting requirements outside of your mandatory court attendance.
What if I miss a court date?
Contact your attorney and Pretrial Service Officer immediately. A warrant may be issued for your arrest for failure to attend court.
Can I leave Illinois while on pretrial supervision?
Some court orders restrict travel. Check your court orders or contact your attorney or Pretrial Service Officer before leaving the state if you are unsure if this restriction is applied to your case.
If I move or change my address, what should I do?
It is your responsibility to keep the Circuit Clerk’s Office informed of your current address. You should also notify your attorney and Pretrial Service Officer of any address or telephone number changes.
How can I be reminded of my court dates?
Contact your Pretrial Service Officer to ensure you receive court date reminder options.
Who do I contact if I have information on a pretrial client?
Contact the local Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services office, the state’s attorney’s office, or law enforcement.
How do I comply with the state registration requirements?
For information on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry or the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry please visit the Illinois State Police’s Website.
Frequently Asked Questions about GPS
How often should I charge the ankle monitor?
The ankle monitor needs to be charged at least 2 hours a day. It is recommended to not charge the monitor while sleeping because movement could dislodge the charging cord.
I received a call or text message from the Electronic Monitoring Unit, what should I do?
You must get in touch with the unit as soon as possible. Call 217-280-5872 and follow any directives left on your voicemail or in the text message. Failure to comply could result in a violation of your pretrial release conditions.
What should I do if I need to change jobs or work schedule?
Modifications of your employment as well as the time you leave your inclusion zone must be approved by OSPS, and in some cases may require court approval. Contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit and your Pretrial Service Officer to request such a change. Please also consult your court order and attorney to ensure the conditions of your release do not prohibit your employment changes.
What should I do if I need to move?
Relocating from your approved residence requires advance approval of the court or OSPS. If you anticipate relocating, please contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit and your Pretrial Service Officer to request such a change. It is also advisable to inform your attorney. Please consult your court order and attorney to ensure the conditions of your release do not prohibit your relocation or the location of where you want to move to.
What should I do if I want to leave the house for shopping, medical appointments or other reasons?
Leaving your designated inclusion zone (typically your residence) outside of previously approved times must be requested and approved by OSPS and in some cases may require court approval. Contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit and your Pretrial Service Officer to request such a change in approved movement. Please consult your court order and attorney to ensure the conditions of your release do not prohibit you from going to any of the locations you wish to visit.
What should I do if my ankle monitor is sounding an alarm?
If your device is making an audible noise and you are unsure why, contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit at 217-280-5872.
What should I do if my ankle monitor is vibrating?
Your device may vibrate for various reasons. If your device is vibrating and you are unsure why, contact the Electronic Monitoring Unit at 217-280-5872.
What should I do with my equipment when I’m discharged from the program?
Please
contact your pretrial services officer or the Electronic Monitoring Unit at
217-280-5872 or em@illinoiscourts.gov
to arrange a time to drop off the equipment.