Illinois Arrest Records

Illinois Public Records /Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Illinois?

Yes. Arrest records in Illinois are generally considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which provides citizens the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local agencies. This means that basic details such as arrest reports, booking information, and court case filings are accessible to the public through law enforcement agencies, county sheriff’s offices, and the Illinois Clerk of the Circuit Court in each county. The Illinois State Police – Bureau of Identification also serves as the central repository for statewide criminal history records.

However, access is not unlimited. Full criminal history reports, including non-conviction data, are restricted and may only be released to the individual involved, law enforcement, or authorized entities. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under 705 ILCS 405/1-7, and records sealed or expunged by court order pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 are not open to public inspection. Additionally, certain sensitive information, such as ongoing investigations or victim identities, may be exempt from disclosure to protect privacy and law enforcement operations.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Illinois?

Several laws govern access to arrest records in Illinois:

Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - 5 ILCS 140 is the primary law that provides the public with access to government records, including arrest records. This law establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted.
Illinois Criminal Identification Act - 20 ILCS 2630 regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information by law enforcement agencies in Illinois.
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act - 20 ILCS 3930 establishes the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and outlines policies for criminal justice information systems.
Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act - 20 ILCS 2635 governs the dissemination of conviction information to the public.
Record Sealing and Expungement Laws - 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 provides the legal framework for sealing and expunging criminal records in Illinois.

These laws collectively establish who can access arrest records, what information can be disclosed, and the procedures for requesting such records. They also outline protections for certain sensitive information and circumstances under which records may be sealed or expunged.

What Information Is Included in a Illinois Arrest Record?

An Illinois arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. Standard information included in these records consists of:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Booking information
Charges filed
Case numbers
Warrant information (if applicable)
Bond information
Court appearance dates
Disposition of the case (if available)
Incarceration details (if applicable)

Arrest records document the fact that an arrest occurred but do not necessarily indicate guilt or conviction. The disposition information, when included, shows the final outcome of the case, which could be dismissal, acquittal, conviction, or other resolution.

Some sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Illinois in 2025

There are several methods to obtain arrest records in Illinois in 2025:

In-Person Requests: You can request arrest records directly from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or from the county clerk's office where the case was processed. To do this, you will need to:

Visit the appropriate agency during business hours
Complete a request form
Provide identification
Pay any applicable fees
Specify the records you're seeking (providing as much identifying information as possible)

By Mail: Most agencies accept written requests for arrest records. Your request should include:

The full name of the person whose records you're seeking
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest
Case number (if known)
Your contact information
A copy of your identification
Payment for applicable fees

Online: Many Illinois counties and the Illinois State Police offer online access to certain arrest records. The process typically involves:

Visiting the agency's official website
Navigating to their records request portal
Creating an account (if required)
Submitting your request with the necessary information
Paying fees electronically
Receiving records via email or through an online portal

For comprehensive criminal history information, you can submit a request to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification:

Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police

Processing times vary depending on the agency and the complexity of the request, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Illinois

Finding arrest records online in Illinois has become increasingly accessible through various official portals and databases. Here are the primary online resources for locating arrest records in Illinois:

Illinois State Police Criminal History Information: The Illinois State Police offers an online system for requesting criminal history record information, including arrest records. The Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) allows authorized users to submit fingerprint-based and name-based background checks.

Illinois Unified Court System: The Illinois Courts website provides access to court records, which often include information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Some counties participate in a unified system, while others maintain their own separate databases.

County Sheriff's Offices: Many county sheriff's offices in Illinois maintain online inmate lookup tools and arrest record databases:

Municipal Police Departments: Larger police departments often provide online access to recent arrest information:

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Illinois?

Access to arrest records in Illinois varies depending on the requester's identity and purpose. Here's a breakdown of who can access these records:

General Public:

Can access basic arrest record information through FOIA requests
May view court records related to arrests
Can access conviction information through the Illinois State Police
May be restricted from viewing sealed or expunged records

The Arrested Individual:

Has the right to access their own complete arrest records
Can obtain fingerprint-based criminal history from the Illinois State Police
Can review their RAP (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) sheet

Law Enforcement Agencies:

Have complete access to all arrest records and criminal history information
Can view sealed and some expunged records for law enforcement purposes
Have access to interstate criminal databases

Government Agencies:

May access records for employment screening for sensitive positions
Can view records for licensing purposes
May have access to sealed records in specific circumstances

Employers:

Limited access based on job relevance and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act
Cannot ask about sealed or expunged records
Must comply with the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (Ban the Box law)

Licensing Boards:

Can access relevant criminal history for professional licensing decisions
May have statutory authority to view certain sealed records

Researchers and Media:

Can access public arrest records through FOIA
May face restrictions on publishing identifying information in certain cases

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction, limiting how this information can be used by employers and others.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Illinois?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in Illinois, which vary depending on the agency providing the records and the type of request. Here's a breakdown of common fees:

Illinois State Police:

Name-based criminal history check: $16
Fingerprint-based criminal history check: $20-$30
Electronic submission: Additional processing fees may apply

County Sheriff's Offices:

Fees typically range from $5-$25 per record
Certified copies may cost additional fees
Some counties charge per page for printed records

Municipal Police Departments:

Local arrest record: $5-$20
Incident reports: $5-$15
Additional fees for certified copies

County Clerk's Offices:

Court records related to arrests: $5-$25
Certified court documents: Additional $2-$10 per document
Copy fees: Typically $0.25-$1 per page

FOIA Requests:

First 50 pages are typically free
$0.15 per page for black and white copies beyond 50 pages
Actual cost for color copies or electronic media
Commercial requesters may be charged for search and review time

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

For individuals with demonstrated financial hardship
When the information is in the public interest
For certain non-profit organizations

Payment methods accepted typically include:

Cash (in-person requests only)
Money orders
Certified checks
Credit/debit cards (for online requests and some in-person services)
Electronic payments for online systems

It's advisable to contact the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fees, as these may change over time.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Illinois

In Illinois, arrest records are generally maintained indefinitely unless they are specifically sealed or expunged through legal processes. The retention periods for different types of criminal records are governed by the Illinois State Records Act and agency-specific retention schedules.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies unless expunged or sealed
Fingerprints: Retained indefinitely in the state's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Booking Photos: Typically kept permanently unless expunged
Misdemeanor Convictions: Maintained permanently in criminal history databases
Felony Convictions: Maintained permanently in criminal history databases
Juvenile Records: Generally maintained until the individual turns 18, with exceptions for serious offenses which may be kept longer

Special Circumstances:

Arrests Without Charges: Records are maintained but may be eligible for immediate sealing in some cases
Dismissed Cases: Records remain but are eligible for sealing under certain conditions
Acquittals: Records remain but are eligible for immediate sealing in most cases
Supervision Successfully Completed: Records remain but may be eligible for sealing after completion
Probation Successfully Completed: Records remain but may be eligible for sealing after a waiting period

The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information and generally does not remove records unless ordered by a court through the expungement or sealing process. Local agencies typically follow similar retention policies but may have some variation in their specific schedules.

Even when records are no longer actively maintained by an agency, they may still exist in archived formats or in databases that have received the information through information-sharing agreements.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Illinois Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Illinois, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights and comply with state laws. The following types of information are commonly redacted or restricted:

Personal Identifiers:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
State identification numbers
Financial account numbers
Personal telephone numbers
Home addresses of victims and witnesses
Dates of birth (may be partially redacted)
Biometric identifiers (other than photographs)

Sensitive Information:

Medical and mental health information
Information about juveniles (names and identifying details)
Identity of sexual assault victims
Information about child abuse victims
Confidential informant identities
Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury proceedings
Information protected by court orders

Law Enforcement Operational Details:

Tactical response procedures
Investigative techniques
Undercover officer identities
Information that could endanger officer safety
Intelligence gathering methodologies

Other Protected Information:

Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Records related to orders of protection
Information specifically exempted by other state or federal laws
Attorney-client privileged communications
Records protected by the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act

The redaction of information is governed by exemptions in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, particularly Section 7, which outlines specific categories of information that may be withheld from public disclosure.

Law enforcement agencies and courts make case-by-case determinations about what information should be redacted based on these legal guidelines and the specific circumstances of each case.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Illinois

Illinois law provides pathways for eligible individuals to seal or expunge their arrest records. The process differs depending on the case outcome and the nature of the charges.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement: Records are physically destroyed or returned to you; law enforcement agencies cannot access them
Sealing: Records are hidden from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement and some employers

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not lead to charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Certain non-conviction dispositions
Some misdemeanor and felony convictions (after waiting periods)
Successfully completed supervision or qualified probation

Eligibility for Sealing:

Most misdemeanor convictions
Some felony convictions (with exceptions for violent crimes, sex offenses, and other serious offenses)
Cases with successful completion of special probation programs

The Process:

Obtain Your Criminal Record: Request your criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police or the arresting agency.
File a Petition: Complete and file a Petition to Expunge or Seal with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the arrest or case occurred. Forms are available at Illinois Legal Aid Online.
Pay Filing Fees: Fees vary by county, typically $60-$120 per case. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Notification to Agencies: The Clerk will send copies of your petition to the State's Attorney, the arresting agency, and the Illinois State Police.
Waiting Period: Agencies have 60 days to object to your petition.
Court Hearing: If there are objections, a hearing will be scheduled. If no objections are filed, the judge may rule without a hearing.
Judge's Decision: If approved, the judge will issue an Order to Expunge or Seal.
Implementation: The Clerk distributes the order to all relevant agencies, which must comply within 60 days.

The legal basis for record sealing and expungement in Illinois is found in the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which was expanded by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and the Clean Slate Initiative.

For assistance with the process, you can contact:

Office of the State Appellate Defender
400 West Monroe, Suite 303
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 782-7203
Illinois OSAD

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Illinois?

Illinois law places significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations protect individuals from discrimination based on arrests that did not result in conviction.

Employment Restrictions:

The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) prohibits employers from using arrest records (without convictions) as a basis for employment decisions.
The Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act ("Ban the Box" law) prohibits employers from asking about criminal history until after an applicant has been determined qualified and notified of an interview or conditional offer.
Employers must conduct an individualized assessment before denying employment based on criminal history, considering factors like:
- Time elapsed since the offense
- Nature and gravity of the offense
- Relationship between the offense and the job sought

Housing Restrictions:

The Illinois Human Rights Act also applies to housing decisions, prohibiting discrimination based solely on arrest records.
Public housing authorities have specific guidelines for considering criminal history in housing decisions.
Some municipalities have "fair chance housing" ordinances with additional protections.

Licensing Restrictions:

The Illinois Fair Chance Licensing Act limits the use of criminal records in professional licensing decisions.
Licensing boards must consider evidence of rehabilitation and cannot deny licenses based solely on arrests without convictions.

Other Limitations:

Sealed and expunged records cannot be used against individuals in most contexts.
Records of juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality protections.
The Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act regulates how conviction information (as opposed to arrest information) can be disseminated and used.

Penalties for Misuse:

Violations of these restrictions can result in civil liability under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Improper disclosure of sealed or expunged records can result in criminal penalties.
Agencies that improperly share or maintain expunged records may face administrative sanctions.

These limitations reflect Illinois' policy of balancing public safety concerns with the recognition that an arrest alone does not indicate guilt and should not create barriers to employment, housing, or other opportunities.

Lookup Arrest Records in Illinois

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police

State Department of Corrections:

Illinois Department of Corrections
1301 Concordia Court
Springfield, IL 62794
(217) 558-2200
Illinois Department of Corrections

State Court System:

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
3101 Old Jacksonville Road
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 558-4490
Illinois Courts

Attorney General's Office:

Illinois Attorney General's Office
100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 814-3000
Illinois Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Cook County Sheriff's Office
50 West Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-6444
Cook County Sheriff

DuPage County Sheriff's Office
501 North County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-2000
DuPage County Sheriff

Lake County Sheriff's Office
25 South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-4000
Lake County Sheriff

Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 West Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 727-8575
Will County Sheriff

Kane County Sheriff's Office
37W755 IL Route 38
St. Charles, IL 60175
(630) 232-6840
Kane County Sheriff

McHenry County Sheriff's Office
2200 North Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-2144
McHenry County Sheriff

Winnebago County Sheriff's Office
650 West State Street
Rockford, IL 61102
(815) 282-2600
Winnebago County Sheriff

Madison County Sheriff's Office
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 692-6087
Madison County Sheriff

St. Clair County Sheriff's Department
700 North 5th Street
Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 277-3505
St. Clair County Sheriff

Champaign County Sheriff's Office
204 East Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-1204
Champaign County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Chicago Police Department
3510 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60653
(312) 746-6000
Chicago Police Department

Aurora Police Department
1200 East Indian Trail
Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 256-5000
Aurora Police Department

Rockford Police Department
557 South New Towne Drive
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 966-2900
Rockford Police Department

Naperville Police Department
1350 Aurora Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 420-6666
Naperville Police Department

Springfield Police Department
800 East Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 788-8311
Springfield Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Illinois:

FBI Chicago Field Office
2111 West Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 421-6700
FBI Chicago

U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Illinois
219 South Dearborn Street, Room 2444
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-5290
U.S. Marshals - Northern District of Illinois

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center
71 West Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 322-0567
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 435-5670
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Illinois