Monroe County Arrest Records

When a Monroe County police officer arrests someone, an arrest record is created—even if the individual is ultimately not found guilty. This record is submitted to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for safekeeping. They encompass details of the events leading up to the arrest, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and the personal information of the arrestee. Per state law, arrest records become publicly accessible following its creation. In Monroe County, these records can be disseminated via the Sheriff’s mobile app. However, if the case proceeds to court, the arrest information may also be featured in Monroe County court records and other judicial documents.

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County?

Yes. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act was established to ensure citizens can obtain records maintained by state agencies. The Act guarantees public access to arrest records of law enforcement agencies in Monroe County. Record seekers can submit requests to view or copy arrest records in person at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments during regular business hours. However, the disclosure of arrest records that interfere with ongoing investigations or compromise a correctional facility’s security is prohibited.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A Monroe County arrest record can be accessed online or in person. It typically includes the offender’s full name, photograph, gender, age, and charges. This basic information helps record seekers identify the individual and the nature of the offense.

Monroe County Arrest Statistics

The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting (I-UCR) Program uses the NIBRS Arrest Trends Report to publish arrest statistics online for public access. The 2024 report reveals 91 arrests in Monroe County, a decrease from the previous year. About 12 of these arrests were for Group A offenses, and 79 were Group B offenses.

Find Monroe County Arrest Records

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) maintains the arrest records of over 29,000 offenders, including those from Monroe County. Record seekers can access their records online, by phone at (217) 558-2200, or in person at IDOC Facilities. The Individual in Custody Search tool helps find Monroe County arrest records online. The search parameters are last name, IDOC number, and birthdate.

Arrest records of Monroe County offenders can be retrieved from federal law enforcement agencies. These records are mostly available online for free. For example, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the United States Capitol Police (USCP), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) have online portals where members of the public can find arrest records. However, some agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), only make arrest records available to the subjects of records for a fee.

Free Arrest Record Search in Monroe County

Individuals can download the Monroe County Sheriff’s app from their Google Play or Apple app store to conduct an inmate search for free. Users should click the Inmate Search tool on the app’s homepage to view the arrest information of all inmates in Monroe County Jail. Enter a name on the available search box to help quickly locate an inmate.

Alternatively, record seekers can utilize third-party platforms to conduct free arrest record searches. These platforms require users to input a name as the search parameter. The platform will then provide basic details for all inmates in the database matching the specified name.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Monroe County, an arrest generally remains on a person’s record indefinitely, unless the individual takes action to expunge or seal it. Expungement removes the record from public access. Local law enforcement agencies also follow retention schedules under Illinois law. For instance, misdemeanor crime files may be deleted or destroyed after three years in certain circumstances.

Expunge Monroe County Arrest Records

Expungement refers to the Act of physically destroying a person’s arrest record or returning it to them and removing their name from any official database. Petitioners who meet the requirements outlined in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 may file a petition with the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk to have their arrest records expunged.

• STEP 1: The petitioner must get a copy of their criminal records from the Illinois State Police (ISP). To do this, they must visit the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours to obtain their criminal history transcripts through the Illinois Access and Review process. The Sheriff’s Office will require fingerprints and personal information from the applicants and forward them to the ISP. The ISP will mail the criminal history transcript with a Record Challenge form to the address provided by the petitioner.
• STEP 2: The petitioner must complete the Request to Expunge & Impound and/or Seal Criminal Records or Additional Arrests or Cases for Expungement (if they have more cases to expunge) and file it with the Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk in person, by mail, or online.
• STEP 3: The Petitioner must send a completed Notice of Filing for Expungement and/or Sealing form to their arresting agency and prosecutor to notify them of their expungement request. These agencies have 60 days to respond to the notification.
• STEP 4: If the judge approves the petitioner’s request, the Monroe County Circuit Clerk will send a copy of the Order to Expunge & Impound and/or Seal Criminal Records form to the arresting agency and prosecutor listed on the petitioner’s Notice of Filing for Expungement and/or Sealing form. These agencies must expunge the petitioner’s arrest record within 60 days. The ISP will send the petitioner a letter stating that they have expunged their records.

Monroe County Arrest Warrants

The 725 ILCS 5/107-1 defines an arrest warrant as a written order issued by a court directing a peace officer to arrest a person. A court will only issue an arrest warrant when it appears from a complaint and the examination of the complainant or other witnesses that the defendant has committed a crime. According to 725 ILCS 5/107-9, a Monroe County arrest warrant must be in writing, and it must:

• Specify the defendant’s name, sex, and date of birth. However, the judge can designate the defendant by any name or description if this information is unknown.
• Specify the offense committed by the defendant
• State the issuing date and county
• Have the judge’s signature with the title of the judge’s office
• A command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the issuing court
• Specify the conditions of pretrial release

Do Monroe County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Monroe County, arrest warrants do not expire. They remain in effect until they are resolved through legal processes, ensuring that individuals cannot avoid justice by simply eluding arrest for an extended period. Failing to address an active warrant can lead to additional charges, higher bail, or even denial of bail.