Perry County Arrest Records

Arrests in Perry County, Illinois, become necessary the moment law enforcement officers have probable cause to be absolutely convinced that an individual has committed a crime. Arrests can happen with or without a warrant, depending on the circumstances outlined under Illinois state laws.

Perry County inmates are held at Perry County Jail, located at 12 E. Water Street in Pinckneyville, Illinois, which operates under the supervision of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is the primary agency responsible for generating and maintaining arrest records within the county. These records document the arrest process, including booking information, charges filed, and custody details.

Arrest records are closely related to other public records in the criminal justice system, including Perry County Court Records, which contain information about court proceedings and judicial rulings. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s interaction with the law enforcement and court systems in Perry County.

Are Arrest Records Public in Perry County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Perry County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This legislation establishes that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding government activities, including arrests made by law enforcement agencies.

However, certain exemptions apply. Arrest records that could jeopardize the safety or privacy of individuals, compromise active police investigations, or interfere with ongoing criminal justice proceedings may be restricted from public access under 5 ILCS 140/7.

Additionally, juvenile arrest records for individuals under 18 years of age are not accessible to the general public. Only the subject of the record, authorized public entities, or third parties with judicial orders may access restricted arrest records. To obtain Perry County arrest records, interested parties may contact:

Perry County Sheriff’s Office
12 E. Water Street,
P.O. Box 350, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-5212

Perry County Arrest Statistics

Perry County arrest statistics, drawn from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and Illinois State Police, reported approximately 120 total arrests in 2024. There were 25 violent crime arrests, such as aggravated assault; 45 property crime arrests, mainly theft; and 30 drug-related arrests, per UCR NIBRS data. Incarceration stats show an average daily jail population of 45, with 80% pre-trial detainees. These figures, from the Perry County Sheriff’s Office annual report, reflect proactive policing amid rural challenges like substance abuse.

Find Perry County Arrest Records

Locating Perry County arrest records involves state and federal resources for inmate and record searches:

• The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) “Individual In Custody” search portal enables queries by name or ID for state inmates, providing information on location, sentence details, and photos.
• For county jail inmates, use the Perry County Sheriff’s Office app or call (618) 357-5212 for current holdings.
• For Federal inmates, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) operates an inmate locator system that searches all federal correctional facilities nationwide.
• Individuals seeking arrest records can also request information directly from the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk’s office, as arrest records often become part of court case files:
  Perry County Sheriff’s Office
  12 E. Water Street,
  P.O. Box 350, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
  Phone: (618) 357-5212

Perry County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records serve different purposes and contain distinct information in Perry County. An arrest record documents the fact that law enforcement took an individual into custody based on probable cause or a warrant, but it does not indicate guilt or conviction.

According to 20 ILCS 2630/5, Illinois law requires that arrest records be maintained separately from conviction information. An arrest record typically includes the individual’s identifying information, booking details, charges filed, and custody status. In contrast, a criminal record encompasses a broader range of information, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, sentences, and dispositions.

Importantly, individuals may have arrest records without having criminal convictions. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act mandates this separation to prevent confusion between arrest and conviction.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Illinois, arrest records generally remain on an individual’s record indefinitely unless they are expunged or sealed through legal proceedings. Arrests do not automatically disappear after a certain period of time. However, Illinois law provides mechanisms for removing or restricting access to arrest information under specific circumstances. According to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may be eligible to expunge arrest records if:

• They were arrested but not charged,
• Charges were dismissed,
• They were acquitted
• They successfully completed certain supervision programs after specified waiting periods.

For cases resulting in supervision, a 2-year waiting period typically applies before expungement eligibility, though certain offenses like DUI, reckless driving, and sexual offenses against minors are permanently ineligible for expungement.

For arrests that resulted in convictions, expungement is generally not available in Perry County. However, sealing may be an option after a three-year waiting period from the completion of the sentence. For example, minor cannabis offenses involving 30 grams or less became eligible for automatic expungement following legislation passed in 2019.

Perry County Arrest Warrants

Under the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure (725 ILCS 5/107-9), arrest warrants are issued by judges or magistrates based on probable cause that an offense has been committed. The issuance process begins when a complaint is presented to the court, supported by sworn testimony or affidavit establishing probable cause. The complaint must identify the accused, state the offense charged, and specify the time and place of the alleged offense. If the judge determines that probable cause exists, a warrant will be issued.

Illinois law requires all arrest warrants to be in writing, specify the individual’s name and identifying characteristics, state the nature of the offense, indicate the date and county of issuance, and be signed by the issuing judge. The warrant must also command that the person be arrested and brought before the court. Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to arrest the named individual at any time and any location within their jurisdiction.

Do Perry County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Perry County arrest warrants do not expire automatically, remaining active indefinitely until executed, quashed, or recalled by the court. This aligns with Illinois law (725 ILCS 5/109-1), emphasizing the persistent pursuit of justice. Felony warrants persist beyond the statute of limitations; misdemeanors may align with offense timelines (1-3 years).

Factors influencing validity include case dismissal, death of the subject, or judicial recall. No specific expiration date, but policies require periodic review for staleness. Extradition warrants extend statewide or nationally if endorsed. Subjects can resolve via an attorney petition, avoiding surprises like traffic stops leading to arrest.

Expunge Perry County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Perry County can be expunged under specific conditions outlined in the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Eligibility for expungement depends on the outcome of the arrest and the nature of the offense. Individuals may qualify for expungement if they were arrested but not charged, if charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal, or if they successfully completed supervision programs after required waiting periods.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Perry County Circuit Court, located at:

Perry County Circuit Court
1 Public Square,
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-6726

The petition must include detailed information about the arrest, including case numbers, dates, charges, and dispositions. Petitioners must also obtain their criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police. Petitioners must file in the Perry Circuit Court with $284 fee (waivable). After filing, the court notifies the State’s Attorney, arresting agency, and Illinois State Police, who have 60 days to object.

If no objection is filed, the court typically grants the petition. If objections are raised, a hearing is scheduled where the judge considers factors including the strength of evidence, reasons for retention, and the petitioner’s age and employment history.

Official forms and guidance are available through the Illinois State Appellate Defender’s office and Illinois Legal Aid Online. Filing fees typically range from $120-$160, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.