Sangamon County Arrest Records

People suspected of violating state law in Sangamon County are usually apprehended and confined to answer for the alleged crimes. They are sometimes taken into custody by police officers without warrants, provided reasonable cause exists. In other situations, law enforcement secures warrants to execute arrests.

Law enforcement routinely documents the incident surrounding the arrest and creates records containing the individual's name, alleged offense, the code that may have been violated, booking number, and jail facility.

These records are important because they are used to track the arrested individual’s criminal trial, prepare their trial defense and prosecution, and determine their sentence if found guilty. Loved ones can also use records of arrest to locate detained individuals in Sangamon County so that they can process their bills and temporary release.

People looking for such records can go through the arresting agency or the County's Court clerks since arrest records become part of Sangamon County Court records if the person is charged and prosecuted.

Are Arrest Records Public in Sangamon County?

Yes, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) codifies the public's right to view or copy records in the possession of law enforcement agencies. 7O5 ILCS 86/ (Illinois Court Record and Document Accessibility Act) also permits anybody to access records maintained by court clerks, including arrest information.

However, these laws do not guarantee the viewing and collection of every type of arrest or court record. Records that may be restricted typically include:

• Mental health information
• Investigation records with details of arrests
• Names and private details of confidential sources and certain crime victims
• Sensitive personal information like social security driver's license, passport number
• Financial information like bank account details, credit card numbers, and insurance information
• Juvenile arrest proceedings and court records
• Sealed and expunged court records containing arrest information

Restricted and protected information may be blocked to the general public but can be accessed by certain entities, including the subject of the record and their legal representatives, law enforcement agencies, courts, and parties with valid court orders.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Per 5 ILCS 140/2.15, law enforcement agencies are allowed to release the following:

• Identifying information: Name, age, photograph, and address of the arrestee.
• Charges: Offenses, alleged offenses committed by the arrestee which could be multiple for a single arrest.
• Arrest details: The date, time and location of the arrest,name of the arresting and investigating law enforcement agents.
• Processing information: Booking number, booking dates etc.
• Court details: Arraignment information such as bond amounts and release information.

Sangamon County Crime Rate

The Illinois State Police breaks down crime occurrences per county in its Annual Uniform Crime Reports. The 2020 index crime and crime rate report revealed that 6,614 recorded offenses in Sangamon County, which represents a crime rate per 100,000 of 3,391.6. Offenses categorized as theft were the highest at 3,651, with burglary in second at 1,213. Other reported offenses were aggravated assault (993), robbery (214), rape (134), criminal homici6(12), and motor vehicle theft (354).

Sangamon County Arrest Statistics

The 2020 index crime and crime report also shows that law enforcement agencies in Sangamon County made 1,045 arrests. Aggravated assault and aggravated battery accounted for the highest arrests at 339 and Burglary was second at 126. 7 arrests were recorded for criminal homicide, while 43 apprehensions were related to robbery. The report also indicates that there were 23 motor vehicle theft arrests and individuals were taken into custody over arson 8 times.

Find Sangamon County Arrest Records

Finding Sangamon County arrest records involves approaching local law enforcement agencies that may have executed and recorded arrests. Individuals can also use jail information to assess the reasons a person was arrested and review other information like bail and bond amounts and location.

Interested parties can start with local police departments for specific cities and villages. For example, the Springfield and Chatham Police Departments have dedicated methods for requesting and obtaining police reports. People can visit the records or administrative divisions of the department or file Freedom of Information Act requests.

The Sheriff’s department is another helpful resource for viewing and collecting arrest records. Individuals can open its inmate roster web page to find details of recently booked individuals such as booking date and time, type of offense, charges, inmate number, date of birth, charge descriptions, case number, court date and time, and current status (whether they are in jail or have been released). Individuals can sort the arrest list by the name of inmates, city, state and prisoner type.

Members of the public can use other options provided by the Corrections Department and the Sheriff's Office such as the Freedom of Information Act request to find details not included in the inmate inquiry web page. The Sheriff’s Freedom of Information Act request can be submitted electronically or by mail and in person. People who want to submit their requests by mail must fill out the FOIA request form and submit it to the following address:

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
One Sheriff's Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62701

The office charges 15 cents per page if the requester is copying more than 50 pages and 45 cents per page for color copies. They must also pay $1 to certify each requested document. Interested parties can call (217) 753-6855 for more details about the FOIA request.

People looking to understand the incident leading to someone’s

arrest and subsequent conviction in state prison can view information through the offender search online system provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections. To search the database, users can provide the person’s name, inmate ID, Illinois Department of Correction number, and birth dates. The web tool displays details such as original offense, date of custody, county of commitment, admission date, parole date and projected release date. It also shows each inmate's photograph, identifying information and physical profile. Individuals seeking records not included in the database can send FOIA requests to the Department of Corrections.

If a person was arrested by a federal agency on suspicion of committing federal crimes, their information can be accessed through the arresting national institution. However, intending inquirers can use the Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator database to find where the offender is being detained. Alternatively, people who were arrested on Federal Immigration and Customs violations can use the online detainee locator system provided by the US Integration and Customs Enforcement.

Free Arrest Record Search in Sangamon County

Online Information published by local law enforcement agencies and the Department of Corrections is typically free to use. The Bureau of Prisons and ICE also provides their inmate and detaining locator systems without cost to members of the public.

Further, people who want to view court records that contain arrest information can do so in certain cases without paying. For example, the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk’s office maintains criminal records generated in the county's criminal courts. People can use public terminals at the clerk’s office to search for these records in person and at no cost. Also, they can use the circuit clerk's records look-up website to search for cases by name, case number, traffic ticket number, filing date, and driver's license number. People searching by name can provide the defendant's first and last name (middle name optional) or business/single name to start the search. Adding case type, birth year, and case name entries helps to filter the search results. The portal provides details like the case number, plaintiff and defendants details, judge name, filing dates and case events.

Third party websites also provide arrest records in most cases free of charge. These records are usually pooled from different law enforcement agencies like the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office and city and village police departments. Members of the public can also use these resources to view arrest records from different counties in Illinois.

Get Sangamon County Criminal Records

Sangamon County criminal records are best described by the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/1). It defines criminal history record information as data that can identify an individual and the criminal records collected under their name. These include arrest information, detentions in pre-trial proceedings, indictments, prosecutions, judgments, sentencing, release and rehabilitation, and incarceration details. Criminal records also include other formal procedures taken against the individual in the criminal justice system.

These records in Sangamon County are generally created in the criminal section of the county's circuit court. However, the Illinois State Police's Bureau of Identification is the state's main repository for comprehensive criminal history information. It compiles each person’s criminal processes through the justice system especially if they have had more than one trial.

How to Obtain Criminal Record Information

The State Police offers various options for performing background checks depending on a person's needs. The Bureau of Identification offers name-based and fingerprint based checks, which provide different results

Name based checks

Name-based checks allow members of the public to ask for criminal background information using the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). People must register to use the online portal. The process involves acquiring a digital certificate. Parties living in Illinois must use a state driver's license or identification card to complete the registration online. Non-Illinois residents would have to go through a different process specified in the enrollment guide.

Fingerprint-based checks

There are also in-state and out of state fingerprint based checks. People requesting a criminal record in the state must submit their fingerprints to the Illinois State Police electronically using the service of a livescan fingerprint vendor. People can visit the Sheriff’s office or local police department to run their fingerprints. For example, the Chatham police department runs a fingerprint service and people can call (217) 483-2453 for inquiries and appointments. Individuals who are trying to run a background check from outside the state can preview the vendor list to check where they can run their fingerprints.

People who want to view their criminal history information for the purpose of correcting their records can also use the Bureau of Identifications’ record access and review process. The method involves the applicant visiting a licensed fingerprint vendor, correctional facility or law enforcement in Sangamon County and getting their fingerprints taken. The fingerprint vendor or facility will forward the criminal history transcript request to the ISP after collecting the individual’s identifying information and fingerprints.

Using court records

As mentioned, people can visit the county clerk's office to review criminal records for free using public computer terminals on-site. They can also use the clerk’s case record lookup tool. However, those looking to obtain or request copies of court documents can visit the clerk's office or send their request by mail. They can email the clerk at circuitclerk@sangamonil.gov. Parties who choose to request record searches at the clerk’s office will pay a fee of $4 per year.

Sangamon County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records are not the same because they contain different kinds of information and have different legal and personal implications. Arrest records as explained only cover details surrounding people's apprehension and loss of freedom. While arrest information may cover some pre-trial elements, it does not go as far as including criminal trial proceedings and case outcomes.

Conversely, criminal records account for every step of the person's interaction with the criminal justice system. It covers arrest information, pre-trial and trial proceedings and documents, judgment, sentencing information, incarceration, and post conviction activities. Criminal records are the main subject for running background checks and verifying whether people are suitable for employment positions or certain licenses.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely, until the records are expunged or sealed, usually following an application and review. In some cases, such as when someone was arrested for cannabis offenses or juvenile crimes, law enforcement agencies and court clerks automatically expunge records periodically. One can verify if their records have been automatically removed or sealed by using the personal background check process.

Expunge Sangamon County Arrest Records

Most arrest and criminal records that qualify for expungement are erased and become irretrievable once courts approve such petitions. However, an expungement is not the only process that restricts public access to one's records. People can also apply to seal their record and block it from public search. Notwithstanding, law enforcement agencies and some employers can still view sealed records. Private employers generally have access to sealed felony convictions but cannot view restricted misdemeanor convictions and any other non-conviction (including sealed and expunged felonies).

Only people permitted by Illinois law can expunge or seal arrest and criminal records. Some ineligible persons are only allowed to apply for expungements after obtaining a pardon (executive clemency) from the governor with permission to expunge.

People in Sangamon County who wish to expunge their criminal records have to check if they are qualified for expungement before they proceed. Cases that can be expunged generally include arrests for any offense that did not end in a conviction and certain misdemeanor and felony convictions. Courts can also grant expungements to individuals who were sentenced to court supervision programs as long as they meet specific requirements. People who were convicted of certain tax and cannabis class 4 misdemeanors, individuals whose convictions were vacated or reversed, and, as mentioned, people with executive clemency, are also eligible.

Those who do not qualify for expungement can request a sealing if they are eligible. However, sealing is also reserved for people who meet requirements listed in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2.

The expungement process involves the following:

• Obtain copies of one's criminal and arrest record
• Review the record and determine whether to apply for expungement or sealing
• Fill out the expungement form online using the state judiciary's expungement and sealing platform. Individuals can also download the How to Expunge and/or Seal a Criminal Record document from this webpage to find step-by-step instructions.
• File the form with the Sangamon County Circuit clerk. The clerk will file the original copy and present a duplicate to the applicant.
• Other options to file via mail or electronically are available. A filing fee will be required unless one qualifies for a free or discounted fee waiver.

It takes about 60 days from when a file is received for a case to be expunged or rejected. On completion of the process, the requestor is notified via a letter of the status of their filing.

Individuals can contact the County Circuit Clerk for more details about filing their expungement or sealing application.

Sangamon County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants in Sangamon County are legal orders granted to law enforcement agencies and other named entities to arrest people. Judges generally issue these court documents after reviewing complaints from peace officers, which must provide reasonable grounds for the proposed arrests. They can also order people's arrests without the submission of complaints if those individuals violate certain court orders and legal obligations.

Once issued, the warrant will name or describe the accused and include their age, specify the alleged offense for which the warrant has been issued, where the warrant must be executed, release conditions (if applicable), and the signature of the issuing judge.

Sangamon County Arrest Warrant Search

One who suspects that they or someone else may have a warrant issued for their arrest can contact the Support Services Division of the Sangamon County for inquiries. Individuals can also visit courthouses or use resources provided by clerks to find details about active or executed arrest warrants.

Do Sangamon County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants are permanent in nature and only become ineffective after people named on the documents are taken into custody. A judge can also recall an arrest warrant to nullify it, especially when new evidence exonerates the accused person or they fulfill the court order that necessitated the warrant.