Stephenson County Arrest Records

Arrests in Stephenson County are carried out when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime, as stipulated under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Probable cause may arise from observed illegal activities, reports from witnesses, or evidence collected during investigations. Arrests may also occur following the issuance of an arrest warrant authorized by a judge or magistrate, as required under 725 ILCS 5/107-2 of the Illinois criminal code.

Following an investigation or on-site, the suspect is arrested and then detained. Thereafter, the individual is transported to the sheriff's office or county jail, where booking and processing takes place. During the booking and processing, the following details are documented:

• Details of a suspect are taken, including full name, address, and physical characteristics.
• Documentation of address, fingerprints, and mugshots of the arrestee.
• The details of the arrest, including the date and circumstances surrounding the arrest, are documented.
• A medical screening is conducted to ascertain the individual’s health status before incarceration.
• The charges filed are then documented, as well as the arresting agency.
• Individuals are held pending bail, released, or arraignment.

Detainees are typically housed at the Stephenson County jail, located at 1780 E. Singer Drive, Freeport, IL 61032. The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office oversees the care and custody of inmates at this facility.

The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for generating and maintaining arrest records. These records include the date, time, and nature of the arrest, as well as the charges filed. Additionally, arrest records are linked to criminal justice databases and public records systems. For example, Stephenson County Court Records document legal proceedings arising from arrests, creating comprehensive public records of an individual's interaction with the justice system.

Are Arrest Records Public in Stephenson County?

Per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILC 140, arrest records are considered public information, making them accessible to residents and the general public. However, the Act outlines several exemptions to protect sensitive information as follows.

• Juvenile Arrest Records: Protected under the Juvenile Court Act 705 ILCS 405/5-905, these records are generally confident
• Ongoing investigations: Excluded to prevent compromising active cases, as per 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d).
• Victim Privacy: Details about victims, particularly in cases of sexual assault or domestic violence, are restricted under 740 ILCS 110/3 (Mental Health and Development Disabilities Confidentiality Act).
• Sealed or Expunged Records: Individuals whose records have been legally sealed or expunged are protected from public disclosure under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2.

Stephenson County Arrest Statistics

Arrest statistics illustrate law enforcement trends and community safety. Local data are compiled by law enforcement and reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of the Uniform Reporting (UCR) Program. Key data points include the following.

• Total number of arrests made annually.
• A breakdown of arrests by type, such as violent crimes, property crimes, drug related offenses and Driving under Influence cases.
• Arrest statistics are often categorized by age, gender, and race.

The Illinois State Police and the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office provide periodic reports that detail these statistics.

Since its inception, the Illinois Crime Stoppers has made 134,659 arrests and cleared 92,771 cases. The incarceration rate in Stephenson County is 564 per 100,000

Find Stephenson County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Stephenson County may be accessed through various state and federal resources, some of which include:

• Stephenson County Sheriff's Office provides booking logs and arrest reports upon request.
• Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification offers criminal history checks, including arrest details. Requests require fingerprint submission and payment of a processing fee.
• Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) maintains records of incarcerated individuals, accessible via an online inmate search tool.

Stephenson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

While arrest records document an individual's detention and charges, criminal records provide a broader overview of the individual's interaction with the Justice system. The distinctions include:

• Arrest records include details of apprehension but do not state whether an arrestee is guilty or not.
• Criminal Records contain a history of convictions, sentencing, and other legal outcomes.

Both record types are maintained by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement but serve different purposes in background checks, legal proceedings, and public record searches.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Illinois, arrest records remain on a person's file indefinitely unless action is taken to remove them. Individuals may seek to have arrest records sealed or expunged in certain situations, such as:

• Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
• No charges were filed within a specific time frame.
• The individual completed court-ordered diversion programs.

The expungement process typically requires filing a petition with the court, paying fees, and attending a hearing. If approved, the arrest record will no longer be accessible to the public.

Stephenson County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document authorizing law enforcement to detain a specific individual. Warrants are issued in Stephenson County per 725 ILCS 5/107-9, which requires:

• Probable Cause is established through a sworn affidavit.
• Judicial approval from a judge or magistrate.

An arrest warrant typically includes:

• The suspect's name and description.
• The alleged offense(s)
• The issuing Court's jurisdiction.
• Instructions for execution.

Law enforcement agencies in Stephenson County, including the Sheriff's office, are responsible for executing these warrants.

Do Stephenson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, they don't. Rather, arrest warrants in Illinois generally remain active until they are executed or dismissed. However, Statutes of limitations under 720 ILCS 5/3-5 affect misdemeanor offenses as they're typically subject to a one-year statute of limitations. Factors influencing warrant validity include:

• The severity of the alleged crime.
• Evasion or absence from the State by the suspect.

However, felony warrants, particularly for severe crimes such as murder and sexual assault, do not expire.