Sangamon County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sangamon County
Arrest records in Sangamon County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection. Pursuant to § 2.15 of the Illinois FOIA, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are specifically designated as public records subject to disclosure.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed an offense. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under Illinois law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though with certain limitations.
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/1 et seq.) governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information by law enforcement agencies in the state. This act works in conjunction with the FOIA to establish parameters for public access to arrest information.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, such as:
- Records that would interfere with pending law enforcement proceedings
- Records that would deprive a person of a fair trial
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law.
What's in Sangamon County Arrest Records
Sangamon County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, personal recognizance, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Bond conditions
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
- Court disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Projected release date (if sentenced)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration detainer information
- Special custody requirements
- Emergency contact information
- Attorney information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office adhere to the standards established by the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sangamon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sangamon County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval in compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Individuals may access these records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
Requesters may visit the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit a request for arrest records:
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6666
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
When making an in-person request, individuals should:
- Complete the FOIA request form available at the counter
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable copying fees (first 50 pages free, $0.15 per page thereafter)
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the address above or via email to the designated FOIA officer. Pursuant to § 3(c) of the Illinois FOIA, written requests must include:
- Requestor's full name
- Contact information (address, phone number, email)
- Detailed description of records sought
- Preferred method of record delivery
- Statement indicating whether the request is for commercial purposes
Online Requests:
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for submitting FOIA requests through the county website. Users must:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office section of the county website
- Locate the "Records Request" or "FOIA Request" link
- Complete the electronic form with all required information
- Submit the request through the secure portal
Response times for record requests are governed by § 3(d) of the Illinois FOIA, which requires agencies to respond within 5 business days under normal circumstances. Extensions may apply for certain complex requests.
How To Find Sangamon County Arrest Records Online
Sangamon County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are maintained in accordance with Illinois public records laws.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Sangamon County Inmate Roster. This database is updated regularly and includes information about individuals currently in custody at the Sangamon County Detention Facility. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Roster" option from the menu
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review the results displayed on screen
- Note that the information provided includes basic arrest details, charges, and custody status
For historical arrest records not included in the current inmate roster, requesters may:
- Visit the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's online case access system
- Create a user account if required
- Select "Criminal Case Records" from the search options
- Enter the name of the individual or case number if known
- Review the case summary information provided
- Note that while these records include court case information related to arrests, they may not contain the complete arrest record
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
For statewide criminal history information that may include Sangamon County arrests, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process provides a fee-based service. This system requires fingerprint submission or name-based searches and provides more comprehensive criminal history information.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for:
- Juvenile arrests (which are generally confidential under Illinois law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Very recent arrests that have not yet been processed into the system
- Arrests that occurred prior to digital record-keeping
How To Search Sangamon County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Sangamon County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided in accordance with Illinois public access laws and county transparency initiatives.
The most direct method for free access is through the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster, which provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource:
- Is updated daily
- Requires no login or account creation
- Provides basic arrest and custody information
- Can be searched by name or booking date
- Is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The Sangamon County Law Library also maintains public access terminals that provide free access to certain court records related to arrests. Located within the Sangamon County Complex, these terminals are available during regular business hours:
Sangamon County Law Library
200 South 9th Street, Room 600
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6310
Sangamon County Law Library
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Additionally, pursuant to § 6(a) of the Illinois FOIA, the first 50 pages of black and white copies of public records are provided free of charge to requesters. Individuals may submit a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office and receive up to 50 pages of arrest record information without cost.
Local public libraries in Sangamon County often provide free computer access that can be used to search online public records:
Lincoln Library (Springfield Public Library)
326 South 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-4900
Lincoln Library
For individuals seeking information about their own arrest records, the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5) provides for one free transcript of conviction information upon request to the Illinois State Police, though this applies only to conviction records rather than all arrest records.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Sangamon County
Illinois law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing. These processes are governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of records and removal from electronic databases, effectively erasing the arrest from public view. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records but maintains them for limited access by law enforcement and certain employers. Both processes require court approval.
Pursuant to § 5.2(b) of the Criminal Identification Act, the following arrest records may be eligible for expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Arrests where charges were dismissed
- Arrests resulting in acquittals or findings of not guilty
- Arrests resulting in qualified probation that has been successfully completed
- Certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period
The process for expungement or sealing in Sangamon County involves:
- Obtaining a copy of arrest records from the arresting agency
- Completing the appropriate petition forms (available from the Circuit Clerk)
- Filing the petition with the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
- Paying the required filing fee (fee waivers available for eligible individuals)
- Attending a court hearing if required
- If granted, ensuring the order is properly served on all relevant agencies
Sangamon County Circuit Court
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Complex - Illinois Courts
Certain arrests are ineligible for expungement or sealing under Illinois law, including:
- Most sexual offenses
- Domestic violence convictions
- DUI convictions
- Certain weapons offenses
Individuals with questions about their specific eligibility should consult with an attorney or contact the Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office:
Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office
200 South 9th Street, Room 402
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6690
Sangamon County State's Attorney
What Happens After Arrest in Sangamon County?
Following an arrest in Sangamon County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
1. Booking and Initial Processing: Upon arrival at the Sangamon County Detention Facility, arrestees undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial charge documentation
- Temporary housing assignment
2. Bond Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for a bond hearing at the Sangamon County Complex. The judge determines:
- Bond amount and type
- Conditions of release
- Whether the individual qualifies for pretrial release
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
3. Formal Charging: The Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This decision typically occurs within:
- 30 days for misdemeanors
- 120 days for felonies if the defendant remains in custody
- 160 days for felonies if the defendant is released on bond
4. Arraignment: At arraignment, defendants:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Have counsel appointed if not already done
- Receive notice of future court dates
5. Pretrial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motions to suppress evidence)
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial diversion program placement for eligible cases
6. Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases proceed to either:
- Trial (bench or jury) where evidence is presented and a verdict rendered
- Plea agreement where the defendant admits guilt in exchange for sentencing considerations
7. Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation or conditional discharge
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
8. Post-Conviction: Following case disposition:
- Conviction information is reported to state and federal databases
- Individuals may file appeals if legally appropriate
- Probation or parole supervision begins if applicable
- Individual in custody information becomes available through the Illinois Department of Corrections for prison sentences
Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record maintained by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sangamon County?
Arrest records in Sangamon County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/1 et seq.) and the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.). These statutes govern how long different types of government records, including arrest records, must be preserved.
Pursuant to § 4 of the Local Records Act, no public records may be disposed of without the approval of the appropriate Local Records Commission. For law enforcement records in Sangamon County, the following retention periods generally apply:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 10 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention (also maintained by the Illinois State Police)
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention for felony arrests; 10 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Incident Reports Related to Arrests: 10 years from date of creation
- Investigation Files: Permanent retention for felony cases; 5 years after case closure for misdemeanors
- Jail Records: 5 years after release from custody
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Until the individual's 18th birthday (with exceptions for certain serious offenses)
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state requirements. Digital records management systems have enabled longer retention periods than were previously practical with paper records.
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with their own retention requirements:
- Circuit Clerk Records: Court case files related to arrests are generally maintained permanently
- State's Attorney Records: Case files are typically retained for 10 years after case disposition
- Probation Department Records: Usually maintained for 10 years after completion of supervision
These extended retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Historical documentation and research
- Accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
Records that have reached the end of their mandatory retention period may be destroyed only after receiving approval from the Local Records Commission through a formal application process.
How to Find Mugshots in Sangamon County
Mugshot photographs, formally known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are maintained as part of Sangamon County arrest records. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken under standardized conditions. These images document:
- Physical appearance at time of booking
- Identifying features such as scars, tattoos, or birthmarks
- Height reference markers
- Booking identification information
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Sangamon County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6666
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking access to mugshot photographs may:
- Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Sheriff's Office specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable copying fees if requesting printed copies
- Provide justification for the request, as some mugshots may be withheld if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Can They Be Found Online: The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office currently publishes limited booking information through its inmate roster, which may include mugshots of individuals currently in custody. Historical mugshots are generally not available through county online systems.
Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites:
- May contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Often charge fees for removal of images
- Are not officially affiliated with Sangamon County government
- May not remove images even after cases are dismissed or expunged
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot information is through official channels:
- Submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Records Division
- Include specific identifying information about the subject
- Specify the intended use of the photographs
- Allow 5 business days for response as required by Illinois FOIA
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be limited in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest photographs are generally confidential under Illinois law
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images that would endanger an individual if released may be redacted
- Mugshots associated with expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
- Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access
Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records may consult with an attorney about expungement or sealing options as outlined in the Illinois Criminal Identification Act.
Lookup Arrest Records in Sangamon County
Sangamon County Complex - Illinois Courts