Sangamon County Criminal Records
What Is Sangamon County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sangamon County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of criminal activity, legal proceedings, and judicial determinations as maintained by various law enforcement and judicial entities throughout Sangamon County, Illinois.
Criminal records are categorized according to several distinct classifications:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were formally filed or the individual was ultimately convicted. Conviction records, by contrast, document instances where individuals have been found guilty of criminal offenses through judicial proceedings, either by trial verdict or plea agreement, pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/5-4-1.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felony records document serious criminal offenses typically punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. Misdemeanor records document less severe offenses generally punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records pertain to individuals 18 years of age or older at the time of the alleged offense. Juvenile records pertain to individuals under 18 years of age and are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under 705 ILCS 405/1-7, with limited accessibility to the general public.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrant records document currently executable judicial orders for an individual's arrest. Historical records document past criminal justice interactions, including resolved cases and expired warrants.
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Sangamon County include:
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6666
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police
Sangamon County criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and booking information
- Criminal charges filed
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements or trial proceedings
- Verdict determinations
- Sentencing information
- Probation or parole status
- Incarceration details
The maintenance and accessibility of criminal records in Sangamon County are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) and the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630).
Are Criminal Records Public In Sangamon County
Criminal records in Sangamon County are generally considered public documents pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 1.2 of the Illinois FOIA states: "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."
The following categories of criminal records are generally accessible to the public:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Current inmate rosters
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records are subject to restricted access under Illinois law:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as their disclosure could impede law enforcement proceedings (5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d))
- Juvenile records, which are sealed pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7)
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order under the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2)
- Records containing personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if disclosed (5 ILCS 140/7(1)(c))
- Records containing information that could endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others (5 ILCS 140/7(1)(f))
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act further regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information, establishing protocols for access and restrictions on use. Under this act, conviction information is generally available to the public, while non-conviction information (such as arrests not resulting in conviction) may be subject to limited dissemination.
Public access to criminal records in Sangamon County serves several important functions, including promoting transparency in the criminal justice system, facilitating informed decision-making by employers and landlords, and enabling individuals to verify the accuracy of their own records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sangamon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to access criminal records in Sangamon County may utilize several established methods. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each with specific protocols and information availability.
In-Person Requests at the Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
- Complete a Record Search Request Form, available at the public counter.
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5 per name search; $0.25 per page for copies).
- Records are typically provided immediately for simple searches or within 3-5 business days for more complex requests.
Mail Requests to the Circuit Clerk:
- Download and complete the Record Search Request Form from the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's website.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees payable to "Sangamon County Circuit Clerk."
- Mail the completed form and payment to the Circuit Clerk's Office address listed above.
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing and return delivery.
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
For arrest records, booking information, and jail records:
- Submit a written request to the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6666
Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
- Provide a copy of your government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees ($5 per record search).
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing.
State-Level Criminal History Records:
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit a fingerprint-based request to the Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification.
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois Background Check
- Complete form ISP-6-405B (available on the Illinois State Police website).
- Provide fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting vendor.
- Pay the required fee ($20-$50 depending on request type).
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
Requestors should note that certain records may be subject to restricted access based on statutory exemptions. Additionally, pursuant to the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/7), the dissemination and use of criminal history information is subject to specific limitations and requirements.
How To Find Criminal Records in Sangamon County Online?
Sangamon County provides several digital platforms through which members of the public may access criminal records information online. These electronic resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility, with some requiring registration or payment of fees.
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk Case Lookup:
The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk maintains an online case information system that provides access to court case records, including criminal proceedings.
- Navigate to the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk website.
- Select the "Online Case Information" option.
- Search by name, case number, or filing date.
- Available information includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed
- Court appearances and continuances
- Case status and disposition
- Judgment information
- Fines and fees assessed
No registration is required for basic searches, though certain detailed documents may not be available online.
Sangamon County Sheriff's Inmate Roster:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody at the Sangamon County Detention Facility.
- Visit the Sangamon County Sheriff's Inmate Roster page.
- Search by name or booking number.
- Available information includes:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
This resource is updated daily and provides information only on currently incarcerated individuals.
Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry:
For information regarding registered sex offenders residing in Sangamon County:
- Access the Illinois State Police Offender Registry.
- Search by name, location, or other criteria.
- Available information includes:
- Offender name, photograph, and physical description
- Registered address
- Conviction information
- Compliance status
This database is maintained pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (730 ILCS 150) and is updated regularly.
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
For information on individuals currently serving sentences in state correctional facilities:
- Visit the Individual in Custody Search portal.
- Search by name or inmate identification number.
- Available information includes:
- Inmate photograph and physical description
- Current facility
- Conviction information
- Sentence details
- Projected discharge date
This resource provides information only on individuals currently in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Limitations of Online Record Access:
Users should be aware of several important limitations to online criminal record searches:
- Not all criminal record information is available online. Certain documents, particularly older records or those containing sensitive information, may require in-person requests.
- Online records may not include complete case files or all associated documents.
- Some online systems may have limited search functionality compared to in-person searches.
- Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/7, the use of criminal history information for certain purposes, including employment screening, may be subject to additional requirements and restrictions.
Can You Search Sangamon County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6), members of the public are entitled to inspect public records without charge, though reasonable fees may be assessed for document reproduction or certified copies. Sangamon County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records information.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
Visitors may review court case files, including criminal proceedings, at public access terminals without charge. Staff assistance is available for locating records, though fees apply for printed copies ($0.25 per page) or certified documents ($5.00 per document).
Sangamon County Law Library
200 South 9th Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6310
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
The law library provides public access to court records and legal research materials without charge. Computer terminals are available for accessing online case information.
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms offer free access to criminal records information:
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Sangamon County Circuit Clerk Case Information System
- Accessible through the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk website
- Provides basic case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
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Sangamon County Sheriff's Inmate Roster
- Available at the Sangamon County Sheriff's Inmate Roster page
- Lists currently incarcerated individuals with booking information
- Updated daily with no access fees
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Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry
- Maintained at the Illinois State Police Offender Registry
- Provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Sangamon County
- Free public access as mandated by 730 ILCS 150/5
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Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Available through the Individual in Custody Search portal
- Provides information on individuals currently serving sentences in state facilities
- No fees for basic search functions
Limitations of Free Record Searches:
While free access options exist, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free searches may not provide comprehensive criminal history information
- Document copies and certified records typically require payment of fees
- Certain specialized searches, particularly those requiring fingerprint verification, involve mandatory fees
- Records that have been sealed or expunged are not accessible through public search methods
- Juvenile records are generally not available for public inspection pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-7
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/3) authorizes the Illinois State Police to assess reasonable fees for fingerprint-based criminal history record checks, which currently range from $20-$50 depending on the purpose of the request.
What's Included in a Sangamon County Criminal Record?
Sangamon County criminal records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary based on the nature of the case, the maintaining agency, and applicable legal provisions regarding record content.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number (for driving-related offenses)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond information
- Pre-trial detention status
- Arresting agency incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit Court, Municipal Court)
- Assigned judge
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with statutory citations
- Classification of charges (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Witness and evidence documentation
Disposition and Sentencing Information:
- Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (length, facility)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Special conditions imposed
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Sentence completion date
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Firearms restrictions
- Professional license restrictions
- Driving privilege restrictions (for DUI/DWI offenses)
- Traffic violations related to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The content of criminal records is governed by various Illinois statutes, including the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630) and the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5).
Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access pursuant to privacy protections or statutory exemptions, particularly information regarding victims, witnesses, confidential informants, or juvenile co-defendants.
How Long Does Sangamon County Keep Criminal Records?
Sangamon County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160) and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois State Archives. The duration of record retention varies based on record type, offense severity, and case disposition.
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 7 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 18, unless statutorily extended due to offense severity
Court Case Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years from case disposition
- Traffic case files: 7 years from case disposition
- Domestic violence case files: 50 years from case disposition
- DUI/DWI case files: 25 years from case disposition
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
Incarceration Records:
- Jail booking and release information: 10 years from release date
- Inmate medical records: 10 years from release date
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years from creation date
- Visitor logs: 3 years from creation date
Probation and Supervision Records:
- Felony probation files: 25 years from discharge
- Misdemeanor probation files: 10 years from discharge
- Court supervision files: 5 years from successful completion
The retention of criminal records is subject to modification by court order in cases of expungement or sealing pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2. When records are expunged by court order, physical destruction or return of records to the petitioner is required, while sealing renders the records inaccessible to the general public while maintaining them for limited official use.
Digital records maintained in electronic case management systems are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's Office have implemented digital preservation protocols to ensure long-term accessibility of electronic records in compliance with the Electronic Commerce Security Act (5 ILCS 175).
Records retention schedules are periodically reviewed and updated by the Illinois State Archives in consultation with the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts and local records custodians. Current retention schedules are available for public inspection at the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Lookup Criminal Records in Sangamon County
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