>Adams County Arrest Records Online

Adams County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County, Illinois?

Arrest records in Adams County, Illinois are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by law. The Illinois FOIA promotes transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within Adams County.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes within the judicial system, including:

Maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations
Enabling citizens to monitor the activities of public officials
Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
Assisting attorneys in case preparation and defense

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, victims of sexual crimes, or details that might compromise ongoing investigations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Adams County?

Adams County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Illinois public records laws. The digital accessibility of these documents represents the county's commitment to governmental transparency and public service efficiency.

The Adams County Courthouse maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests. This system allows authorized users to search for and retrieve arrest information without physically visiting county offices. Online access is governed by the provisions set forth in the Illinois Court Records Act (705 ILCS 105/16) and administrative policies established by the Adams County Circuit Clerk.

Digital arrest records typically include basic case information such as:

Defendant identification details
Arresting agency information
Charges filed
Court appearance dates
Case disposition when available

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records including affidavits, witness statements, and other supporting documentation may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

How to Look Up Adams County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Adams County. Each method varies in processing time, associated fees, and comprehensiveness of information provided.

Adams County Circuit Clerk's Office
521 Vermont Street
Quincy, Illinois 62301
(217) 277-2100
Adams County Courthouse
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/16. Requestors may:

Submit requests in person using the designated public access terminals
File written requests using the standard FOIA request form
Pay applicable fees ($5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page)
Receive certified copies for an additional fee of $5 per document

Adams County Sheriff's Office
521 Vermont Street
Quincy, Illinois 62301
(217) 277-2200
Hours: 24 hours daily (Records Division: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday)

The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests conducted by county deputies pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/3-6019. Requestors may:

Submit in-person requests at the records counter
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID required)
Complete the standard records request form
Pay applicable processing fees ($10 per record search)

Online Public Portal Access

The Adams County Integrated Justice Information System provides limited online access to arrest records. Users must:

Register for an account with valid identification
Accept the terms of service agreement
Pay subscription fees for extended access ($25 monthly or $250 annually)
Conduct searches using name, case number, or date parameters

Pursuant to § 6253(b) of the Government Code, agencies may provide electronic copies when requested, though fees for direct cost of duplication may apply.

Contents of an Adams County Arrest Record

Adams County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 4000. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest event.

Standard arrest records in Adams County include:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race, height, weight)
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of arrest
Statutory violations and corresponding Illinois Criminal Code citations
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Detention facility information and inmate number if applicable
Bond amount and conditions of release
Court case number and scheduled appearance dates

Supplementary documentation may include:

Arresting officer's narrative report
Witness statements when available
Evidence inventory lists
Medical screening information
Property and personal effects inventory
Notification of rights acknowledgment
Attorney representation information

All arrest records are maintained in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) which establishes retention schedules for various categories of public records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Adams County

The expungement process in Adams County operates under the authority of the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to remove arrest records from public access. Expungement effectively erases the record as if the arrest never occurred.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Adams County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Arrests not resulting in formal charges
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
First-time offenders under specific statutory provisions

The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:

Obtain a complete criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police
File a Petition for Expungement with the Adams County Circuit Clerk
Pay the filing fee of $120 (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Serve copies of the petition to all arresting agencies and the State's Attorney
Attend the scheduled court hearing (typically 60-90 days after filing)
If granted, ensure the order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), objections to expungement petitions must be filed within 60 days of notice. The State's Attorney frequently evaluates petitions based on the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and public safety considerations.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that certain records, particularly those involving violent offenses, sexual crimes, or DUI violations, may be statutorily ineligible for expungement under Illinois law.