>Boone County Arrest Records Online

Boone County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Boone County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Boone County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public bodies shall be accessible to all citizens, with certain statutory exceptions. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Upholds the constitutional right to public information
Enables community awareness of criminal activity
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

The Boone County government maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest information is considered essential to maintaining an open and accountable justice system, though certain protections exist for juvenile records and cases under active investigation.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Boone County?

Boone County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The online availability of these records is governed by Illinois Public Act 098-0555, which establishes guidelines for the electronic dissemination of criminal justice information. Members of the public may access digital arrest records through:

The Boone County Circuit Clerk's online court records system for case information
The VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system for current inmate status
The county's Freedom of Information Act portal for specific record requests

Digital records typically include basic arrest information, though comprehensive records may require in-person requests. The county regularly updates its online systems to improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations under 20 ILCS 2630/5.

How to Look Up Boone County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Boone County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Pursuant to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/), these records must be maintained and made accessible through established channels. The following official procedures are available:

In-person requests at the Boone County Sheriff's Office: Boone County Sheriff's Office 615 North Main Street Belvidere, IL 61008 (815) 544-2144 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court record searches at the Circuit Clerk's Office: Boone County Circuit Clerk 601 North Main Street, Suite 303 Belvidere, IL 61008 (815) 544-0371 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Online inmate searches through the VINE system, which provides custody status information for currently incarcerated individuals
Written FOIA requests submitted to the appropriate records custodian, as specified under 5 ILCS 140/3

When requesting records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and, if available, date of birth. Fees may apply in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6, with standard copying charges of $0.15 per page after the first 50 pages.

Contents of a Boone County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Boone County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents typically include:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including Illinois Criminal Code citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Demographic information including date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Case disposition information, if available
Bond amount and status
Court appearance dates

The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the originating agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Boone County

The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes records from public access, while sealing limits visibility to law enforcement agencies. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Arrests not resulting in charges
Successful completion of court supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
Cannabis offenses eligible under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the Boone County Circuit Court. Petitions must be submitted to:

Boone County Circuit Clerk 601 North Main Street Belvidere, IL 61008 (815) 544-0371 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing where the State's Attorney's Office may object. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the specified records. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), agencies must comply within 60 days of receiving the court order.

Individuals with financial hardship may apply for fee waivers under 735 ILCS 5/5-105. Legal assistance for expungement may be available through Prairie State Legal Services or the Boone County Public Defender's Office.