>Brown County Arrest Records Online

Brown County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Brown County, Illinois?

Arrest records in Brown County, Illinois are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records. The Act specifically mandates that public bodies must make their records available for inspection and copying, with certain exemptions for privacy, security, and other protected interests. The fundamental purpose of this legislation is to promote transparency in governmental operations and to ensure accountability of public officials and agencies to the citizens they serve. Brown County law enforcement agencies maintain these records as part of their official duties and are required to provide reasonable access to them upon proper request.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Brown County?

Brown County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies. The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains a database of current inmates and recent arrests that is accessible through their official website. This resource provides basic information about individuals who have been processed through the county jail system. Additionally, the Illinois State Police offers limited criminal history information through their online portal, though complete records typically require formal requests. Third-party aggregator websites also compile and publish arrest information from Brown County, though users should exercise caution regarding the accuracy and currency of such information. Pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240, certain criminal history information is explicitly designated as public record and may be disseminated without restriction.

How to Look Up Brown County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Brown County arrest records in 2025 have several official channels through which to conduct their search. Each method offers varying levels of detail and accessibility:

Submit a formal request to the Brown County Sheriff's Office located at 200 Court Street, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact them at (217) 773-2011 for information about required forms and applicable fees.
Visit the Brown County Circuit Clerk's Office at the Brown County Courthouse, 200 Court Street, Room 4, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353. This office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. Their public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be reached at (217) 773-3421.
Access the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification for statewide criminal history information. Their main office is located at 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Inquiries can be directed to (815) 740-5160. The Bureau processes requests pursuant to 20 Illinois Administrative Code 1240.30.
Utilize the Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search function for information about individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction in Brown County.
Contact the Mt. Sterling Police Department at 145 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353, phone (217) 773-3961, for arrest records specific to their jurisdiction.

Requestors should note that pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and certification.

Contents of a Brown County Arrest Record

Brown County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Illinois law enforcement protocols and statutory requirements. These official documents typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest
Unique identifiers such as state identification numbers, FBI numbers, and local booking identifiers
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and their affiliated agency
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking procedure
Details regarding bail or bond determinations, including amount set and conditions imposed
Custody status information, including release date if applicable
Case disposition information if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)

These records are maintained in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.) which establishes retention schedules for various categories of governmental records. Law enforcement agencies are required to preserve arrest records for specified periods depending on the severity of the alleged offense and the ultimate disposition of the case.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Brown County

The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides the statutory framework for the expungement and sealing of arrest records in Brown County. Eligible individuals may petition the Circuit Court of Brown County to have records of arrests that did not lead to conviction removed from public access. The expungement process effectively erases the record, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the record for limited official purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Brown County include:

Arrests resulting in release without charging
Arrests where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
Arrests resulting in qualified probation that has been successfully completed
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of 3-5 years following completion of sentence
Most misdemeanor convictions after a 2-3 year waiting period following completion of sentence

The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:

Obtain a complete copy of their criminal history transcript from the Brown County Circuit Clerk
File a formal Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Clerk's Office
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $120 as of 2025)
Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency
Attend a court hearing if objections are filed by any notified agency

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), law enforcement agencies, the Illinois State Police, and the Circuit Clerk must comply with an expungement order within 60 days of its issuance. Successful expungement removes the record from public databases and prohibits its disclosure to potential employers or other inquiring parties.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Brown County Legal Self-Help Center located in the Brown County Courthouse, 200 Court Street, Mt. Sterling, IL 62353, operating Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Search Arrest Records in Brown County

Illinois State Police Criminal History Information
Brown County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
Illinois Department of Corrections Offender Search
Brown County Circuit Clerk Case Information
Illinois Courts Public Record Search