>Bureau County Arrest Records Online

Bureau County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bureau County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Bureau County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 5 ILCS 140. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. The Illinois FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information that must be made available for inspection and copying by members of the public, with certain limited exceptions for privacy, ongoing investigations, or juvenile cases as outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7.

The Bureau County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty as the official record-keeper for the county's judicial system. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to:

Bureau County Circuit Clerk's Office
700 South Main St, Room 100
Princeton, Illinois 61356
(815) 872-2001
Bureau County Circuit Clerk

Operating hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding county holidays.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Bureau County?

Bureau County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Illinois public records laws. The digital availability of these records enhances public access while maintaining compliance with 5 ILCS 140/8.5 regarding electronic records.

The primary online resources for Bureau County arrest records include:

The Bureau County Circuit Clerk's website, which provides access to court case information related to arrests
The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search for information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision
The Bureau County Sheriff's Office website, which may publish recent booking information

Pursuant to Illinois law, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public nature of the essential arrest data. Online records typically include case numbers, charges, court dates, and disposition information.

How to Look Up Bureau County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Bureau County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available in accordance with Illinois public records statutes:

Visit the Bureau County Circuit Clerk's Office in person:
700 South Main St, Room 100
Princeton, Illinois 61356
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Phone: (815) 872-2001
Contact the Bureau County Sheriff's Office:
800 Ace Road
Princeton, Illinois 61356
Phone: (815) 875-3344
Bureau County Sheriff's Office
Access the Bureau County Circuit Court online case search:
The Circuit Clerk's online portal provides case information searchable by name, case number, or filing date.
Submit a written FOIA request:
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, citizens may submit formal written requests for specific arrest records to either the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk.
Check the Illinois Department of Corrections database:
For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody, the IDOC Inmate Search provides custody status and location information.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6. The standard fee schedule includes $0.15 per page for black and white copies after the first 50 pages, which are provided at no charge.

Contents of a Bureau County Arrest Record

Bureau County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois law and maintained by the arresting agency and Circuit Clerk's Office. These official documents typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including Illinois statute citations
Case number assigned by the court
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint information and identification numbers
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Bail or bond information
Court appearance dates
Case disposition (if resolved)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is governed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and subsequent judicial proceedings.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bureau County

The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides a legal pathway for eligible individuals to petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Bureau County. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access, while sealing restricts visibility to law enforcement agencies.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Bureau County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

Obtain a certified disposition for each case from the Bureau County Circuit Clerk
Request a criminal history transcript from the arresting agency
File a formal Petition for Expungement with the Bureau County Circuit Court
Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $120-$200)
Attend a court hearing if objections are filed

Petitions must be filed with:

Bureau County Circuit Court
700 Main Street
Princeton, Illinois 61356
(815) 872-2001

Processing times typically range from 90-120 days from filing to final order. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the Illinois State Police must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.

Legal Implications of Bureau County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Bureau County carry significant legal implications that extend beyond the criminal justice system. These records, maintained pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630, serve multiple governmental and public interest functions:

They document law enforcement actions and provide accountability
They inform judicial decisions regarding bail, sentencing, and case management
They may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings under Illinois' habitual offender statutes
They are accessible to licensing boards for professional credentials in fields including healthcare, education, and financial services
They may be reviewed during background checks for employment, housing, or volunteer positions

It is important to note that under Illinois law, an arrest record alone does not constitute proof of guilt. The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-103) prohibits employers from inquiring about or using arrest records that did not result in conviction as a basis for employment decisions.

Individuals with questions about the legal implications of their arrest records should consult with qualified legal counsel familiar with Illinois criminal and administrative law. The Bureau County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in criminal record matters.

Differences Between Arrest Records and Criminal Records

Bureau County maintains distinct categories of justice system records in accordance with Illinois statutes. Arrest records and criminal records, while related, contain different information and are subject to different access protocols:

Arrest Records:

Document the fact of an arrest by law enforcement
Created at the time of booking/processing
Maintained primarily by the arresting agency and Circuit Clerk
Include booking photos, charges, and arrest circumstances
May exist even if no charges were filed or conviction obtained
Generally accessible through FOIA requests

Criminal Records:

Comprehensive history of an individual's interactions with the justice system
Include arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions
Maintained by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
Contain fingerprint data and unique identifying numbers
Document final case outcomes including convictions, dismissals, or acquittals
Access may be restricted based on purpose and requestor credentials

The Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635) governs the dissemination of conviction information, while arrest records fall primarily under FOIA provisions. Members of the public seeking comprehensive criminal history information must submit fingerprint-based requests through authorized channels.