Beardstown Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Beardstown, Illinois?
Arrest records in Beardstown, Illinois are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries. The Illinois FOIA explicitly states that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and official acts of public officials and employees.
The Beardstown Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations that mandate transparency in law enforcement operations. Under Illinois law, arrest records remain public unless specifically exempted by statute or sealed by court order. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
- Allowing citizens to monitor public safety in their communities
- Supporting the constitutional right to information about governmental activities
Residents seeking arrest information may contact:
Beardstown Police Department
101 E. 4th Street
Beardstown, IL 62618
Phone: (217) 323-3131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Look Up Beardstown Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Beardstown, Illinois. The Cass County government provides several methods through which members of the public may obtain this information. Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware of the following options:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Beardstown Police Department or the Cass County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and a nominal fee may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests accessible through their official website. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic information about arrests made within county jurisdiction, including those in Beardstown.
Circuit Clerk's Office: The Cass County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These records may be accessed at:
Cass County Circuit Clerk
100 E. Springfield Street
Virginia, IL 62691
Phone: (217) 452-7722
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Illinois Courts E-Access: The Illinois Courts Electronic Filing System provides remote access to court records, including those related to arrests in Beardstown. Registration may be required for full access.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies must make records available for inspection or copying within five business days after receipt of request, unless an extension is warranted under specific circumstances outlined in the statute.
Contents of a Beardstown Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Beardstown law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Illinois state law and local municipal ordinances. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, gender, race, and current address of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Offense Information: Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged violations
- Case Identifiers: Unique booking numbers and case reference identifiers
- Arresting Agency: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Procedural Documentation: Rights advisement confirmation and processing details
- Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, identifying marks, and other physical characteristics
- Photographic Evidence: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
- Fingerprint Records: Digital or ink impressions collected during booking procedures
- Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail determinations
In accordance with 20 ILCS 2630/5, law enforcement agencies must submit arrest information to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of processing. This information becomes part of the statewide Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system, portions of which are accessible to the public.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Beardstown
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Beardstown. Expungement effectively removes records from public access and, in some cases, physically destroys documentation. The process requires judicial review and approval based on statutory eligibility criteria.
Individuals seeking expungement of Beardstown arrest records must file a petition with the Circuit Court of Cass County. Eligibility for expungement generally applies to:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
- Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
The expungement process involves multiple governmental agencies, including:
Cass County State's Attorney's Office
100 E. Springfield Street, Room 201
Virginia, IL 62691
Phone: (217) 452-7726
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the State's Attorney's Office has 60 days to file objections to expungement petitions. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules objections after hearing, the court may order the sealing or expungement of records.
Upon court approval, expungement orders are transmitted to all agencies maintaining the subject records, including the Beardstown Police Department, Cass County Sheriff's Office, and Illinois State Police. These agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt as mandated by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9).
Individuals with expunged records may legally deny the existence of the expunged arrest when completing employment applications or other non-governmental inquiries, with limited exceptions for certain professions and licensing bodies as specified in 20 ILCS 2630/12.
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