Champaign County, Illinois Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Champaign County, Illinois?
Arrest records are public in Champaign 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 the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records, as part of the criminal justice system's documentation, fall within the category of public records that promote governmental transparency and accountability.
The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile privacy rights (as mandated by 705 ILCS 405/1-7), or other sensitive information as permitted under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.
Champaign County Sheriff's Office
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-1204
Sheriff's Office | Champaign County Illinois
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Champaign County?
Arrest records can be accessed online through several official Champaign County digital platforms. The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides current detention information. Additionally, the City of Champaign Police Department publishes regular media reports containing arrest data on their official website. These online resources have been established to enhance public access to information while maintaining compliance with Illinois public records laws.
The online availability of these records is subject to periodic updates and system maintenance. Records available online typically include basic arrest information, charges filed, and custody status. For comprehensive arrest records that may not be available through online portals, members of the public may need to submit formal requests through the appropriate law enforcement agency or the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Champaign County Circuit Clerk
101 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3725
Champaign County Circuit Clerk
How to Look Up Champaign County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Champaign County arrest records in 2025. The primary methods include:
Utilizing the Champaign County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup portal, which provides real-time information on individuals currently in custody.
Submitting a formal records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated online portals in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Visiting the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office to review court records related to arrests. The Circuit Clerk maintains records of all criminal cases filed within the county judicial system.
Accessing the City of Champaign Police Department's media reports section on their official website, which contains information about recent arrests within city limits.
Contacting the Champaign County Probation and Court Services Department for information related to individuals under court supervision following an arrest.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies must respond to records requests within five business days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances as permitted by statute.
Champaign County Probation & Court Services
101 East Main Street, 3rd Floor
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 384-3753
Probation & Court Services | Champaign County Illinois
Contents of a Champaign County Arrest Record
Champaign County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law. These official documents typically include:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, gender, and physical description.
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest.
Statutory charges filed against the individual, including Illinois Criminal Code citations.
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved.
Booking information, including fingerprints and booking photographs ("mugshots").
Custody status and bail or bond information when applicable.
Case number and court information for tracking within the judicial system.
Prior arrest history within Champaign County jurisdiction, when relevant.
The comprehensiveness of publicly available arrest records may vary based on the status of the case, with certain information potentially redacted in accordance with exemptions provided under 5 ILCS 140/7. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality protections under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.
Champaign County Courthouse
101 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3850
Champaign County Courthouse - Illinois Courts
Expungement of Arrest Records in Champaign County
The expungement process in Champaign County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as authorized by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Circuit Court of Champaign County. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed.
- Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.
- Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation for certain offenses.
- Specific convictions that become eligible after a statutory waiting period.
The expungement process requires the petitioner to obtain certified copies of arrest records, file the appropriate petition forms, pay applicable filing fees, and attend a court hearing if required. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge the records. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), law enforcement agencies, the Illinois State Police, and the Champaign County Circuit Clerk must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.
Certain serious offenses, including most violent felonies and sex crimes, are statutorily ineligible for expungement. In cases where expungement is not available, individuals may qualify for record sealing, which limits public access while maintaining the records for law enforcement purposes.
City of Champaign Police Department
82 E. University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-4545
Police Department - City of Champaign
Search Arrest Records in Champaign County
