Arrest records in Clark County, Illinois are classified as public documents pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records generated and maintained by public bodies shall be accessible to citizens and other interested parties to promote transparency in governmental operations. The Illinois FOIA specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest reports, as public records subject to certain exemptions outlined in § 7 of the Act.
Members of the public may access these records through designated governmental agencies that maintain such information. The Clark County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the county jurisdiction. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel during the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes:
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under § 7(1)(c) of the Illinois FOIA, which exempts "personal information contained within public records, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy."
Digital access to Clark County arrest records is available through several authorized online platforms. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, has implemented digital systems to facilitate public access to these documents in accordance with the Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20 § 2605/2605-200, which authorizes the dissemination of criminal history record information.
The Clark County Circuit Court maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings. This system allows for remote access to public case information, though certain limitations apply regarding the depth and scope of available data.
Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following provisions:
The Illinois Department of Corrections also maintains the Inmate Search database, which provides information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision following conviction. This resource includes basic arrest information for individuals processed through the state correctional system.
Multiple methodologies exist for obtaining Clark County arrest records. Pursuant to the Illinois Public Records Act, governmental agencies must provide reasonable access to public documents through established channels. The following procedures are available for record retrieval:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Clark County Sheriff's Office:
Clark County Sheriff's Office
207 N. 5th Street
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-6393
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests may be directed to the Clark County Circuit Clerk:
Clark County Circuit Clerk
501 Archer Avenue
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-8526
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Electronic requests can be submitted through the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) for official criminal history records.
Public access terminals are available at the Clark County Courthouse for on-site research of court records related to arrests:
Clark County Courthouse
501 Archer Avenue
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-8631
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including:
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6 and may include reasonable costs for document reproduction, certification, and delivery. The current fee schedule includes $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of standard reports.
Clark County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/1 et seq.). These documents serve as the official record of law enforcement actions taken during the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal violations. Standard arrest records include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
Arrest details:
Biometric data:
Case disposition information:
The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Program requires standardized documentation of arrests to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. The Clark County Jail inspection reports indicate compliance with state standards for arrest documentation and record maintenance.
The expungement process in Clark County operates under the authority of the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which establishes procedures for the removal of arrest records from public access under qualifying circumstances. Expungement constitutes the physical destruction of records and removal from electronic databases, effectively eliminating all evidence of the arrest from public view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Clark County include:
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
Upon court approval, the expungement order is transmitted to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest. These agencies must comply with the order within 60 days by destroying physical records and removing electronic entries. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification serves as the central repository for expungement verification.
Individuals seeking expungement assistance may contact:
Clark County Circuit Clerk's Office
501 Archer Avenue
Marshall, IL 62441
(217) 826-8526
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access to Clark County arrest records is governed by multiple statutory frameworks that establish parameters for disclosure and confidentiality. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/3) and the Illinois Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7) impose significant restrictions on certain categories of arrest records.
Records subject to restricted access include:
The Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry provides public access to information regarding registered sex offenders, which may include arrest data, but this information is specifically regulated under the Sex Offender Registration Act (730 ILCS 150/1 et seq.).
Law enforcement agencies maintain discretionary authority to withhold certain arrest information pursuant to exemptions outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly when disclosure would:
Unauthorized access or dissemination of restricted arrest records may result in civil liability under the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/1 et seq.) and potential criminal penalties for willful violations.