>Clark County Arrest Records Online

Clark County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County, Illinois?

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:

Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
Provides transparency in the criminal justice system
Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity within the community
Enables background verification for employment, housing, and other legitimate 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."

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Clark County?

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:

Records may be accessed 24 hours per day, subject to system maintenance periods
Certain identifying information may be redacted in accordance with privacy statutes
Historical records may have limited availability in digital format
Records involving juveniles or sealed cases are not accessible through public portals

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.

How to Look Up Clark County Arrest Records in 2025

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:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate timeframe of arrest
Case or booking number (if known)

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.

Contents of a Clark County Arrest Record

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:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State identification number (SID) if previously assigned
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of apprehension
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
- Booking number and processing information
Biometric data:
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking
- Photographic images (mugshots) from multiple angles
- Other identifying characteristics as documented
Case disposition information:
- Initial appearance details
- Bond or bail determination
- Preliminary hearing outcomes
- Case status indicators

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Clark County

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:

Arrests resulting in release without charging
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
Arrests for offenses that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest date

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Clark County Circuit Court
Payment of filing fees (currently $157, with fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Service of the petition on all relevant agencies, including:
- Clark County State's Attorney
- Illinois State Police
- Arresting agency
Mandatory waiting period of 30-60 days for agency objections
Judicial hearing if objections are filed
Issuance of expungement order if petition is granted

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

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

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:

Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 18 years of age)
Arrests resulting in orders of expungement or sealing
Records pertaining to victims of sexual offenses
Information related to ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement activities
Records containing confidential informant information

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:

Interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings
Deprive a person of a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Disclose confidential sources, techniques, or procedures
Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others

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.