>Coles County Arrest Records Online

Coles County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Coles County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Coles County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring government transparency by granting members of the public the right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Coles County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes

Requesters seeking arrest records need not provide identification or state a reason for their request, as stipulated in § 5 ILCS 140/3(c). However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided under § 5 ILCS 140/7.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Coles County?

Coles County provides digital access to arrest records through the county's Jail Public Access portal. This online system was implemented to enhance public accessibility to criminal justice information while reducing administrative burden on county offices. The Coles County Jail Public Access system allows members of the public to search current inmate populations and recent arrest information.

The online system typically includes:

Current inmate roster
Recent booking information
Bond status for individuals in custody
Basic charge information

It should be noted that the online system may not contain comprehensive historical arrest data. Records available online typically cover recent arrests and current incarcerations, with a retention period determined by county policy. More detailed or historical arrest records may require submission of a formal records request to the appropriate county agency.

How to Look Up Coles County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Coles County. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to obtain this information:

Coles County Sheriff's Office
701 7th Street
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0551
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records and booking information. Requesters may submit a written FOIA request in person, by mail, or via email. Pursuant to § 5 ILCS 140/3, the office must respond to requests within 5 business days.

Coles County Circuit Clerk's Office
651 Jackson Avenue, Room 137
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0516
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Coles County Circuit Court

The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. These records may be accessed through public terminals at the courthouse or by submitting a records request form.

Online Access Methods:

The Coles County Jail Public Access portal provides current inmate and recent arrest information
Coles County court records may be searched for cases resulting from arrests

Standard fees apply for copies of records pursuant to § 5 ILCS 140/6. As of 2025, the fee structure includes:

Black and white copies: $0.15 per page
Color copies: $0.50 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 per document
Electronic records: No charge if provided via email

Contents of a Coles County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Coles County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in detention. Standard arrest records in Coles County contain the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Detention status and bail/bond information
Case number and court appearance dates if applicable

Pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240, certain information within arrest records may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly when related to juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations. Additionally, medical information collected during booking is protected under HIPAA regulations and is not subject to public disclosure.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Coles County

The expungement process in Coles County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Illinois law (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the framework for expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the Coles County Circuit Court and demonstrate they meet statutory requirements.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Coles County include:

Arrests that did not result in charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
First-time offenses eligible under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

The expungement process requires:

Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Coles County Circuit Clerk
Payment of filing fees (approximately $120 as of 2025)
Fingerprinting for Illinois State Police background verification
Service of the petition on all relevant agencies
Attendance at a judicial hearing if objections are filed

Coles County Circuit Court
651 Jackson Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0516
Coles County Circuit Court

Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to remove the records from their databases and physical files. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.

It should be noted that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as permitted by statute. Additionally, certain licensing bodies and federal agencies may retain access to expunged records under specific circumstances outlined in state and federal law.

Legal Restrictions on Using Arrest Records in Coles County

Illinois law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records may be utilized, particularly in employment contexts. The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/) prohibits employers from inquiring about or using arrest records that did not result in conviction as a basis for employment decisions. Additionally, the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act (30 ILCS 105/) restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history during the application process.

Specific restrictions include:

Employers may not ask about sealed or expunged records
Housing providers face limitations on using arrest records for tenant screening
Educational institutions have restricted access to juvenile arrest records
Insurance companies face limitations on using arrest-only records for underwriting

Violations of these restrictions may result in civil penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 per violation, as enforced by the Illinois Department of Human Rights.