DeKalb County, Illinois Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in DeKalb County, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in DeKalb County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This legislative mandate ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate DeKalb County agencies, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 7 of the Act. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
The public nature of these records serves multiple societal functions, including enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities, facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes, and supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters within DeKalb County.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an electronic database of court records, which often includes information related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This online system provides a convenient method for accessing public records without requiring physical presence at county facilities.
The scope of information available online may be more limited than records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office or courthouse. Online records typically include basic arrest information such as the arrestee's name, charges filed, and court dates, while omitting certain details that might be available in complete physical records.
Third-party aggregators also compile and publish DeKalb County arrest information online, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be guaranteed by county officials. Pursuant to Illinois law, commercial vendors must ensure their records are regularly updated to reflect expungements, sealed records, and other modifications to the official record.
Users of online arrest record systems should be aware that:
- Records may not reflect the most recent case developments
- Some sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Certain categories of records may be excluded from online access entirely
How to Look Up DeKalb County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining DeKalb County arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
- Submit a request to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff maintains comprehensive arrest records as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through electronic means.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
150 N. Main Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-2155
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
Access the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's online records system, which provides information on court cases including those stemming from arrests. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and provides a convenient method for preliminary research.
Visit the DeKalb County Courthouse to examine physical court records related to arrests. The courthouse maintains public access terminals for record searches.
DeKalb County Courthouse
133 W State Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-7160
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Utilize the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search for information on individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state custody following an arrest in DeKalb County.
Check the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry for records pertaining to registered sex offenders who may have been arrested in DeKalb County.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for certain record searches or document copies, as authorized under Illinois law. The fee schedule is established by the DeKalb County Board and is subject to periodic revision.
Contents of a DeKalb County Arrest Record
DeKalb County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals by law enforcement agencies. These records typically include the following elements:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged criminal violations
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
- Custody status, including bail determination and conditions of release if applicable
- Case disposition information, when available
- Warrant information, if the arrest was executed pursuant to a judicial warrant
Pursuant to Illinois law, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information pertaining to confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information related to juvenile suspects or witnesses
The completeness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the case. Records pertaining to arrests that resulted in formal charges will typically contain more comprehensive information than those where charges were not pursued.
Expungement of Arrest Records in DeKalb County
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes procedures through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in DeKalb County. Expungement results in the physical destruction of records, while sealing limits access to specified government agencies and excludes records from public view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in DeKalb County include:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation for certain offenses
- Specific non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- Obtain certified copies of arrest records from the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
- Complete and file the Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency
- Attend a judicial hearing if objections are filed by any notified agency
The DeKalb County Circuit Court reviews each petition individually, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the time elapsed since the arrest. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the specified records.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through:
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
133 W. State Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-7131
Circuit Court Clerks
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), agencies have 60 days from receipt of the expungement order to comply with its directives. Upon completion of the expungement process, the individual may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances.
Search Arrest Records in DeKalb County
