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Hinsdale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hinsdale, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Hinsdale, 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 for inspection and reproduction by any person. The Village of Hinsdale Police Department, as a public body, maintains arrest records that fall within this statutory framework. These records serve multiple public interests, including:

  • Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their community
  • Supporting the constitutional principle of open government
  • Enabling background checks for employment and housing purposes

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act specifically designates arrest reports as public information under § 2.15, which defines public records to include "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business."

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as provided under § 7 of the Act.

How to Look Up Hinsdale Arrest Records in 2025

The Village of Hinsdale provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:

  • Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request directly to the Hinsdale Police Department Records Division. Requests must be submitted in writing using the designated form available at the department or on the official village website.

  • Visit the Hinsdale Police Department in person during regular business hours to request records:

    Hinsdale Police Department
    121 Symonds Drive
    Hinsdale, IL 60521
    (630) 789-7070
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Access the DuPage County Circuit Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:

    DuPage County Circuit Clerk
    505 N. County Farm Road
    Wheaton, IL 60187
    (630) 407-8700
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Utilize the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) for statewide criminal history information:

    Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
    260 North Chicago Street
    Joliet, IL 60432
    (815) 740-5160
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6(b), the Village of Hinsdale may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and certification.

Contents of a Hinsdale Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Hinsdale Police Department contain standardized information as required by Illinois law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual:

    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address
    • Gender and race (for identification purposes only)
  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting officer(s) and badge number(s)
    • Agency case number and incident report reference
    • Statutory violations cited (Illinois Compiled Statutes references)
    • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation)
  • Processing information:

    • Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
    • Fingerprint records
    • Property inventory
    • Detention location
    • Bond information, including type and amount
  • Procedural documentation:

    • Miranda rights acknowledgment
    • Medical screening results
    • Initial court appearance date
    • Assigned court location

The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Act (50 ILCS 709/5-10) requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report specific data elements for all arrests. Consequently, Hinsdale arrest records conform to these standardized reporting requirements to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hinsdale

The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by the Hinsdale Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2).

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Hinsdale arrest records include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
  • Arrests not resulting in charges (nolle prosequi)
  • Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
  • Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

  1. Obtain a certified disposition for each case from the DuPage County Circuit Clerk
  2. Complete the Petition for Expungement and/or Sealing form
  3. File the petition with the Circuit Clerk of DuPage County
  4. Pay the required filing fee (currently $157 per case)
  5. Attend the scheduled court hearing if objections are filed

Upon court approval, the expungement order directs the Hinsdale Police Department, DuPage County Circuit Clerk, and Illinois State Police to physically destroy or return to the petitioner all records related to the arrest. The legal effect of expungement is to restore the individual to their status prior to the arrest, as if the incident never occurred.

Individuals seeking expungement may receive assistance through:

DuPage County State's Attorney's Office
503 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-8000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Prairie State Legal Services (for income-eligible residents)
400 W. Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 690-2130
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the Illinois State Police must process expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.

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