>Edgar County Arrest Records Online

Edgar County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Edgar County, Illinois?

Arrest records in Edgar County, Illinois are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring government transparency by making arrest records and other public documents available for inspection. The Illinois FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information unless they fall under specific statutory exemptions outlined in Section 7 of the Act. These exemptions typically relate to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as determined by state law.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Edgar County may obtain them through various governmental agencies, including the Edgar County Sheriff's Department. The accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests, including community awareness, criminal justice transparency, and governmental accountability in law enforcement operations.

Edgar County Sheriff's Department
228 N. Central Avenue
Paris, IL 61944
(217) 465-4166
Edgar County Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Edgar County?

Edgar County arrest records are available through several online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital records varies according to implementation schedules and resource allocation within county departments. The Edgar County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains the official court records system where case information related to arrests may be accessed.

Online accessibility of arrest records is governed by Administrative Order 19-8, which establishes protocols for electronic record maintenance and public access. Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Electronic Filing Standards, Edgar County participates in the statewide eFileIL system, which facilitates electronic document submission and retrieval for court cases.

Digital records typically include:

Basic arrest information
Court appearance schedules
Case status updates
Disposition information
Bond and detention details

Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records including arrest affidavits and detailed reports often require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.

Edgar County Circuit Clerk
115 W. Court Street, Room 109
Paris, IL 61944
(217) 466-7447
Edgar County Courthouse

How to Look Up Edgar County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Edgar County arrest records in 2025 have multiple pathways to access this information, as prescribed by Illinois Public Records Law. The following methods are available to members of the public:

Online Database Access: The Edgar County Sheriff's Department maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 720.30, which governs law enforcement record-keeping procedures. Users may search by name, booking date, or case number.
Circuit Clerk's Office: The Edgar County Circuit Clerk maintains official court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/16, these records are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Requestors must complete a Record Request Form and may be required to pay statutory fees for document reproduction.
Illinois Department of Corrections Database: For individuals who were arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities, the IDOC Inmate Search provides custody status and location information. This resource is maintained under the authority of 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1.
Freedom of Information Act Requests: Formal FOIA requests may be submitted to the Edgar County Sheriff's Department Records Division. In accordance with 5 ILCS 140/3, the department must respond within five business days, though extensions may apply under certain circumstances.

Edgar County Sheriff's Department Records Division
228 N. Central Avenue
Paris, IL 61944
(217) 465-4166
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Edgar County Official Website

Contents of an Edgar County Arrest Record

Edgar County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 4106, which establishes uniform record-keeping requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Subject identification information (full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks)
Arrest date, time, and location
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory charges filed, including Illinois Compiled Statutes citations
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/107-9
Fingerprint records collected under authority of 20 ILCS 2630/5
Detention status and facility location
Bond information, including type and amount set by judicial authority
Court case number and assigned courtroom
Scheduled court appearance dates
Disposition information (when available)

The Edgar County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats, with retention schedules governed by the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). Standard arrest records are maintained for a minimum of five years, while records related to felony arrests are preserved for extended periods as specified in departmental retention schedules approved by the Illinois State Archives.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Edgar County

The expungement process in Edgar County follows procedures established under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which provides mechanisms for eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. Expungement eligibility is determined by several statutory factors:

Case Outcome: Arrests resulting in acquittals, dismissals, or nolle prosequi dispositions generally qualify for immediate expungement consideration.
Offense Classification: Certain misdemeanor and felony arrests become eligible after specified waiting periods, while others are statutorily ineligible.
Waiting Periods: Depending on the offense classification, waiting periods range from immediate eligibility to several years following sentence completion.
Criminal History: The presence of other convictions may affect eligibility under the "one conviction rule" established in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(b)(1).

The expungement petition process requires filing with the Edgar County Circuit Clerk. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the State's Attorney's Office has 60 days to file objections. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to seal or destroy records and remove them from public databases.

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance through the Illinois Public Defender's Office, which provides representation for eligible applicants.

Edgar County Circuit Clerk - Expungement Division
115 W. Court Street, Room 109
Paris, IL 61944
(217) 466-7447
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Edgar County Courthouse