>Franklin County Arrest Records Online

Franklin County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public in Franklin County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties in documenting law enforcement activities. These records serve multiple public interests, including:

Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
Supporting journalistic reporting on law enforcement activities
Providing statistical data for policy analysis and research

Members of the public seeking arrest records should note that certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, and ongoing investigations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?

Franklin County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with the county's commitment to digital government services. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information about current inmates and recent arrests. This digital resource is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of the information provided to the public.

Online access to arrest records is governed by the same legal framework that applies to physical records, with certain limitations implemented to protect privacy interests and maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations. The electronic availability of these records is subject to the following conditions:

Records may not contain all details available in the complete physical file
Certain sensitive information is routinely redacted from online versions
Historical records may not be fully digitized or searchable
System maintenance may temporarily affect availability
Users may be required to create accounts or verify identity for certain searches

The Franklin County Circuit Clerk also maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges, which can be accessed through the county's judicial information system.

How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Franklin County as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize any of the following methods:

Submit a formal records request to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office located at 403 E. Main Street, Benton, IL 62812. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Contact: (618) 438-4841.
Visit the Franklin County Courthouse at 1 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812 to access public terminals for court case information related to arrests. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Submit a written request to the Franklin County Circuit Clerk at 100 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812 for court records associated with arrests that have resulted in formal charges.
Utilize the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system, which provides basic information about current detainees and recent arrests.
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request electronically through the county's official website or in person at the relevant agency.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies must respond to records requests within five business days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, approximate date of birth, and date of alleged arrest if known.

Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record

Franklin County arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 4000, which establishes standards for law enforcement recordkeeping. Standard arrest records in Franklin County include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, address, physical description)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and narrative descriptions of alleged offenses
Identity of arresting officer(s) and agency
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during booking
Property inventory documenting items in possession at time of arrest
Detention information including cell assignment and custody status
Bond or bail determination and conditions of release
Initial court appearance information
Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and digital formats. Certain elements of arrest records, particularly mugshots and fingerprints, are also transmitted to state and federal databases in accordance with Illinois law enforcement protocols.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County

The expungement process in Franklin County provides a legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This procedure is governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the Franklin County Circuit Court to have their records sealed or expunged.

Eligibility for expungement in Franklin County generally includes:

Arrests that did not result in charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
Arrests for offenses that have subsequently been decriminalized

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

Obtain certified copies of arrest records from the Franklin County Circuit Clerk
Complete the Petition for Expungement form
File the petition with the Circuit Clerk (filing fees apply)
Serve copies of the petition to all relevant agencies
Attend a court hearing if objections are filed

Upon court approval, the expungement order directs all agencies to remove records from their files. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office, State's Attorney, Circuit Clerk, and Illinois State Police must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt. Expunged records are not accessible through standard public record searches, though certain government agencies may retain sealed access for law enforcement purposes.