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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
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.