Arrest records are public documents in Henry County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to inspection and copying, reflecting the legislature's determination that access to information concerning the affairs of government is a fundamental right of all citizens.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the Henry County Sheriff's Office or the Henry County Circuit Clerk's Office. These records serve multiple public interests, including:
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected matters as specified in 5 ILCS 140/7.
Henry County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. Pursuant to the Illinois Public Records Act and the county's commitment to digital accessibility, these records have been made available electronically to facilitate public access and administrative efficiency.
The Henry County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an online case information system where court records related to arrests can be accessed. Additionally, the Henry County Sheriff's Office provides an inmate lookup service on their official website, allowing the public to verify current incarceration status and basic arrest information.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
The Illinois Department of Corrections also maintains a statewide Individual in Custody Search database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the Henry County criminal justice system and subsequently transferred to state custody.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Henry County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies must make records available for inspection and copying upon request. The following methods are available for obtaining these records:
Henry County Circuit Clerk's Office
307 W. Center Street
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3575
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Henry County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases, including arrest information. Requestors may:
Henry County Sheriff's Office
311 W. Center Street
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3911
Hours: 24 hours daily (administrative office: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest reports. Individuals seeking these records may:
Additionally, the Illinois Department of Corrections maintains records of individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state facilities. Their database can be searched by name, identification number, or other identifiers.
Henry County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 4000, and local record-keeping protocols. These records typically include comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement at the time of apprehension. Standard components of these records include:
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. Pursuant to Illinois law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification and may be updated as a case progresses through the judicial system.
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Henry County is governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which provides mechanisms for eligible individuals to remove or restrict access to their criminal history information. Expungement results in the physical destruction of records, while sealing limits access to authorized parties only.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Henry County include:
The petition process requires filing with the Circuit Clerk of Henry County and includes:
Henry County Circuit Clerk - Criminal Division
307 W. Center Street
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3575
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Petitioners should be aware that certain offenses are ineligible for expungement under Illinois law, including most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and driving under the influence. Additionally, federal agencies and certain employers may still have access to sealed records under specific statutory exceptions.
Upon successful expungement, individuals may legally answer "no" when asked about the expunged arrest on employment applications and other non-governmental inquiries, pursuant to 775 ILCS 5/2-103.