Carbondale Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Carbondale, Illinois?
Arrest records in Carbondale, Illinois are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which designates arrest records as public documents. The State of Illinois maintains this policy to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to uphold accountability within the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Illinois state law, these records remain available for public inspection unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order.
The Jackson County Circuit Court maintains jurisdiction over arrest records generated within Carbondale city limits. Members of the public seeking access to these records must follow established protocols for record retrieval, which may include submitting formal requests and paying applicable processing fees as determined by local ordinance.
How to Look Up Carbondale Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Carbondale, Illinois. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods to access this information:
- Carbondale Police Department: Citizens may submit requests directly to the Records Division during regular business hours. Requests require proper identification and completion of a standardized request form.
Carbondale Police Department
501 South Washington Street
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-3200
Carbondale Police Department Official Website
- Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office: The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests within county jurisdiction. Records may be requested in person at the courthouse.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk Official Website
- Illinois State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Illinois State Police maintain a centralized database accessible through formal request procedures.
Illinois State Police
801 South 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 782-7980
Illinois State Police Official Website
- Online Public Access Systems: The Jackson County Circuit Clerk provides limited online access to court records through their Judici portal, which includes information on criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Requestors should note that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/3(A), certain processing fees apply to record requests. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency.
Contents of a Carbondale Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Carbondale law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any documented aliases or known nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations cited at the time of arrest, including Illinois Criminal Code references and charge classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and photograph taken during processing.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, bond amount if applicable, and case number assigned by the Jackson County Circuit Court.
Detention Status: Information regarding release on bond, continued detention, or transfer to other jurisdictions.
Pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-2, these records must be created contemporaneously with the arrest and maintained according to established records retention schedules. The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.) governs the long-term preservation of these documents.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Carbondale
Illinois law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the legal framework for this process in Carbondale and throughout Illinois.
Individuals seeking expungement must file a formal petition with the Jackson County Circuit Court. Eligibility criteria include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Arrests not resulting in formal charges
- Successful completion of court supervision for qualifying offenses
- Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
The expungement process requires:
- Submission of a Petition for Expungement to the Jackson County Circuit Clerk
- Payment of filing fees (currently $157 as of January 2025)
- Fingerprint-based background check through the Illinois State Police
- Mandatory notice to the Carbondale Police Department and Jackson County State's Attorney
- Judicial hearing if objections are filed by law enforcement agencies
Upon approval, the court issues an Order for Expungement directing all agencies to remove records from public access. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), agencies must comply within 60 days of receiving the court order.
Jackson County State's Attorney's Office
1001 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7200
Jackson County State's Attorney Official Website
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility should consult with legal counsel or contact Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, which provides assistance with expungement matters to qualifying low-income residents.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
509 South University Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-7800
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Official Website
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