Macon County, Illinois Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Macon County, Illinois?
Arrest records in Macon County, Illinois are public documents available for inspection by members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which establishes the legal framework for public access to government records. The statute mandates transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. Pursuant to this legislation, arrest records maintained by the Macon County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are considered public information.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents in § 2.15, which defines public records to include "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business." This broad definition encompasses arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies.
Certain exceptions may apply to the public disclosure of arrest records under § 7 of the Act, particularly in cases involving:
- Ongoing investigations where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Juvenile records protected under the Juvenile Court Act
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Macon County?
Digital access to Macon County arrest records is available through several official online platforms. The Macon County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online system has been implemented pursuant to the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Filing Standards and Principles, which promote public accessibility to court records while maintaining appropriate security measures.
The online record system provides the following functionalities:
- Case lookup by name or case number
- Access to docket information
- Viewing of non-confidential court documents
- Information about scheduled court appearances
- Status updates on pending cases
The Macon County Sheriff's Office also maintains an online inmate search function that allows members of the public to verify if an individual is currently in custody. This resource provides basic information about current detainees, including booking date, charges, and bond information. The electronic availability of these records is consistent with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
How to Look Up Macon County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Macon County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Macon County Sheriff's Records Division at 333 S. Franklin Street, Decatur, IL 62523. Requests may be submitted in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM), by mail, or via email.
Visit the Macon County Circuit Clerk's Office located at the Macon County Courthouse, 253 E. Wood Street, Room 362, Decatur, IL 62523. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (217) 424-1363.
Access the online case information system through the Macon County Circuit Court website, which provides 24-hour access to non-confidential court records.
Utilize the Macon County Sheriff's Office online inmate search function for information about individuals currently in custody.
Submit a records request through the Sheriff's Records Division for specific arrest reports or booking information. Standard fees apply pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Contents of a Macon County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Macon County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records are created and maintained in accordance with Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. Standard arrest records in Macon County contain the following elements:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of the alleged offenses
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
- Detention status and bond information
- Case disposition information, if available
- Court docket number for associated court proceedings
The Macon County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats. The electronic records system, implemented pursuant to 20 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.50, ensures the accuracy, completeness, and security of criminal history information while facilitating appropriate public access.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Macon County
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides a legal mechanism for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement results in the physical destruction of records and removal from electronic databases, while sealing limits access to the records without destroying them. The Macon County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over expungement and sealing petitions for arrests that occurred within the county.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Macon County include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Acquittals or findings of not guilty
- Successful completion of supervision for certain qualifying offenses
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 3 years after completion of sentence)
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- Obtain a certified copy of their criminal history from the arresting agency
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Macon County Circuit Clerk at 253 E. Wood Street, Room 362, Decatur, IL 62523
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $120 per case)
- Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency
- Attend a court hearing if objections are filed
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the Macon County Sheriff's Office and other affected agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.
Search Arrest Records in Macon County
