Arrest records are public documents in Carlinville, 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 throughout the state. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office and Carlinville Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public records under Illinois law. Members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information.
While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA. Such protected information may include social security numbers, medical information, and certain personal identifiers of minors.
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking arrest records in Carlinville, Illinois. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information about the record being sought to facilitate the search process.
The primary sources for obtaining arrest records in Carlinville include:
Carlinville Police Department
540 North Side Square
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-3221
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals may submit FOIA requests in person, by mail, or via email. The department typically requires a completed request form specifying the records sought. Response times generally follow the statutory requirements of 5 business days, with possible extensions as permitted under § 3(e) of the Illinois FOIA.
Macoupin County Sheriff's Office
215 South East Street
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-3135
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records and booking information. Requesters may need to provide the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record retrieval.
Macoupin County Circuit Clerk
201 East Main Street
Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-3211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests, including case filings and dispositions. These records may be requested in person or through the clerk's online portal.
Illinois State Police
801 South 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 782-7980
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police. Fees apply for this service, as authorized under 20 ILCS 2635/1 et seq.
Arrest records maintained by Carlinville law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and local protocols. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities.
Standard information included in Carlinville arrest records:
Biographical Information
Arrest Details
Processing Information
Case Disposition
Pursuant to 50 ILCS 205/1 et seq. (Local Records Act), these records must be maintained according to established retention schedules. The Illinois State Archives Local Records Commission determines the required retention period for various categories of law enforcement records.
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 Carlinville and throughout Illinois.
Expungement physically destroys records or returns them to the petitioner, while sealing maintains records but restricts public access. The eligibility criteria and procedures are as follows:
Eligibility Requirements:
Expungement Process in Macoupin County:
Statutory Waiting Periods:
The Macoupin County Circuit Clerk provides standardized forms for expungement petitions in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court rules. Petitioners may request fee waivers if they meet income guidelines pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/5-105.