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Carlinville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Carlinville, Illinois?

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.

How to Look Up Carlinville Arrest Records in 2025

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.

Contents of a Carlinville Arrest Record

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

    • Full legal name of the arrested individual
    • Date of birth
    • Gender
    • Race/ethnicity (as categorized by law enforcement)
    • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address at time of arrest
    • Booking photograph ("mugshot")

  • Arrest Details

    • Date and time of arrest
    • Location where the arrest occurred
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Statutory violations cited (Illinois Criminal Code references)
    • Narrative description of the alleged offense
    • Presence of weapons or contraband

  • Processing Information

    • Booking number and facility
    • Fingerprint records
    • Property inventory
    • Bail or bond information
    • Detention status

  • Case Disposition

    • Court case number
    • Arraignment date
    • Plea entered
    • Case outcome (if resolved)
    • Sentencing information (if applicable)

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Carlinville

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:

  • Arrests resulting in release without charging
  • Arrests resulting in dismissed charges
  • Acquittals or findings of not guilty
  • Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
  • Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
  • Cannabis offenses eligible under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act

Expungement Process in Macoupin County:

  1. Obtain certified copies of arrest records and dispositions from the Macoupin County Circuit Clerk.
  2. Complete the Petition for Expungement and/or Sealing form.
  3. File the petition with the Macoupin County Circuit Clerk and pay the filing fee (currently $157).
  4. Serve copies of the petition on the Macoupin County State's Attorney, Carlinville Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff, and Illinois State Police.
  5. Attend the scheduled court hearing if objections are filed by any agency.
  6. If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order.

Statutory Waiting Periods:

  • Arrests without charges: Immediate eligibility
  • Dismissed charges or acquittals: Immediate eligibility
  • Successful supervision: 2-5 years depending on offense
  • Qualified probation: 5 years after discharge
  • Eligible convictions: 3-5 years after completion of sentence

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.

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