>Madison County Arrest Records Online

Madison County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public in Madison County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted under § 7 of the Act, shall be accessible to the public. The Illinois FOIA promotes transparency in governmental operations by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrest records. The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and makes them available through established protocols.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile privacy, or other statutorily protected information as outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7. The Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office processes requests for these records in compliance with applicable state regulations and county ordinances.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Madison County?

Madison County arrest records are available online through several official channels. The Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains a digital database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient record management as mandated by Illinois state law.

The electronic availability of these records is subject to the provisions outlined in the Illinois Court Records Act (705 ILCS 105/16) and the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/). Users of these online systems should note that while basic arrest information is typically available, certain sensitive details may be restricted in accordance with privacy laws and court rules established by the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, which serves Madison County.

Online access to these records is provided through the county's official court records search portal, which is maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office and updated regularly to ensure accuracy of information.

How to Look Up Madison County Arrest Records in 2025

Madison County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records, in accordance with Illinois Public Records Law. Interested parties may obtain these records through the following official channels:

Visit the Madison County Sheriff's Office in person at 405 Randle Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (618) 692-6087.
Access the Madison County Circuit Clerk's public access terminals located at the Madison County Courthouse, 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (618) 296-4490.
Submit a written FOIA request to the Madison County Records Custodian at the Administration Building, 157 North Main Street, Suite 165, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Requests must comply with 5 ILCS 140/3 requirements.
Utilize the online court records search portal maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office, which provides 24-hour access to public case information.
Check the Felony State's Attorney Court Docket for information on pending felony cases.

Pursuant to Illinois statute, requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction, as established by county ordinance and in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6.

Contents of a Madison County Arrest Record

Madison County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois law and maintained by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Identification of the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint information collected pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5
Custody status and bail/bond information as determined by the court
Case number assigned by the Third Judicial Circuit Court
Initial court appearance date and location
Detention facility information if the individual was remanded to custody

The Madison County Jail Division maintains records of individuals currently in custody, which can be verified by calling (618) 692-1064. For individuals transferred to state custody, the Illinois Department of Corrections maintains searchable inmate records.

All arrest record information is maintained in accordance with the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) and subject to retention schedules established by the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison County

The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Madison County is governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which provides eligible individuals with a legal pathway to remove certain arrests from public access. The Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office processes these petitions in accordance with state law.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Madison County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests not resulting in charges (non-conviction)
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
First-time offenders under specific statutory provisions

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

Obtain a certified disposition for each case from the Circuit Clerk's Office at 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Request a criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police
Complete and file the Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Clerk
Pay the required filing fee (currently $120 per case)
Serve copies of the petition to all applicable agencies
Attend the scheduled court hearing before a Third Judicial Circuit judge

Upon court approval, the order is forwarded to all relevant agencies, including the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the arresting agency, and the Illinois State Police, which must comply with the expungement order within 60 days as required by statute.

Certain records, including those related to sex offenses and violent crimes, may be ineligible for expungement under Illinois law. Individuals with questions regarding eligibility should consult with legal counsel or the Madison County State's Attorney's Office at 157 North Main Street, Suite 402, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Telephone: (618) 692-6280.

Search Arrest Records in Madison County

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