>Marion County Arrest Records Online

Marion County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Marion County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Marion County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including promoting transparency in law enforcement operations, ensuring accountability of public officials, and providing citizens with access to information regarding criminal justice proceedings within their community.

The Marion County Circuit Clerk maintains the official court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. As the designated custodian of these records, the Circuit Clerk's office is responsible for processing requests for access to arrest documentation in accordance with state statutes and local regulations. Members of the public seeking arrest records must comply with established protocols for record retrieval, which may include the payment of statutory fees for document reproduction or certification.

It should be noted that certain arrest records may be subject to redaction or restricted access under specific provisions of Illinois law, particularly those involving juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as defined in § 7 of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Marion County?

Marion County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by source. The digital availability of these records is governed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 2, Part 1828, which establishes guidelines for electronic access to court records. Online accessibility has been implemented to enhance public convenience while maintaining compliance with statutory requirements regarding record disclosure.

The Marion County Courthouse has established digital systems that allow for remote access to certain arrest information. These systems are maintained in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court Electronic Access Policy, which balances public access rights with privacy considerations. Digital records typically include basic arrest information, though complete case files may require in-person inspection at the courthouse located at:

Marion County Courthouse
100 East Main Street
Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-2141
Marion County Circuit Clerk

Online record systems are updated regularly, but members of the public should be aware that the most current and complete arrest information may still require direct contact with county offices. Digital access may be subject to user registration requirements and applicable statutory fees as authorized under 705 ILCS 105/27.1b.

How to Look Up Marion County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methodologies exist for accessing Marion County arrest records in 2025, in accordance with Illinois Public Records Law and local administrative procedures. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following officially sanctioned channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly at the Marion County Sheriff's Office, located at 204 N. Washington Street, Salem, IL 62881. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete the standard FOIA request form and may be required to present government-issued identification pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.
Electronic Database Access: The Marion County arrest records database provides authorized users with digital access to non-confidential arrest information. This system operates in compliance with the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630) and requires user registration and acceptance of terms of use.
Circuit Clerk's Office: The Marion County Circuit Clerk maintains official court records related to arrests at Room 204 (criminal division) of the Marion County Courthouse. Public terminals are available for record searches during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM).
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division, Marion County Sheriff's Office, 204 N. Washington Street, Salem, IL 62881. All requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity as required by 5 ILCS 140/3(c).

Statutory fees apply to record retrieval services in accordance with the fee schedule established under 705 ILCS 105/27.2a. Standard processing time is 5 business days, though extensions may apply for complex requests as permitted under 5 ILCS 140/3(e).

Contents of a Marion County Arrest Record

Marion County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents serve as the factual record of law enforcement actions and typically encompass the following elements:

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 identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, including Illinois statute citations, charge classification (felony/misdemeanor), and charge descriptions as defined in 720 ILCS.
Booking Documentation: Unique booking number, fingerprint identification data collected pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/2, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bond determination, including bond type and amount as set forth under 725 ILCS 5/110-5, detention facility location, and inmate identification number if applicable.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court docket number, assigned judge, scheduled court appearances, and any adjudication outcomes.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests and convictions within Marion County jurisdiction, subject to disclosure limitations established in 20 ILCS 2635/7.

The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains supplementary records for individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction. Access to certain elements of arrest records may be restricted based on statutory exemptions, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in 5 ILCS 140/7.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Marion County

The expungement process in Marion County operates under the authority of 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which establishes the legal framework for the removal of arrest records from public access. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement through a formalized judicial procedure administered by the Marion County Circuit Court. Expungement effectively eliminates arrest records from public databases and physically removes them from government repositories.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Marion County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests not resulting in charges (stale arrests)
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
First-time offenders meeting statutory requirements under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(b)

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Marion County Courthouse, Room 206, 100 East Main Street, Salem, IL 62881
Payment of filing fees ($120 as of 2025, with fee waiver options available for indigent petitioners)
Fingerprint verification through an approved vendor
Service of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency
Mandatory waiting period of 30-60 days for agency objections
Judicial hearing if objections are filed or at the court's discretion

Upon judicial approval, the court issues an Order for Expungement directing all relevant agencies to remove and destroy records pertaining to the specified arrest. The Illinois State Police, Marion County Sheriff's Office, and other record repositories must comply within 60 days of receiving the court order. Verification of expungement completion may be requested through the Circuit Clerk's office.

Certain arrest records are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including those involving sexual offenses against minors, domestic violence convictions, and driving under the influence. The Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry maintains permanent records for qualifying offenses regardless of expungement status of the underlying arrest.