Arrest records are public documents in Huntley, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring government records, including arrest records, remain accessible to members of the public. The statute upholds principles of governmental transparency and accountability by mandating that arrest information be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted under § 7 of the Act. The Village of Huntley, as a public body under Illinois law, maintains these records in accordance with statutory requirements established by the Village government.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic functions, including:
Members of the public seeking Huntley arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels maintained by local authorities. The Huntley Police Department serves as the primary custodian of these records and provides multiple access methods in compliance with Illinois public records laws.
In-Person Requests at Police Department: Individuals may submit requests directly to the Huntley Police Department Records Division located at 10911 Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (847) 515-5311.
McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be obtained from the McHenry County Circuit Clerk located at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (815) 334-4190.
Online Access Systems: The Village Clerk's Office maintains certain public records through the Village's online portal. Additionally, the McHenry County Circuit Clerk provides a public access terminal for court records related to arrests.
Written FOIA Requests: Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, written requests may be submitted to the Huntley Police Department FOIA Officer. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may be submitted via postal mail, email, or fax.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Huntley Police Department Records Division contain specific categories of information as prescribed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Chapter II, Part 1240. These records typically include:
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to exemptions under 5 ILCS 140/7, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, biometric identifiers, and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
The disclosure of arrest records in Huntley operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by state statutes and local ordinances. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act serves as the primary authority governing public access to these records, with additional provisions found in the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/1 et seq.).
Public access to arrest information is subject to the following statutory provisions:
5 ILCS 140/3(a): Establishes that each public body shall make available for inspection and copying all public records, except as otherwise provided in Section 7.
5 ILCS 140/3.5: Requires public bodies to designate FOIA officers responsible for receiving and processing record requests.
20 ILCS 2630/5: Governs the dissemination of criminal history record information and establishes limitations on certain categories of records.
Village of Huntley Municipal Code Chapter 2.56: Contains local provisions regarding records management and public access procedures.
The Huntley Police Department must balance public disclosure requirements against privacy protections and ongoing investigation needs. Certain records may be temporarily withheld if their release would interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d).
While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, several statutory and procedural limitations restrict access to certain information. These limitations serve to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and juvenile offenders.
Access restrictions may apply to the following categories:
Sealed or Expunged Records: Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection.
Juvenile Records: Under the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7), law enforcement records pertaining to minors are subject to heightened confidentiality protections.
Active Investigations: Information that would interfere with pending or actively contemplated law enforcement proceedings may be temporarily withheld under 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d).
Privacy Exemptions: Personal information within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(c).
Victim Information: Identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses, may be withheld pursuant to the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act (725 ILCS 120/1 et seq.).
Requestors denied access to records may appeal such decisions through administrative review procedures established by the Illinois Public Access Counselor within the Office of the Attorney General.
The expungement process in Huntley allows eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. This legal remedy is governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which establishes criteria and procedures for expungement petitions.
Eligibility for expungement typically extends to:
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the Circuit Court of McHenry County. The court reviews each petition considering statutory eligibility requirements and any objections filed by the State's Attorney or arresting agency. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Huntley Police Department, to expunge the specified records.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain forms and guidance from:
McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 334-4190
Official Website