Arrest records are public documents in Moultrie County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring government transparency by mandating public access to various government records, including those pertaining to arrests. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Moultrie County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Members of the public may request access to these records without providing identification or stating a reason for their request, as stipulated in § 5 ILCS 140/3(c).
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 5 ILCS 140/7, including:
Digital access to Moultrie County arrest records is available through several official channels. The Moultrie County Circuit Clerk maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online accessibility is provided in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records of the Illinois Courts.
The Moultrie County Sheriff's Office provides limited online information regarding current inmates and recent arrests. This digital resource is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of information available to the public.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Moultrie County, each governed by specific procedures established by the maintaining agencies. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Database Access: The Moultrie County Circuit Clerk's Office provides electronic access to court records related to arrests through their official website. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date.
In-Person Requests: Physical copies of arrest records may be obtained at:
Moultrie County Sheriff's Office
1505 W. Southline Road
Sullivan, IL 61951
(217) 728-4386
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Moultrie County Circuit Clerk
101 S. Main Street
Sullivan, IL 61951
(217) 728-4212
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to § 5 ILCS 140/3, written FOIA requests may be submitted to the appropriate records custodian. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may be submitted via postal mail, email, or fax.
Statewide Resources: The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision of the state correctional system.
Moultrie County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of information contained in arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the specific circumstances of the case. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under § 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d).
The expungement process in Moultrie County operates under the authority of the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2), which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under qualifying circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition the Moultrie County Circuit Court to have their arrest records expunged or sealed.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Moultrie County include:
The expungement petition process requires:
Upon court approval, all agencies maintaining the subject records must comply with the expungement order within 60 days, as mandated by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9). The Illinois State Police must notify the petitioner when the expungement process has been completed.