>Perry County Arrest Records Online

Perry County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Perry County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Perry County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation mandates that government agencies, including law enforcement entities, make their records accessible to the general public with certain exceptions. The Illinois FOIA establishes that arrest records fall within the category of public records that must be disclosed upon proper request. This statutory framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within Perry County.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit a FOIA request to the appropriate agency. The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains most arrest records for the county and must respond to such requests within five business days under normal circumstances, as stipulated by Illinois law. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations in accordance with exemptions provided in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Perry County?

Perry County arrest records are partially available through online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Perry County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current arrest information and booking data through their official website. However, comprehensive arrest records may not be fully accessible through online portals due to technological limitations and privacy considerations.

The Perry County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an electronic case management system that allows for limited online searches of court cases that may be associated with arrests. This system primarily contains information about court proceedings rather than detailed arrest records. For cases filed with the court, basic information such as defendant name, case number, charges, and court dates may be available through the Illinois Courts system.

Online access to historical arrest records in Perry County remains limited, with most comprehensive searches requiring direct contact with county agencies. The county continues to implement digital record-keeping systems in accordance with state guidelines for public records management.

How to Look Up Perry County Arrest Records in 2025

Perry County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:

Submit a FOIA request to the Perry County Sheriff's Office:
- Requests must be submitted in writing using the county's standard FOIA form
- Include specific information about the records being sought
- Provide contact information for response delivery
- Submit in person, by mail, or via email to the designated FOIA officer
Visit the Perry County Sheriff's Office in person: Perry County Sheriff's Office 12 E. Water Street PO Box 350 Pinckneyville, IL 62274 Phone: (618) 357-5212 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Official Website
Access the Perry County Circuit Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests: Perry County Circuit Clerk One Public Square Pinckneyville, IL 62274 Phone: (618) 357-6726 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Perry County Courthouse public access terminals: Perry County Courthouse One Public Square Pinckneyville, IL 62274 Phone: (618) 357-5116 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Check the Sheriff's Office online resources for current inmate and booking information, which is updated regularly in compliance with § 4-103 of the Illinois County Jail Act.

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, requestors seeking arrest records for employment background checks must follow additional protocols established by the Illinois State Police.

Contents of a Perry County Arrest Record

Perry 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:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Home address or last known residence
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars when documented
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, etc.)
- Circumstances leading to the arrest as documented by law enforcement
Criminal charge information:
- Specific charges filed, including Illinois statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation)
- Case number assigned by the Perry County Circuit Clerk
- Warrant information if applicable
Processing documentation:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory taken at booking
- Detention location and status
Judicial information:
- Bond amount and conditions set by the court
- Court appearance dates
- Preliminary hearing information
- Name of assigned public defender or private attorney when recorded

These records are maintained in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) which establishes retention schedules for various categories of public records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Perry County

The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Perry County follows procedures established under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Eligible individuals may petition to have their arrest records removed from public access through a formal legal process. Expungement results in the physical destruction of records, while sealing limits access to specific authorized entities.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Perry County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation for certain offenses
Cases where the Governor has granted a pardon specifically authorizing expungement
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period as specified in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(b)

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

Obtain certified copies of arrest records from the Perry County Circuit Clerk
Complete the Petition for Expungement and/or Sealing form
File the petition with the Circuit Clerk and pay applicable filing fees
Serve copies of the petition to the Perry County State's Attorney, the arresting agency, and the Illinois State Police
Attend the scheduled court hearing before a judge of the 24th Judicial Circuit

If granted, the court order directs all agencies to expunge or seal the specified records within 60 days. The Illinois State Police will notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation to update their records accordingly. Petitioners should be aware that certain agencies, including law enforcement and the courts, may retain limited access to sealed records as permitted by statute.