>Scott County Arrest Records Online

Scott County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County, Illinois?

Arrest records in Scott County, Illinois are classified as public information pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, promoting transparency and accountability in governmental operations. The statute specifically designates arrest records as public documents that must be made available for inspection and copying by members of the public, with certain limited exceptions.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation under Illinois law. Citizens seeking access to arrest records may submit requests directly to the records custodian at the Sheriff's Office. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with exemptions outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7, the core arrest data remains accessible to the public.

Scott County Sheriff's Office
35 East Market Street
Winchester, IL 62694
Phone: (217) 742-3911
Scott County Government Website

Public access hours for record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Scott County?

Scott County arrest records are available through multiple digital platforms, though the comprehensiveness of online access varies by system. The county maintains digital records through the Circuit Clerk's office information system, which provides partial access to arrest documentation. This system primarily focuses on cases that have proceeded to court proceedings rather than initial arrest information.

Digital access to Scott County arrest records is governed by Administrative Order 2013-04 of the Illinois Supreme Court, which established guidelines for electronic access to court records throughout Illinois. While this order expanded digital access, it also implemented privacy safeguards that may limit the scope of information available online compared to in-person requests.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization of older documents remains an ongoing process. Records dating prior to 2010 may require in-person requests at the Circuit Clerk's office for comprehensive information.

Scott County Circuit Clerk
35 East Market Street, Room 200
Winchester, IL 62694
Phone: (217) 742-3178
Circuit Clerk Information

How to Look Up Scott County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing Scott County arrest records in 2025. Members of the public may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Scott County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to submit a formal records request. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying specific records. A valid government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person requests. Processing times typically range from 1-5 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
County Courthouse Access: The Scott County Courthouse maintains records for cases that have proceeded to court. Located at 35 East Market Street in Winchester, the courthouse provides public terminals for searching case information. Court records may be accessed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Online Portal: The county's judicial information system provides limited online access to arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date. Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Electronic Access Policy, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of documents.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Scott County Sheriff's Office. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, specific information being sought, and a copy of valid identification. Fees for copying and certification apply in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/6.

Contents of a Scott County Arrest Record

Scott County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 4000. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest. Any known aliases or previous names may also be documented.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including address or geographic coordinates. The arresting agency and officer's name and badge number are also recorded.
Offense Information: Complete listing of all charges filed, including Illinois statute citations, classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, etc.), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Processing Data: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing. Multiple photographs may be included showing different angles.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, bond amount if applicable, and whether the individual was released or remanded to custody pending further proceedings.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including court dates, preliminary hearing outcomes, and final disposition if the case has concluded.

Pursuant to 20 Ill. Adm. Code 4000.30(c), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to juvenile suspects or victims of certain crimes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scott County

The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Scott County. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access and law enforcement databases, while sealing restricts access to authorized agencies only. These remedies are available under specific circumstances as defined by statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Scott County include:

Arrests that did not result in charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
Certain non-violent convictions after a waiting period (typically 2-5 years)

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Scott County Circuit Court. This procedure involves multiple steps:

Obtaining a certified copy of arrest records from the arresting agency
Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Clerk
Paying the required filing fee (currently $157 as of 2025)
Serving copies of the petition to all relevant agencies
Attending a judicial hearing if objections are filed

The State's Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may file objections within 60 days of notification. If approved, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all agencies to remove or seal the specified records.

Scott County State's Attorney's Office
35 East Market Street
Winchester, IL 62694
Phone: (217) 742-8907
State Attorney Information

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Illinois Legal Aid Online organization provides resources for individuals seeking expungement who cannot afford private counsel.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Scott County, several statutory provisions limit access to certain information. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630) and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) establish specific exemptions from disclosure.

Protected categories of arrest information include:

Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (705 ILCS 405/1-7)
Arrests that have been expunged or sealed by court order
Information that would compromise ongoing investigations (5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d))
Records containing personal private information as defined in 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(c)
Arrest records related to victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses

Law enforcement agencies in Scott County must balance public access rights with privacy protections. The Scott County Sheriff's Office follows established protocols for redacting protected information while maintaining the public's right to access core arrest data. Requestors seeking information that falls within protected categories may be required to demonstrate legal authorization or obtain a court order.

Government agencies and certain employers may retain access to sealed or expunged records under limited circumstances as specified in 20 ILCS 2630/12. These exceptions primarily apply to law enforcement agencies, the military, and employers in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and education.