>Williamson County Arrest Records Online

Williamson County, Illinois Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Williamson County, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Williamson County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that records maintained by public bodies shall be accessible to all citizens, with certain limited exceptions that do not typically apply to basic arrest information. The Illinois FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information that must be disclosed upon proper request.

Members of the public may access these records, which generally contain the name of the arrested individual, the nature of the charges filed, and the date and location of the arrest. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in law enforcement activities and providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(a), public bodies in Illinois must make records promptly available upon request. However, certain personal information may be redacted to protect privacy rights while still maintaining the public's right to access the fundamental arrest information.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Williamson County?

Williamson County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office provides access to certain arrest information through their official website, including recent booking information and current inmate status.

The online availability of these records is governed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, which establishes guidelines for the electronic dissemination of criminal history record information. While comprehensive arrest records may require formal requests, basic information about recent arrests is often published online as part of the county's commitment to public safety and transparency.

Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:

Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time data
Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Records of juvenile arrests are generally not available online pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-7
Online records typically include only basic information, with more detailed records available through formal requests

How to Look Up Williamson County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Williamson County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing these records include:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Williamson County Sheriff's Office: Williamson County Sheriff's Office 404 North Van Buren Street Marion, IL 62959 Phone: (618) 997-6541 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Records may also be requested at the Williamson County Circuit Clerk's Office, located at: Williamson County Circuit Clerk 200 West Jefferson Street Marion, IL 62959 Phone: (618) 997-1301 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

For online access, requestors may utilize the following resources:

The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search for information on individuals currently in custody
The Williamson County Records Department online portal for certain public records
The Williamson County Courthouse website for case information related to arrests

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records, though viewing records in person typically incurs no cost. Requests must be responded to within five business days under normal circumstances, as mandated by Illinois law.

Contents of a Williamson County Arrest Record

Williamson County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of all charges filed, including Illinois statute citations
Name and identification of the arresting agency and officers
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions imposed
Custody status indicating whether the individual remains detained or has been released

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple administrative and public safety functions. These records document the legal basis for the deprivation of liberty and provide essential information for subsequent judicial proceedings. The standardization of these records ensures consistency across jurisdictions and facilitates information sharing between law enforcement agencies.

It should be noted that pursuant to 20 Ill. Admin. Code 1240.30, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, home addresses, and information related to confidential informants or ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Williamson County

The expungement process in Williamson County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Williamson County Circuit Court.

Eligibility for expungement is determined by several factors:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi are generally eligible for immediate expungement
Cases resulting in successful completion of supervision, qualified probation, or certain first-offender programs may be eligible after a waiting period
Certain non-conviction records may be sealed rather than expunged if they do not meet expungement criteria
Convictions for most felonies and certain misdemeanors are ineligible for expungement but may qualify for record sealing

The expungement petition process requires:

Filing the appropriate petition forms with the Circuit Clerk
Payment of filing fees (currently $157 as of 2025, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Service of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency
Attendance at a court hearing if objections are filed
Issuance of an expungement order by the presiding judge if the petition is granted

Upon successful expungement, pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), all agencies maintaining the records must physically destroy them or return them to the petitioner, and the arrest is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes.