Clinton County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clinton County in 2026
ClintonCountyRecords.org provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Clinton County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate custody status, and sex offender registry entries. Access to specific records may vary depending on the requesting party and the disposition of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official county resources, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with the Illinois State Police to ensure that arrest data is reported to the statewide criminal history repository. Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Records are updated as new bookings occur and as individuals are released or transferred.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Carlyle Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Clinton County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically made available through the department. Members of the public seeking arrest records originating from a municipal arrest should direct requests to the relevant city police department in addition to the Sheriff's Office.
Carlyle Police Department
1101 9th St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2323
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clinton County Circuit Courthouse maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search for court cases by the arrestee's name through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. Court case records reflect charges filed, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. As stated on the Illinois Courts website, "Our mission at Clinton County Circuit Court is to protect the rights and liberties of all by providing equal access to justice."
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police maintain a statewide criminal history repository accessible through the Illinois State Police Offender Registry, which includes the Sex Offender Registry, the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, and the Missing Sex Offenders List. For individuals currently in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Individual in Custody Search tool allows members of the public to locate incarcerated individuals by name or IDOC number at no charge.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Clinton County Sheriff's Office
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2245
Clinton County Sheriff
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted
Clerk of Court:
Clinton County Clerk of the Circuit Court
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2415
Clinton County Circuit Courthouse
- Criminal records division is located within the Clinton County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals in the clerk's office
- Copy fees: $2.00 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for standard copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office at 850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be enclosed in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days following receipt.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (618) 594-2245
- Basic custody status information may be available by phone; detailed records require a written or in-person request
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling
- Staff may direct callers to the online search system or advise an in-person visit for comprehensive records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of the Circuit Court compel production of records in legal proceedings. Defense counsel and prosecutors access arrest records as part of the standard discovery process under Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Carlyle PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Clinton County
Arrest records in Clinton County are public records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS 140, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are presumed open to public inspection because they document the exercise of governmental authority, support community awareness of public safety matters, and serve the interests of transparency in the administration of justice.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Illinois law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt
- Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Illinois law balances the public's right to access government records with individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of government accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment decisions. Employers subject to Illinois Human Rights Act provisions may not use arrest records as the sole basis for an adverse employment action. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Clinton County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed
- Illinois statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History:
Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clinton County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest and court records at no charge at public access terminals located in the Clinton County Courthouse. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified court record copies (per page) | $2.00 |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Search fee | No charge for standard requests |
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or certification is required on court documents
- Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of reproduction and do not exceed the per-page rate for paper copies
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant office
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public records at the courthouse
- Online inmate search through the Individual in Custody Search tool
- Online sex offender registry searches through the Illinois State Police Offender Registry
- Basic custody status inquiries by phone
How To Delete Arrest Records in Clinton County
Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or obliteration of the arrest record, while sealing restricts public access to the record without destroying it. Law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies retain access to sealed records under Illinois law.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals whose arrests did not result in conviction may petition for expungement. Arrests resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or a finding of not guilty are eligible for expungement. Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for sealing after the required waiting period has elapsed. Convictions for certain serious offenses, including sex offenses and crimes of violence, are not eligible for expungement or sealing.
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police to confirm the charges and dispositions on file.
- Complete the petition for expungement or sealing using forms available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- File the completed petition with the Clinton County Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all law enforcement agencies named in the petition.
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition based on eligibility and any objections filed.
- If granted, the court order is transmitted to the Illinois State Police and all named agencies for compliance.
Clinton County Clerk of the Circuit Court
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2415
Clinton County Circuit Courthouse
Clinton County State's Attorney's Office
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
Clinton County Public Defender's Office
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office. The Illinois Legal Aid Online resource at illinoislegalaid.org provides self-help forms and guidance for expungement petitions.
What Happens After Arrest in Clinton County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Clinton County Jail, which is operated by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
Clinton County Jail
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2245
Clinton County Sheriff
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Administration of Miranda rights advisement
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Illinois law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the initial hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined by the presiding judge
- The individual is advised of their rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash
- The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees
- The amount is set by the presiding judge or pursuant to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Illinois
- The bondsman assumes liability for the full bond if the defendant fails to appear
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- The individual is held without the possibility of bond
- Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or the existence of an out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
Release conditions imposed by the court may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned upon release
- The individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
- Written conditions of release are provided; failure to comply may result in bond revocation
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Clinton County Jail
- Housing assignment and inmate orientation are completed
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation by the Clinton County Public Defender. Eligibility is based on income. The Public Defender's Office is located at 850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231, and may be reached at (618) 594-2464.
Private Attorney:
Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides attorney referral services at isba.org. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail in confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Clinton County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The State's Attorney may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. For felony offenses, the State's Attorney may present the matter to a grand jury.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. The State's Attorney may offer a plea agreement at any point during the pretrial phase.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; the defendant may petition for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges with a recommended sentence
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present their cases; the verdict is guilty or not guilty
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of imprisonment. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks, depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying widely by case type
- Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: resolved within several months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial under Illinois law requires trial within 120 days for defendants in custody and 160 days for defendants on bond, pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-5
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Clinton County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2245
Clinton County Sheriff
Clinton County Clerk of the Circuit Court
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2415
Clinton County Circuit Courthouse
Clinton County State's Attorney's Office
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
Clinton County Public Defender's Office
850 Fairfax St, Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clinton County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Illinois is governed by state law and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Under the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205, public bodies are required to maintain records for specified periods before authorized destruction. Retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Permanent retention applies regardless of the passage of time
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain indefinitely
- The Illinois State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain in the state repository unless expungement is granted
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Records may be eligible for expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
- Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of five years
- Records may be eligible for expungement
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of two to five years
- Records are eligible for expungement in most circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: retained until superseded by digital records or per retention schedule
- Photographs: retained for the duration of the associated record
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: minimum three years
- Records management system entries: often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: retention varies by agency policy
- Court electronic records: often retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
- Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Clinton County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: minimum five years
- Arrest reports: minimum five years
- Investigative files: retention varies based on case type and disposition
- Contact: (618) 594-2245
Clerk of the Circuit Court:
- Felony case files: permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: minimum seven years
- Traffic case files: minimum five years
- Electronic records: permanent retention
Illinois State Police Repository:
- The Illinois State Police maintain the statewide criminal history repository and retain arrest records from all jurisdictions in Illinois
- Retention policy: permanent for convictions; records without conviction are retained unless expungement is ordered
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is permanent for most arrest records
- Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updates records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from databases takes weeks to months following the court order
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to five years; immediate expungement may be available in some circumstances
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: available online or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly
- Arrests from five or more years ago: may require an in-person request; archives or records storage retrieval may apply; additional fees may be assessed
- Very old arrests: may not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; records destroyed per the retention schedule are no longer available
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule approved by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years; however, convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the reporting and use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions. Third-party websites may not reflect expungements or sealings and are not subject to the same update requirements as law enforcement agencies.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Clinton County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 594-2245 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act may be required for detailed information. The FOIA Request portal for Clinton County offices is available online. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a FOIA request.