Peoria County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Peoria County
Arrest records in Peoria County are considered public information pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Under § 2.15 of the Illinois FOIA, arrest records are explicitly defined as public records subject to disclosure.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Illinois law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/5-915, certain arrest records that did not result in conviction may be eligible for expungement or sealing, which restricts public access to these records.
The Peoria County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:
- Interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Reveal the identity of confidential sources
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally public, access may be subject to certain limitations established by state law and local policies.
What's in Peoria County Arrest Records
Peoria County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. The content of these records is maintained in accordance with Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, § 2630/5 governing criminal identification and records. A typical arrest record in Peoria County includes the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Aliases or known nicknames
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and physical description
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- State identification number (SID)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Peoria County Sheriff's Office, Peoria Police Department)
- Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge severity (Class A, B, C, etc.)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Fingerprint information
- Photograph (mugshot)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, personal recognizance, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Medical screening information
- Emergency contact information
The Peoria County Sheriff's Records Division is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and completeness of arrest records. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy protections under Illinois law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Peoria County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Peoria County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for arrest record inquiries:
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may request arrest records by visiting the Records Division of the Peoria County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
Peoria County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 697-8515
Peoria County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
When making an in-person request, requesters should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide identification
- Specify the records being sought with as much detail as possible
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
Written Requests:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email to:
Peoria County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
Email: records@peoriacounty.org
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
- Signed and dated request
Online Requests:
The Peoria County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for submitting public information requests. This system allows users to:
- Submit requests electronically
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of available records
- Pay applicable fees online
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within five business days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances. Fees for record reproduction are established in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA and may include charges for copying, certification, and staff time for extensive searches.
How To Find Peoria County Arrest Records Online
Peoria County provides digital access to certain arrest records through its official online platforms. The county's commitment to transparency includes making specific arrest information available through secure web portals. Members of the public may access these records through the following online resources:
Peoria County Jailing Records System:
The primary online resource for accessing arrest information is the Peoria County Records Inquiry system. This database allows users to search for:
- Current inmates in custody
- Recent arrests
- Bond information
- Booking details
To utilize this system effectively:
- Navigate to the Peoria County Records Inquiry website
- Select "Jail Records" from the available search options
- Enter search criteria (name, booking date, etc.)
- Review the results displayed
- Note that records are typically updated daily
Inmate Information System:
For individuals specifically seeking information about persons currently in custody, the Jail & Inmate Information portal provides:
- Current custody status
- Scheduled court dates
- Bond amounts
- Facility location
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information:
For more comprehensive criminal history information that may include arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information system offers fee-based background checks. This resource requires:
- Creation of an account
- Payment of applicable fees
- Submission of identifying information
- Compliance with state regulations regarding criminal history access
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for:
- Older cases that have not been digitized
- Juvenile arrests (which are generally confidential)
- Sealed or expunged records
- Cases with special privacy protections
The online systems are maintained in accordance with 20 ILCS 2630/5 governing criminal identification and records. For records not available online, users may need to submit formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section.
How To Search Peoria County Arrest Records for Free?
Peoria County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information. These free resources are available to promote transparency and public awareness while maintaining compliance with Illinois public records laws.
Free Online Resources:
The Peoria County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible database of current inmate information that can be searched without charge. This resource includes:
- Names of individuals currently in custody
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
To access this information at no cost:
- Visit the Peoria County Jailing Records portal
- Use the search function to locate records by name
- Review the basic information provided without creating an account or paying fees
Inmate Information Line:
For those without internet access, the Sheriff's Office maintains a telephone information line for basic inmate status inquiries:
Peoria County Sheriff's Office - Inmate Information Line
(309) 697-7841
This service provides confirmation of an individual's custody status and basic case information at no charge to callers.
Public Access Terminals:
Free public access computer terminals are available at:
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6000
These terminals allow visitors to search basic arrest and court records without charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Public Records Requests:
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the first 50 pages of black and white copies of public records are provided free of charge. Requesters may:
- Submit a public information request specifying the desired records
- Receive the first 50 pages at no cost
- Pay applicable fees only if the request exceeds 50 pages or requires special processing
It should be noted that while basic arrest record information is available at no cost, more comprehensive criminal history reports or certified copies may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, commercial users or those requesting records for commercial purposes may be subject to fees regardless of document length, pursuant to § 6(b) of the Illinois FOIA.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Peoria County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Peoria County follows Illinois state law, which provides specific mechanisms for either expungement (complete erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of criminal records. These processes are governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630) and the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5).
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Expungement results in the physical destruction of records and removal from all databases, while sealing restricts access to records but maintains them for limited official purposes. The distinction is important:
- Expunged records: Treated as if the arrest never occurred; not accessible to the public or most government agencies
- Sealed records: Remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not accessible to the general public
Eligibility for Expungement or Sealing:
Under § 5-915 of the Illinois Criminal Procedure Code, records may be eligible for expungement if:
- The arrest did not result in charges
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted
- The conviction was reversed or vacated
- The individual successfully completed supervision or qualified probation
Records may be eligible for sealing if:
- The conviction is for an eligible offense under Illinois law
- The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3 years after completion of sentence)
- The individual has no pending criminal charges
- All fines and restitution have been paid
Certain offenses, including most violent felonies, sexual offenses, and domestic violence convictions, are generally ineligible for expungement or sealing.
Steps to Request Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain copies of arrest records and court dispositions from:
Peoria County Circuit Clerk
324 Main Street, Room 211
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
-
Complete the appropriate petition form:
- Petition to Expunge Criminal Records
- Petition to Seal Criminal Records
-
File the petition with the Circuit Clerk's Office and pay the filing fee (currently $157, though fee waivers may be available for those who qualify)
-
Serve copies of the petition on:
- Peoria County State's Attorney
- Arresting agency (typically the Peoria County Sheriff's Office)
- Illinois State Police
-
Attend the scheduled court hearing if required (some uncontested petitions may be granted without a hearing)
-
If granted, ensure the expungement or sealing order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies
The process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. Individuals seeking expungement or sealing may wish to consult with an attorney or contact Prairie State Legal Services for assistance with the process.
What Happens After Arrest in Peoria County?
Following an arrest in Peoria County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois state law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody through case disposition.
Booking and Processing:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Peoria County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Documentation of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Bond Determination:
Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for a bond hearing, where:
- The judge reviews the charges and criminal history
- The State's Attorney may recommend bond amounts
- The defendant or counsel may request reduced bond
- The court sets bond conditions, which may include:
- Cash bail
- Electronic monitoring
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
Pursuant to the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act (725 ILCS 5/110-1 et seq.), cash bail has been eliminated for most offenses, with pretrial release decisions based on public safety and flight risk assessments rather than financial ability.
Formal Charging:
The Peoria County State's Attorney's Office determines formal charges through:
- Information filing (prosecutor's formal charge)
- Grand jury indictment for felony cases
- Complaint filing for misdemeanor cases
Preliminary Proceedings:
Initial court appearances include:
- Arraignment, where charges are formally read and defendants enter pleas
- Preliminary hearings to establish probable cause (for felonies)
- Pretrial conferences to discuss evidence and potential resolutions
Case Resolution:
Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreements negotiated between defense and prosecution
- Bench trials (decided by a judge)
- Jury trials
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs for eligible offenders
Sentencing (if convicted):
Sentencing options in Peoria County include:
- Probation or conditional discharge
- County jail time (typically for misdemeanors)
- Prison sentences (for felonies)
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction:
Following conviction, individuals may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Petition for post-conviction relief
- Apply for clemency or pardon
- Seek expungement or sealing of records (if eligible)
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, which may be provided by the Peoria County Public Defender's Office for those who qualify. The entire process is documented in court records maintained by the Peoria County Circuit Clerk.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Peoria County?
Arrest records in Peoria County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/) and the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). These statutes establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.
Standard Retention Periods:
The Peoria County Sheriff's Office adheres to the following retention schedule for arrest records:
- Arrest reports for felony offenses: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor offenses: Minimum of 5 years after case disposition
- Arrest reports for ordinance violations: Minimum of 5 years after case disposition
- Booking photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 3 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention (also maintained by Illinois State Police)
- Arrest warrants: Minimum of 3 years after execution or cancellation
These retention periods are established in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Code Title 44, Part 4000, which governs local records management.
Agency-Specific Retention:
Different agencies within Peoria County maintain arrest records for varying periods:
- The Peoria County Sheriff's Records Division maintains arrest records according to the schedules above
- The Peoria County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests permanently
- The Illinois State Police maintains a central repository of criminal history information indefinitely
Digital Records Retention:
With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records are now maintained in electronic format. The Peoria County Records Inquiry system provides access to digitized records, which are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records.
Exceptions to Standard Retention:
Certain circumstances may alter the standard retention periods:
- Records pertaining to unsolved serious crimes may be retained indefinitely
- Records that have been ordered expunged or sealed follow special handling procedures
- Records with historical significance may be preserved permanently
- Records subject to ongoing litigation holds must be retained until the litigation is resolved
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Maintaining evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations
- Providing accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Facilitating background checks authorized by law
- Preserving historical and statistical information
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the Peoria County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly.
How to Find Mugshots in Peoria County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Peoria County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the county jail system.
What Mugshots Are:
Booking photographs are standardized images taken by law enforcement that typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing the date and case number
- Height measurement markers in the background
These photographs are considered part of the official arrest record and are maintained by the Peoria County Sheriff's Office.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Peoria County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Peoria County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 697-8515
These photographs are stored in the county's records management system along with other booking information and arrest details.
Finding Mugshots:
Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs have several options:
-
Submit a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division:
- In person at the address above
- By mail with a written request
- Through the county's public information request portal
-
Check the Peoria County Jail Inmate Information system, which may display booking photographs for currently incarcerated individuals
Online Availability:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Peoria County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for booking photographs. The county has adopted a more restrictive approach to online mugshot publication in recognition of privacy concerns and the potential impact on individuals who have not been convicted of crimes.
Current policies regarding online mugshot availability include:
- Booking photographs are not routinely published on the Sheriff's Office website
- Photographs may be included in press releases for significant cases or wanted persons
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may obtain these images through public records requests
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
To officially request a booking photograph, individuals should:
- Provide the full name of the subject
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Submit proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
- Specify the intended use of the photograph
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Photographs of juvenile arrestees are generally confidential
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Photographs that have been expunged or sealed are not available to the public
- Special privacy protections may apply to victims of certain crimes
Requests for booking photographs are processed in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which establishes the presumption of access to public records while protecting certain privacy interests and law enforcement functions.
Lookup Arrest Records in Peoria County
Search Peoria County jail records online
Access inmate information and custody status
Request public information from the Sheriff's Office