Peoria County Criminal Records

What Is Peoria County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Peoria County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes the framework for criminal proceedings documentation.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories, each with different levels of accessibility and legal implications:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. In Peoria County, arrest records without subsequent convictions may have limited public accessibility compared to conviction records.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. Both types are maintained in Peoria County records but may be subject to different retention schedules.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Illinois law to protect minors' futures. The Juvenile Court Act provides specific protections for juvenile records in Peoria County.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past proceedings. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office maintains both types of records.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Peoria County:

• The Peoria County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records
• The Peoria County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records, including criminal case files
• The Illinois State Police maintains statewide criminal history information
• Local police departments maintain their own arrest and incident reports

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:

• Initial charges and arrests
• Arraignment proceedings
• Plea agreements
• Trial transcripts and evidence
• Sentencing information
• Probation and parole records

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court oversees criminal proceedings in Peoria County, and their records constitute the official documentation of criminal cases from filing through disposition.

Are Criminal Records Public In Peoria County

Criminal records in Peoria County are generally considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency in governmental functions.

Section 1.2 of the Illinois FOIA states: "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."

However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The public status of records varies based on several factors:

Publicly Available Records:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and dockets
• Sentencing information
• Jail inmate information for currently incarcerated individuals
• Sex offender registration information through the Illinois Sex Offender Registry

Restricted or Limited Access Records:

• Ongoing criminal investigations
• Records sealed by court order
• Expunged records pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Records containing sensitive personal information
• Records that would interfere with pending proceedings

The Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Criminal Division maintains court records related to criminal cases, which are generally available for public inspection. However, certain records may be redacted or restricted based on statutory exemptions or court orders.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Peoria County Sheriff's Office, may withhold certain investigative records if disclosure would interfere with pending proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

It is important to note that while records may be public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and, in some cases, paying applicable fees as established by county ordinance and state law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Peoria County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Peoria County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.

In-Person Requests at the Circuit Clerk's Office:

1. Visit the Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Criminal Division during regular business hours.

Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Criminal Division
324 Main Street
Peoria, IL 61602
309-672-6000
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

2. Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification.
4. Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance.
5. For certified copies, additional fees apply pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.2.

Sheriff's Office Records Requests:

1. Contact the Records Division of the Peoria County Sheriff's Office.

Peoria County Sheriff's Office Records Division
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
309-697-8515
Sheriff's Records Division

2. Submit a completed records request form specifying the information sought.
3. Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
4. For arrest reports, booking photos, and incident reports, specific request forms are required.

Mail Requests:

1. Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Peoria County website.
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
4. Mail the request to the appropriate agency (Circuit Clerk or Sheriff's Office).

Background Check Requests:

For comprehensive criminal history information:

1. Submit fingerprints through an approved vendor.
2. Complete the Illinois State Police request form.
3. Pay the required fee.
4. Submit to the Illinois Bureau of Identification.

When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

• Full name of the subject (including aliases)
• Date of birth
• Case numbers (if known)
• Approximate date of incident or court proceeding
• Specific documents requested

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the agency's current workload. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee in certain circumstances.

How To Find Criminal Records in Peoria County Online?

Peoria County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to county offices.

The primary online portal for court records is the Peoria County Records Inquiry system, which provides access to:

• Criminal case records
• Traffic case records
• Jail records
• Bond records
• Court calendars

To use this system:

1. Navigate to the Peoria County Records Inquiry website
2. Select the type of records you wish to search (criminal, jail, etc.)
3. Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range
4. Review the results displayed on screen
5. Print or save search results as needed

No registration is required for basic searches, though some detailed information may require user authentication.

For current inmate information, the Jail Inmate Information portal provides:

• Current custody status
• Booking information
• Charges
• Bond amounts
• Court dates

This information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes in custody status.

The Public Data Portals section of the Peoria County website provides links to additional resources, including:

• Court dockets
• Criminal case information
• Tax records
• Property records

For statewide criminal history information, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information portal allows for name-based and fingerprint-based background checks, though fees apply and certain restrictions exist regarding who may access this information.

The Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides information on individuals currently serving sentences in state facilities or on parole.

For sex offender information, the Illinois Sex Offender Registry provides searchable data on registered sex offenders, including those residing in Peoria County.

It is important to note that while these online resources provide significant access to criminal records, certain documents may only be available through in-person requests, particularly older records that have not been digitized or records that contain sensitive information requiring redaction before release.

Can You Search Peoria County Criminal Records for Free?

Peoria County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations and exceptions apply. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically 5 ILCS 140/6(a), public bodies may provide the first 50 pages of black and white copies free of charge, though fees may be imposed for additional pages or specialized documents.

Free In-Person Inspection:

The public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Office
324 Main Street
Peoria, IL 61602
309-672-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

Peoria County Sheriff's Office Records Division
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
309-697-8515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Records Division

While inspection is free, visitors must follow established procedures, including signing in, presenting identification, and specifying the records they wish to view.

Free Online Resources:

Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:

• The Peoria County Records Inquiry system offers free searches for basic case information, including criminal cases, jail records, and court calendars.

• The Jail Inmate Information portal provides free access to current inmate information, including charges and custody status.

• The Public Information section of the Sheriff's Office website provides access to public safety information at no cost.

• The Illinois Sex Offender Registry offers free searches for registered sex offenders residing in Peoria County.

Fee-Based Services:

While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:

• Certified copies of court documents
• Complete case files
• Records requiring extensive redaction
• Specialized searches requiring staff assistance
• Criminal history background checks through the Illinois State Police
• Expedited service requests

These fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.2 and county ordinances, and are designed to recover the actual cost of reproduction rather than to generate revenue.

Individuals with limited financial resources may request fee waivers in certain circumstances, particularly when the information sought relates to the requestor's own records or is needed for legal proceedings.

What's Included in a Peoria County Criminal Record?

Peoria County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, though the specific content may vary based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at time of arrest
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (typically the 10th Judicial Circuit Court)
• Judge assigned to the case
• Charges filed by the prosecutor with corresponding Illinois statute citations
• Classification of charges (felony class or misdemeanor class)
• Plea entered
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
• Court appearance dates
• Motions filed and their dispositions

Disposition and Sentencing Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment program mandates
• Appeals filed and their outcomes
• Probation or parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history within Peoria County

The Peoria County Circuit Clerk maintains the official court records, while the Peoria County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records. These records are subject to various levels of public access as determined by Illinois law and court orders.

For cases that have been expunged or sealed pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, the information may be removed from public access or restricted to authorized agencies only. The Illinois Courts provide standardized forms for individuals seeking to expunge or seal eligible records.

How Long Does Peoria County Keep Criminal Records?

Peoria County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/) and the policies of individual agencies. These retention periods ensure that records are preserved for appropriate timeframes while allowing for the eventual disposition of outdated materials.

The retention periods for various criminal records in Peoria County include:

Court Records:

• Felony case files: Permanently maintained by the Circuit Clerk
• Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for 10 years after case disposition
• Traffic violations: Maintained for 7 years after case disposition
• Court dockets and indexes: Permanently maintained
• Grand jury proceedings: Permanently maintained in sealed status

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest reports for felonies: Maintained for 10 years after the arrest date
• Arrest reports for misdemeanors: Maintained for 5 years after the arrest date
• Incident reports: Maintained for 5 years after the incident date
• Investigation files for solved major crimes: Maintained for 25 years
• Investigation files for unsolved major crimes: Permanently maintained
• Booking photographs and fingerprints: Maintained for the duration of the individual's lifetime

Corrections Records:

• Jail booking and release information: Maintained for 10 years
• Inmate medical records: Maintained for 10 years after release
• Inmate disciplinary records: Maintained for 5 years after release

Probation and Court Services:

• Adult probation files: Maintained for 10 years after discharge from probation
• Juvenile probation files: Maintained until the subject reaches 27 years of age

These retention periods are established pursuant to 5 ILCS 160/17, which requires the Secretary of State to issue regulations establishing procedures for the management of records. The Illinois State Archives oversees the records management program for all state and local government agencies.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period has expired, information about criminal cases may persist in various databases, private background check companies, and news archives. Additionally, certain records, such as those related to sex offenses or violent crimes, may be subject to extended or permanent retention requirements.

Records that have been expunged or sealed pursuant to court order follow different retention guidelines, with access severely restricted or the physical records destroyed according to the terms of the court order.

Lookup Criminal Records in Peoria County

Peoria County Records Inquiry system

Jail Inmate Information portal

Sheriff's Office Records Division

Public Information from the Sheriff's Office

Peoria County Circuit Clerk

Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk

Public Data Portals for Peoria County

Illinois State Police Criminal History Information

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Illinois Courts Information

Illinois Sex Offender Registry

Expungement and Sealing Information