Champaign Public Records / Champaign County Arrest Records

Champaign County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Champaign County

Arrest records in Champaign County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection. The Illinois FOIA operates under the principle that government transparency is essential to the proper functioning of a democratic society.

Pursuant to § 2.15 of the Illinois FOIA, arrest records are specifically designated as public information that must be disclosed upon request. However, it is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. 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 the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process.

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. While basic arrest information is public, certain elements may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as permitted under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

What's in Champaign County Arrest Records

Champaign County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Champaign Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff's Office)
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Fingerprint information
Mugshot photograph

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
Release conditions (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Victim information (typically redacted in public records)
Witness information (typically redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile information as permitted under Illinois law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Champaign County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Champaign County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for obtaining these public records:

Submit a FOIA Request: The primary method for obtaining comprehensive arrest records is through a Freedom of Information Act request submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requesters must:
- Complete the agency's FOIA request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response (extensions may apply)
Visit the Records Division in Person: Individuals may request arrest records by visiting:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-1204
Champaign County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Champaign Police Department
82 E. University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-4545
Champaign Police Department

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Request by Mail: Written requests may be sent to either agency's address with:
- A completed FOIA request form
- Specific details about the requested records
- Contact information for response
- Payment for applicable fees (if known)
Check Online Resources: Basic arrest information may be available through:
- The Champaign County inmate lookup system
- Police media reports for recent arrests
- The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's website for court case information

When requesting arrest records, requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, date of arrest, and case number if available. Fees may apply for copies of records, typically ranging from $0.15 to $0.25 per page for standard copies, with additional fees for certified copies or extensive searches.

How To Find Champaign County Arrest Records Online

Champaign County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms offer varying levels of detail and are updated according to different schedules:

Champaign County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup portal that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. To use this system:
- Navigate to the official Champaign County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate and click on the "Inmate Lookup" link
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, etc.)
- Review results showing custody status, charges, and booking information
Champaign Police Department Media Reports: The City of Champaign Police Department publishes media reports containing information about recent arrests and incidents. Users can:
- Visit the Champaign Police Department website
- Navigate to the "News & Data" section
- Select "Police Media Reports"
- Browse chronological listings of incident reports
- Search for specific dates or types of incidents
Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Public Case Access: The Circuit Clerk's online portal provides access to court records related to arrests. To search:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's website
- Select "Public Case Access"
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who have been transferred to state custody, the IDOC inmate search system provides information on current inmates. Users can:
- Visit the IDOC website
- Navigate to "Offender Search"
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
- Review custody status, location, and projected release date

When using these online resources, users should note that information may be limited compared to official records obtained through FOIA requests. Additionally, there may be delays between an arrest and when the information appears in online systems. For the most comprehensive and current information, direct contact with the appropriate agency is recommended.

How To Search Champaign County Arrest Records for Free?

Champaign County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide varying levels of detail about arrests and related criminal justice information:

Online Inmate Lookup System: The Champaign County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate lookup tool that allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released. This resource includes:
- Basic biographical information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
Public Access Terminals: Free on-site access to certain records is available at:

Champaign County Courthouse
101 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3725
Champaign County Courthouse

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

These terminals provide access to court records related to arrests without requiring payment for searches.
Police Department Media Reports: The Champaign Police Department regularly publishes media reports on their website that include information about recent arrests and incidents within city limits. These reports are:
- Updated regularly
- Searchable by date
- Available without registration or fees
- Inclusive of basic arrest information
Sheriff's Office Public Documents: The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains a public documents section on their website that includes:
- Daily jail population reports
- Arrest summaries
- Annual reports with arrest statistics
- Other public safety information
Basic FOIA Requests: Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies are provided free of charge. Requesters can:
- Submit a FOIA request specifying the desired records
- Receive the first 50 pages at no cost
- Pay only for additional pages beyond the initial 50

When utilizing these free resources, users should be aware that the information provided may be less comprehensive than what is available through paid services or formal record requests. Additionally, some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Champaign County

Illinois law provides mechanisms for individuals to petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2).

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Difference

Expungement: The physical destruction of records or return to the petitioner and removal from public record. When a record is expunged, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred.
Sealing: The physical and electronic maintenance of records that are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Law enforcement agencies, certain employers, and some licensing bodies may still access sealed records.

Eligibility for Expungement

Pursuant to § 5.2(b) of the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, records may be eligible for expungement if:

The arrest did not result in charges being filed
Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The individual successfully completed supervision or qualified probation
The conviction was reversed or vacated
The individual received a pardon from the Governor specifically authorizing expungement

Eligibility for Sealing

Under § 5.2(c), records may be eligible for sealing if:

The individual has completed their sentence, including probation or supervision
A waiting period has passed (typically 3 years for most misdemeanors and some felonies)
The offense is not excluded by statute from eligibility for sealing

Process for Expungement or Sealing in Champaign County

Obtain Criminal History: Request a copy of your criminal history transcript from the arresting agency or the Illinois State Police.
Determine Eligibility: Review your record with legal counsel to determine eligibility for expungement or sealing.
Complete Required Forms: Obtain and complete the appropriate petition forms from the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office.

Champaign County Circuit Clerk
101 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3725
Champaign County Circuit Clerk

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
File the Petition: Submit the completed petition and required documentation to the Circuit Clerk's Office with the applicable filing fee (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals).
Notice to State's Attorney and Arresting Agencies: The Clerk's Office will provide copies of your petition to the State's Attorney and the agencies that arrested you or prosecuted your case.
Court Hearing: If objections are filed, attend the scheduled court hearing to present your case.
Implementation of Order: If granted, the court will issue an order directing the appropriate agencies to expunge or seal your records.

The expungement or sealing process typically takes 3-4 months from filing to completion. Individuals seeking to expunge or seal records are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney, as the process can be complex and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

What Happens After Arrest in Champaign County?

Following an arrest in Champaign County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Entry into the jail management system
Bond Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest, a bond hearing is conducted where:
- A judge reviews the charges and circumstances
- Bond amount and conditions are set
- The individual may be released on their own recognizance, required to post bail, or held without bond depending on the severity of charges and other factors
Initial Appearance/Arraignment: At this court proceeding:
- Formal charges are presented
- The defendant is advised of their rights
- A plea is entered (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Legal representation is established (private attorney or public defender)
- Future court dates are scheduled
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury (Felony Cases): For felony charges:
- A preliminary hearing determines if probable cause exists to proceed with prosecution, or
- A grand jury reviews evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment
- This step is typically waived in misdemeanor cases
Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase includes:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense)
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanor cases are typically heard by a judge (bench trial)
- Felony defendants may choose a jury trial or bench trial
- Evidence is presented by both sides
- A verdict of guilty or not guilty is rendered
Sentencing: Following a guilty plea or verdict:
- A pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- The judge imposes a sentence based on statutory guidelines and case factors
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, community service, or other requirements
Post-Conviction: After sentencing:
- Defendants may file appeals challenging legal errors
- Those sentenced to incarceration are transferred to the appropriate facility
- Probation cases are assigned to probation officers
- Court-ordered fines and fees are collected by the Circuit Clerk's Office

Throughout this process, case information becomes part of the public record and is maintained by the Champaign County Circuit Clerk. However, certain proceedings, particularly those involving juveniles or sensitive matters, may be conducted confidentially as prescribed by law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Champaign County?

Arrest records in Champaign County are maintained according to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.) and the retention schedules established by the Local Records Commission. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

Pursuant to § 7 of the Illinois Local Records Act, no public record may be disposed of without the approval of the appropriate Local Records Commission. For arrest records specifically, the following retention periods generally apply:

Adult Arrest Records:

Felony arrests: Minimum 10 years after the date of arrest, with permanent retention for certain serious offenses
Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 5 years after the date of arrest
Arrests resulting in conviction: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after completion of sentence
Arrests with no charges filed: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest

Juvenile Arrest Records:

Generally maintained until the individual reaches 18 years of age
Records may be maintained longer for serious offenses
Special confidentiality provisions apply under the Juvenile Court Act

Digital Records and Databases:

Electronic booking information: Typically maintained indefinitely
Digital fingerprints and photographs: Retained according to the same schedule as paper records
Database entries: May be archived rather than deleted after the retention period

It is important to note that different agencies within Champaign County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for unincorporated areas and operates the county jail
The Champaign Police Department maintains records for arrests within city limits
The Champaign County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests

Even after the mandatory retention period has expired, agencies may continue to maintain records for administrative, statistical, or historical purposes. Additionally, information about arrests may be preserved in court records, which typically have longer retention requirements.

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access before the expiration of retention periods must pursue expungement or sealing through the court process as outlined in the Illinois Criminal Identification Act.

How to Find Mugshots in Champaign County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are maintained as part of Champaign County's law enforcement records. These images serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken of individuals during the booking process following an arrest. Typically, these images include:

Front-facing (portrait) view
Profile (side) view
A booking identification number or placard
Date of booking

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Champaign County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office: For arrests by county deputies and individuals booked into the county jail
Champaign Police Department: For arrests by city police officers
Other municipal police departments: For arrests within their jurisdictions before transfer to county facilities

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Champaign County have several options:

Submit a FOIA Request: The most direct method is to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the arresting agency, specifically requesting the booking photograph. The request should include:
- The arrested individual's full name
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case or booking number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Check the Inmate Lookup System: The Champaign County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup portal may display booking photographs for currently incarcerated individuals or those recently released.
Review Media Reports: Local news outlets sometimes publish mugshots provided by law enforcement agencies, particularly for high-profile cases or as part of crime reporting.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some counties maintain searchable online databases that include booking photographs, Champaign County's official online resources provide limited access to mugshots. The county's inmate lookup system may display current inmate photographs, but historical mugshots typically require a formal records request.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially request a booking photograph:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-1204
Champaign County Sheriff's Office

Champaign Police Department
Records Division
82 E. University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-4545
Champaign Police Department

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrestees (under 18 years of age)
Sealed or expunged records
Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
Privacy exemptions under § 7(1)(c) of the Illinois FOIA

Additionally, Illinois has enacted legislation (50 ILCS 205/4a) that restricts the publication of booking photographs by law enforcement agencies on their social media accounts except in limited circumstances, such as when the individual is a fugitive or poses an imminent threat to public safety.

Lookup Arrest Records in Champaign County

Inmate Lookup System

Police Media Reports

Sheriff's Office Public Documents

Request Copy of Police Report

Freedom of Information Act Requests

Champaign County Circuit Clerk

Champaign County Courthouse Information

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Expungement and Sealing of Records Information

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