Champaign Public Records /Champaign County Inmate Search

Champaign County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Champaign County?

Inmate records in Champaign County are official government documents maintained by the Champaign County Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the county's correctional facilities. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that begins at the moment of booking and continues throughout an individual's period of incarceration until their release.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, inmate records are defined as official documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies regarding persons in custody. These records are distinct from court records, which are maintained by the judicial system and document case proceedings, legal filings, and judicial decisions. While court records focus on the legal process, inmate records specifically document the physical custody and management of individuals within correctional facilities.

The creation of inmate records follows a standardized process:

Initial booking/intake documentation occurs when an individual is first taken into custody
Records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration
Documentation includes housing assignments, disciplinary actions, and program participation
Medical and mental health information is maintained in separate confidential files
Records are formally closed and archived upon the individual's release

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Illinois state law and county regulations. Under Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 701, correctional facilities must maintain standardized records for all persons in custody to ensure proper identification, classification, and management of the inmate population.

Are Inmate Records Public In Champaign County?

Inmate records in Champaign County are partially accessible to the public under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes that government records, including certain inmate records, are presumptively open to public inspection. However, specific exemptions apply to protect privacy, security, and ongoing investigations.

According to 725 ILCS 5/3-5-1, which governs records of persons committed to the Department of Corrections, certain information about inmates must be made available to the public. The following inmate record components are typically accessible to the public in Champaign County:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information including full name and date of birth
Mugshot photographs
Charges filed against the individual
Bond/bail amount set by the court
Scheduled court dates
Expected release date (if sentenced)
Current housing facility

Certain information within inmate records remains confidential and exempt from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health records
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Detailed disciplinary records
Information that would compromise facility security
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic information about individuals currently in custody. This system allows members of the public to verify if someone is incarcerated and view limited information about their status without submitting a formal records request.

What's Included Inmate Records in Champaign County

Inmate records in Champaign County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's custody status and relevant information. These records are maintained in accordance with 20 Illinois Administrative Code 701.140, which establishes standards for inmate record-keeping. The following categories of information are typically included:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
State identification number and booking number

Custody Information:

Date and time of admission to facility
Arresting agency and arresting officer
Reason for custody (arrest, court commitment, transfer)
Classification status and housing assignment
Disciplinary incidents and actions taken
Participation in jail programs or work assignments
Visitation records and approved visitor list

Charge Information:

Current charges with statute citations
Case numbers for pending cases
Warrant information if applicable
Probation/parole violation details if applicable

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount set by court
Bond status (posted, not posted)
Bond conditions imposed by court

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Assigned judge
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders pertaining to custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges and sentencing date
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Eligibility dates for good time credit or early release
Post-release supervision requirements

Release Information:

Scheduled or actual release date
Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions if applicable
Destination upon release

These records are maintained in both electronic and physical formats by the Champaign County Sheriff's Office and are subject to retention schedules established by the Illinois State Archives.

Champaign County Prison System

The Champaign County correctional system operates under the authority of the Champaign County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration and operation of the county's detention facilities. The system primarily consists of county-level facilities designed for pre-trial detention and the incarceration of individuals serving sentences of less than one year, as prescribed by 730 ILCS 125, the County Jail Act.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons in Illinois. County jails, including those in Champaign County, primarily house:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Persons serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (typically up to 364 days)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony sentencing
Persons held on probation or parole violations
Individuals detained on immigration holds

In contrast, the Illinois Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year. Persons convicted of serious felonies in Champaign County courts are typically transferred to state custody after sentencing.

The Champaign County Sheriff's Office oversees the county's correctional facilities and can be contacted at:

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

The Sheriff's Office maintains responsibility for inmate supervision, facility security, inmate transportation to court appearances, and coordination with other criminal justice agencies throughout the county.

Types of Correctional Facilities In Champaign County

Champaign County maintains several correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:

Champaign County Satellite Jail
502 S. Lierman Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 819-3534
Champaign County Sheriff's Office

The Satellite Jail serves as the primary intake and booking facility for Champaign County. All individuals arrested in the county are initially processed at this location. The facility houses:

Pre-trial detainees
Individuals serving short sentences
Female inmates (in separate housing units)
Special management inmates requiring closer supervision

Champaign County Downtown Correctional Center
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-1243
Champaign County Sheriff's Office

The Downtown Correctional Center is an older facility located adjacent to the Champaign County Courthouse. This facility primarily houses:

Minimum and medium-security male inmates
Work release program participants
Inmates with frequent court appearances

Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center
400 Art Bartell Road
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center

This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders (under 18 years of age) who are detained pending adjudication or serving court-ordered detention sentences. The facility operates separately from adult facilities and provides:

Educational programming
Age-appropriate counseling services
Separate housing units based on age, gender, and offense severity

In addition to these physical facilities, Champaign County also operates alternative custody programs including:

Electronic monitoring/home detention
Day reporting programs
Community service programs
Pre-trial services supervision

These alternative programs are designed to reduce jail overcrowding while maintaining public safety and ensuring court appearances for eligible individuals.

Who's in Prison In Champaign County

The Champaign County jail population consists of diverse individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. According to data from the Champaign County Sheriff's Office, the jail population typically includes the following categories:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but whose cases have not yet been resolved
Persons who have not posted bail or were denied bail
These individuals comprise approximately 60-70% of the jail population
The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees varies widely, from a few days to several months

Sentenced Inmates:

Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to 364 days)
Persons serving sentences for ordinance violations
Individuals serving time for probation violations
These inmates typically make up 20-30% of the jail population

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities after felony sentencing
Persons held on immigration detainers for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Individuals detained for other jurisdictions on outstanding warrants
These holds generally constitute 5-10% of the jail population

Special Populations:

Individuals with mental health needs requiring specialized housing or services
Veterans participating in specialized programming
Persons in substance abuse treatment programs
Women, who typically comprise 10-15% of the total jail population

The demographic composition of the Champaign County jail population generally reflects broader patterns in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The average daily population fluctuates but typically ranges between 150-200 inmates across all facilities.

Pursuant to 730 ILCS 5/3-5-1, the Sheriff's Office maintains statistical information about the jail population and reports this data to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority on a regular basis.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Champaign County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Champaign County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple systems for public access to inmate data:

Online Inmate Lookup System:

Visit the Champaign County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup portal
Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
Review results showing current inmates matching search criteria
Access basic information including charges, booking date, and bond amount
Note that the system only displays individuals currently in custody

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Champaign County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
Provide specific information about the inmate record being requested
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies of records ($0.15 per page for standard copies)

Written Records Request:

Submit a written request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act
Address request to:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office
FOIA Officer
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Include specific information about the records being requested
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to 5 business days for processing as required by 5 ILCS 140/3

Telephone Information:

Call the Champaign County Sheriff's Office at (217) 384-1204
Request to speak with the Records Division or Jail Information
Provide inmate name and date of birth if known
Note that only limited information is available by telephone

When searching for inmate records, requesters should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name of the inmate (first, middle, last)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of incarceration if known
Case number if available

The Sheriff's Office maintains records in accordance with Illinois state retention schedules, and historical records may require additional processing time to retrieve from archives.

How To Find an Inmate in Champaign County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Champaign County can be accomplished through several no-cost methods provided by county and state agencies. These resources are designed to help family members, legal representatives, and other interested parties verify custody status and obtain basic information:

Champaign County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Champaign County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup system
No registration or account creation is required
Search by entering the inmate's last name, first name, or booking number
The system displays current inmates only, with information including:
- Full name and booking photo
- Current charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Housing facility

Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search:

Visit the Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal
Enter the individual's name or Illinois Department of Corrections number
This system locates individuals who have been transferred to state custody
Information provided includes current facility, admission date, and projected discharge date

Telephone Verification:

Call the Champaign County Sheriff's Office at (217) 384-1204
Request inmate verification from the jail staff
Provide the full name and date of birth of the person you are seeking
Basic custody status information is provided at no charge
Available during business hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)

In-Person Inquiry:

Visit the Champaign County Sheriff's Office during business hours:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office
204 E. Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Speak with the front desk staff or jail information officer
Provide the name of the person you are seeking
Receive basic custody information at no charge

Champaign County Circuit Clerk Case Information:

Access the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's public case information
Search by name to locate criminal cases
Case information may indicate custody status and facility location
This system provides court case information rather than direct jail records

When attempting to locate an inmate, having the following information will facilitate a more efficient search:

Full legal name (including middle name if known)
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest or incarceration
Case number if available

How To Visit an Inmate In Champaign County

Visitation with inmates in Champaign County correctional facilities follows specific protocols established by the Sheriff's Office to maintain security while facilitating important family and community connections. All visits must comply with 20 Illinois Administrative Code 701.180, which establishes minimum standards for county jail visitation.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit up to 8 names for their approved visitor list
Changes to visitor lists are processed on Mondays only
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors under 18 must present a birth certificate

Visit Schedule:

Satellite Jail: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Downtown Correctional Center: Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Visits are scheduled in 30-minute increments
Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling (217) 819-3534

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification
Vehicle keys (to be stored in provided lockers)
Medications needed during visit time (must be declared)
Baby supplies if visiting with infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Outside food or beverages
Weapons of any kind
Tobacco products
Cash exceeding $20
Revealing or inappropriate clothing

Dress Code:

No revealing clothing (shorts must extend below fingertips)
No tank tops, halter tops, or clothing exposing midriff
No clothing with offensive language or gang symbols
No clothing resembling inmate attire (solid orange or striped)
Shoes and shirts required at all times
No hats or head coverings (except religious items)

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method at Satellite Jail)
In-person non-contact visits (through glass partition)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, probation officers)
Special visits (approved by jail administration for exceptional circumstances)

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Persons with felony convictions must receive advance approval
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied
Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation ban

For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office - Inmate Visitation
502 S. Lierman Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 819-3534
Inmate Resources

How To Send Money to a Champaign County Inmate

Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Champaign County correctional facilities have several approved methods for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds can be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and other approved expenses. All financial transactions are processed in accordance with 20 Illinois Administrative Code 701.250, which governs inmate funds and commissary operations.

Methods for Sending Money:

Online Deposits
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Champaign County Sheriff's Office" as the facility
- Enter inmate information and deposit amount
- Processing fees: $3.95 for deposits up to $50; $6.95 for deposits $50.01-$100
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the lobby of the Satellite Jail (502 S. Lierman Avenue, Urbana)
- Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Processing fee: $3.00 per transaction
- Funds available immediately
Money Order by Mail
- Send money orders only (no personal checks or cash)
- Make payable to "Champaign County Sheriff's Office"
- Include inmate's full name and booking number on money order
- Mail to:
  
  Champaign County Sheriff's Office
  Inmate Accounts
  502 S. Lierman Avenue
  Urbana, IL 61802
- No processing fee
- Funds typically available within 3-5 business days
Bond Transfers
- Inmates may request bond money be transferred to their commissary account
- Requires signed authorization form from inmate
- No processing fee
- Available only for bonds posted in Champaign County cases

Amount Limits:

Maximum weekly deposit: $300 per inmate
Maximum account balance: $500
Minimum deposit amount: $5.00
Bond transfers may exceed these limits with administrative approval

Transaction Fees:

Online deposits: $3.95-$6.95 depending on amount
Kiosk deposits: $3.00 flat fee
Money orders: No fee
All fees are paid by the sender, not deducted from deposit amount

Prohibited Transactions:

Personal checks are not accepted
Cash sent through mail will be returned to sender
Third-party checks cannot be processed
Transfers between inmate accounts are prohibited
Deposits from persons with active criminal cases are subject to review

Approved Uses for Inmate Funds:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, clothing)
Telephone account funding
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Release money upon discharge

Restricted Uses:

Cannot be used to post bond
Cannot purchase prohibited items
Cannot transfer to other inmates
Cannot pay fines or court costs directly

For questions regarding inmate accounts or money transfers, contact:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office - Inmate Accounts
502 S. Lierman Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 819-3534
Inmate Resources

How To Send Jail Mail In Champaign County

Correspondence with inmates housed in Champaign County correctional facilities is subject to specific regulations designed to maintain facility security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. All mail procedures comply with 20 Illinois Administrative Code 701.190, which establishes standards for inmate mail in county jails.

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include the sender's complete name and return address
Mail without a return address will not be delivered
Inmate's full name and booking number must appear on the envelope
All non-privileged mail is opened and inspected before delivery
Mail is typically delivered to inmates within 24 hours of receipt (excluding weekends/holidays)

Mailing Address Format:

Inmate Full Name, Booking Number
Champaign County Satellite Jail
502 S. Lierman Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
Money orders (must be separate from letters)
Legal documents
Religious materials (soft-cover only)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Crayon or marker writings
Perfumed or scented items
Polaroid photographs
Hardcover books or magazines
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Items containing biohazards
Glitter, confetti, or glued items

Books and Publications:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books only
Maximum of 3 books in possession at one time
Subject to content review by jail staff
Approved vendors include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million

Legal/Privileged Mail:

Mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is considered privileged
Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
Opened in the presence of the inmate
Not subject to content inspection, only contraband screening

E-Messages:

Available through Access Corrections
$0.50 per message (up to 5,000 characters)
Messages typically delivered within 24 hours
Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
Photos may be attached for additional fee

Mail Restrictions:

Inmates on disciplinary status may have mail privileges restricted
Mail suspected of containing contraband may be held pending investigation
Mail containing threats, escape plans, or criminal activity will be confiscated
Correspondence with victims may be prohibited by court order
Communication between inmates at different facilities requires approval

For questions regarding mail procedures or to report issues with mail delivery, contact:

Champaign County Sheriff's Office - Inmate Mail
502 S. Lierman Avenue
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 819-3534
Inmate Resources

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