Logan County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Logan County in 2026
LoganILRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Logan County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and court case details through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, sheriff news releases, and state criminal history records. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records, along with addresses, contact information, and procedural guidance.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking information for individuals taken into custody within the county's jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office publishes Sheriff News releases that include recent arrest information, charges filed, and the arresting agency. These releases are updated as new arrests occur and are accessible to the public at no charge through the county website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, age, city of residence, charges, arresting agency, and date and time of arrest.
2. Local Police Departments
The Lincoln Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Logan County and processes arrests occurring within the city limits of Lincoln. Arrest information originating from Lincoln Police Department may appear in Sheriff News releases published on the county website. Members of the public seeking records from the Lincoln Police Department may submit a written request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act to the department's records division.
Lincoln Police Department
508 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-2151
City of Lincoln
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Logan County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public may search criminal case records by the defendant's name through the Illinois court case search portal. Court records reflect charges formally filed following an arrest, case dispositions, and scheduled hearing dates.
Logan County Circuit Clerk
601 Broadway St, Room 21
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Circuit Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and conviction records from all Illinois jurisdictions. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Illinois State Police. A fee applies for civilian requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based background check is $16.00 for Illinois residents. The Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search provides a separate tool for locating individuals currently held in state correctional facilities.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Logan County Sheriff's Office
911 Postville Dr
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-3221
Logan County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, assists in locating records
- Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Illinois law
Police Departments:
Lincoln Police Department
508 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-2151
City of Lincoln
- Records requests are processed through the records division
- Requestors must submit a written FOIA request for copies of arrest reports
- Fees for copies are assessed per page
Clerk of Court:
Logan County Circuit Clerk
601 Broadway St, Room 21
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Circuit Clerk
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Case files may be inspected in person at no charge
- Copy fees apply per page for reproductions
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Logan County Sheriff's Office at 911 Postville Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656. Requests 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 copy fees should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Logan County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the statutory five-business-day response period established under Illinois law.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (217) 732-3221
- Basic custody status information may be available by phone
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records and copies are not provided by phone and require a written request or in-person visit
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest reports, evidence inventories, and related documentation through the State's Attorney's Office.
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, Lincoln Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Logan County
Arrest records in Logan County are public records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, establishes that all records generated by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As the Logan County Sheriff's Office states on its official website, the Act defines public records as "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business."
Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic and academic research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- 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
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- 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 access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest, which reflects probable cause, and a conviction, which reflects a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic and policy researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment contexts. Employers subject to Illinois Human Rights Act provisions must evaluate the relevance of a criminal record to the specific position. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt and may not be used as a basis for adverse action in certain regulated contexts.
What's in Logan County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public releases
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Lincoln Police Department, Illinois State Police, or another agency
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Illinois statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- 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, reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following formal charging
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available at the time of the record
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Logan County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges associated with prior bookings
- Prior history is not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Full residential address or personal phone number
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public releases
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIA review
- Court records: Reflect legal proceedings initiated after an arrest
- Criminal records: Document convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Logan County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Logan County depends on the requesting method and the office from which records are sought. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies in Illinois may charge for the actual cost of reproducing records but may not charge for the first 50 pages of black-and-white letter- or legal-size copies.
| Record Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First 50 pages (black & white, letter/legal) | No charge | Per FOIA request |
| Additional pages (black & white) | Actual cost of reproduction | Typically $0.15–$0.25 per page |
| Color copies | Actual cost | Varies by office |
| Electronic records | No charge or nominal fee | If already in electronic format |
| Certification of records | Varies | Contact issuing office |
| Illinois State Police name-based background check | $16.00 | For civilian requests |
Accepted payment methods at the Logan County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the public body. Online access to Sheriff News releases and court case information is available at no charge through the county and court websites.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Logan County
Under Illinois law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records to the petitioner, while sealing restricts public access to records without destroying them. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records; expunged records are treated as though they do not exist for most purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrests that did not result in conviction, including arrests where charges were not filed, charges were dismissed, or the individual was acquitted. Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may also be eligible for expungement after applicable waiting periods have elapsed and all sentence conditions have been satisfied.
Eligibility for Sealing:
Sealing is available for a broader range of convictions that do not qualify for expungement. Most felony and misdemeanor convictions, with the exception of certain offenses including sex offenses and offenses requiring sex offender registration, may be eligible for sealing after the required waiting period.
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police to identify all arrests and dispositions subject to the petition
- Complete the Illinois Standardized Petition for Expungement and/or Sealing, available through the Circuit Clerk's office
- File the petition with the Logan County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee; fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income petitioners
- 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 State's Attorney may object within 60 days of service
- If the court grants the petition, certified copies of the order are sent to all relevant agencies for compliance
Logan County Circuit Clerk
601 Broadway St, Room 21
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Circuit Clerk
Logan County State's Attorney's Office
601 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4932
Logan County State's Attorney
Free expungement assistance is available through Illinois Legal Aid Online and the Prisoner Review Board's expungement program for eligible individuals. The Illinois Attorney General's office also publishes guidance on the expungement process.
What Happens After Arrest in Logan County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest within Logan County, the arrested individual is transported to the Logan County Jail for booking. The Logan County Jail is located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 911 Postville Dr, Lincoln, IL 62656. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
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
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check conducted
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
- Medical screening completed
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determined
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 first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees
- 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 financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond pending further proceedings
- Grounds include serious violent offenses, assessed danger to the community, flight risk, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders protecting named individuals
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring in applicable cases
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours following payment
- Personal property is returned
- A written court date is provided
- Written conditions of release are issued
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Logan County Jail
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Logan County Public Defender's Office
601 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4332
Logan County Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application and provide documentation of income and assets.
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the Logan County Jail are conducted in a confidential setting.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Logan County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days of the arrest. The State's Attorney may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.
Grand Jury:
For Class X felonies and certain other serious offenses, the State's Attorney may present the case to a grand jury to obtain an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.
Pretrial Conferences bring together the attorneys and the court to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea Negotiations may result in an offer from the State's Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may create eligibility 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, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: 120 days for defendants in custody; 160 days for defendants on bond, under Illinois law
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- 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:
Logan County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
911 Postville Dr
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-3221
Logan County Sheriff's Office
Logan County Circuit Clerk
601 Broadway St, Room 21
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Circuit Clerk
Logan County State's Attorney's Office
601 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4932
Logan County State's Attorney
Logan County Public Defender's Office
601 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4332
Logan County Public Defender
What to Do If You're 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 until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your 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 pretrial release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Logan County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Logan County is governed by Illinois state law and applicable local records retention schedules. The Illinois Local Records Act and the rules of the Illinois Local Records Commission establish minimum retention periods for records maintained by county law enforcement agencies and courts.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
- Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum period established by the Illinois Local Records Commission
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository retains records unless updated following expungement
- Records may remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are 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 five years at the local level
- Arrest logs are retained for a minimum of two years
- Records may be eligible for expungement
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Records are eligible for expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained per state repository policy
- Photographs: Retained with the associated booking record
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two years
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retained with the associated booking record
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement is the responsibility of the Federal Trade Commission
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (217) 732-3221
Police Departments:
- Arrest records: Minimum five years
- Incident reports: Minimum two years
- Retention periods may vary by department
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 20 years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository:
- The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all Illinois jurisdictions
- Records are retained permanently unless updated following a court-ordered expungement or sealing
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is permanent
- Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
Expungement: Physical records at the local level are destroyed or returned to the petitioner. The state repository updates its records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all systems following a court order varies from weeks to several months.
No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for immediate expungement in certain circumstances.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests:
- Available online through the Sheriff's News page and court case search
- Updated on a current basis
Older Arrests (More than five years ago):
- May require an in-person records request
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Longer processing time may apply
Very Old Arrests (More than ten years ago):
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in archives
- Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (217) 732-3221 for availability
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 conviction files, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law provides additional protections; under the Illinois Human Rights Act, employers with fewer than 15 employees are subject to specific restrictions on the use of criminal history. Arrests without conviction may not be used as a basis for adverse employment action in certain regulated contexts. Third-party websites that publish arrest records are not subject to the same update obligations as consumer reporting agencies and may retain records beyond the periods maintained by law enforcement.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (217) 732-3221
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records