Logan County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Logan County in 2026
LoganILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to criminal records in Logan County, Illinois. Members of the public seeking criminal history data may find records pertaining to arrests, court case filings, dispositions, sentencing outcomes, and booking information. The categories of records that may be accessible through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail inmate rosters
- Active and historical warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Probation and parole records
Criminal records in Logan County may be searched through official county resources, the Illinois circuit court system, the Logan County Sheriff's Office, state-level repositories, and online public access tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels through which members of the public may obtain this information.
1. County Court Records
The Logan County Circuit Court maintains case files for all criminal proceedings adjudicated within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse clerk's office during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Logan County Circuit Court Clerk
601 Broadway St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-4148
Logan County Courthouse
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for self-service case lookups. Court staff may assist with locating records, though staff-assisted searches may be subject to a fee.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail inmate information. The Sheriff's Office provides 24-hour law enforcement coverage throughout the county. Requests for arrest records or booking information may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Logan County Sheriff's Office
911 S. McLean St
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 732-3212
Logan County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search
The Illinois Courts system provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search for circuit court case records statewide, including Logan County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal returns case type, filing date, charges, and disposition information. Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records do not appear in online search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains the official statewide criminal history repository. Individuals and authorized entities may submit a formal request for a criminal history background check. Fingerprint-based submissions are required for certified background checks. The current fee for a name-based conviction information check is $16, and fingerprint-based checks are $30. Processing times vary based on submission method.
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 N. Chicago St
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160
Criminal History – Illinois State Police
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk at 601 Broadway St, Lincoln, IL 62656. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the nature of the records sought. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public bodies are required to respond to written requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Logan County Criminal Records
A criminal record is the official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and outcomes. In Illinois, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant under Illinois law:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody. A conviction record reflects a finding of guilt by plea or verdict. An arrest without a subsequent conviction does not constitute a criminal conviction.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony offenses are the more serious classification and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of imprisonment. Misdemeanor offenses carry lesser penalties. Both categories are documented in the circuit court record system.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are confidential under 705 ILCS 405/1-7 and are not accessible to the general public. Juvenile records are sealed by operation of law.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document prior arrests and case outcomes regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Logan County include the Logan County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Logan County Circuit Court (case filings, dispositions, and sentencing records), the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments. Records may reflect charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing terms, fines, restitution orders, and probation or parole conditions.
Are Criminal Records Public In Logan County
Criminal records in Logan County are public records to the extent provided under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., establishes the general right of public access to government records, providing that "all records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying." Court records are further governed by Illinois Supreme Court rules, which affirm the public's right to access court proceedings and case documents.
The following categories of records are accessible to the public under current law:
- Adult conviction records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Sentencing records
- Booking and arrest logs maintained by the Sheriff's Office
- Sex offender registration information
The following categories are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged and sealed adult records
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
Records that have been expunged pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 are removed from public access and may not be disclosed by law enforcement or court agencies. Federal records maintained by the FBI are subject to separate federal access rules and are not governed by Illinois state law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Logan County Online
Official County Resources
The Logan County Courthouse provides access to court case information through the Illinois Courts online portal. The portal allows name-based and case-number-based searches of circuit court records. The Logan County Sheriff's Office website provides information on current inmates and law enforcement operations. Online records reflect case information entered into the court management system and may not include all historical case data.
State-Level Resources
The Illinois Courts system maintains a statewide case search tool accessible through the official Illinois Courts website. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification provides an online portal for submitting criminal history background check requests. These state-level resources supplement county-level searches and may capture records from jurisdictions outside Logan County.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Be aware that records older than approximately 20 years may not be fully digitized
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public search result
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Records predating the digitization of court files may require an in-person request at the courthouse. Online searches do not constitute an official certified background check and are not a substitute for a fingerprint-based criminal history inquiry through the Illinois State Police.
Can You Search Logan County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Illinois law mandates that public records be made available for inspection at no charge. Under 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies must permit inspection of public records without imposing a fee for the inspection itself. Members of the public may inspect court records at the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk's office and arrest logs at the Sheriff's Office at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested.
2. Free Online Databases: The Illinois Courts online case search portal is accessible at no charge for name-based and case-number-based searches. The Logan County Sheriff's Office website provides publicly available law enforcement information without a fee.
3. Sheriff's Logs: The Logan County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking information that is accessible to the public. Daily arrest and booking reports may be reviewed at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
What Costs Money
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified court record copies | $2.00 per page (standard) |
| Official state background check (name-based) | $16.00 |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check | $30.00 |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Certified copies of court orders | Set by court schedule |
Fee schedules are subject to change and are set by the relevant agency or by statute. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act permits public bodies to charge for the actual cost of reproducing records but prohibits fees for inspection alone.
What's Included in a Logan County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A Logan County criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records maintained by the Logan County Circuit Court include the case number, court jurisdiction, filing date, statutory charges with felony or misdemeanor classification, plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition Information
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing terms (incarceration length, fines, restitution, community service, probation conditions), any appeals filed, and current probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Outstanding or historical warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Pending charges not yet adjudicated
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records (where sealed by court order)
Accuracy Note: Criminal records may contain clerical errors. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their own records may petition the originating agency or the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification for a correction. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Logan County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Illinois law and the Illinois State Archives records retention schedules govern how long criminal records must be maintained by county and state agencies. The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) establishes the framework for local government records retention and requires agencies to follow approved retention schedules before disposing of any public record.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony conviction records | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor conviction records | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 5 years; may be expunged |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17 or 21 (offense-dependent); eligible for expungement |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County Circuit Court: Court records are retained permanently pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court records retention rules.
- Sheriff's Office/Jail: Booking and jail records are retained according to the approved local records retention schedule, with operational records retained a minimum of five years.
- Illinois State Police: The Bureau of Identification retains conviction records permanently in the statewide criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, provided the electronic copy is preserved in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic deletion of a record at the end of its retention period.
- Sealing removes a record from public access but preserves it for law enforcement use.
- Expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 requires the physical destruction or return of arrest records and the removal of related court records from public access. Expunged records may still be accessible to certain law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances.
Old Records Access
Records predating the digitization of county court files may require a special in-person request at the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk's office. Some historical records may be held by the Illinois State Archives.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to federal retention rules and are maintained separately from state and county systems. Federal records are not affected by Illinois expungement orders.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on an individual's record permanently unless expunged or sealed. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically report convictions for seven to ten years, though Illinois law does not impose a time limit on reporting convictions. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.