Randolph County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Randolph County in 2026
RandolphRecords.org provides publicly available data related to arrest records, booking information, and associated criminal justice records in Randolph County, Illinois. Members of the public may find information such as booking records, custody status, charge details, court case numbers, and mugshots through official county and state resources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and state criminal history reports. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition 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 in Randolph County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible current inmate listing that reflects individuals presently held at the county jail. The current inmate listing is updated on a regular basis and displays the name, charges, and custody status of individuals in the facility. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office also publishes annual reports and maintains records related to bookings conducted by correctional staff. Members of the public may use this resource to confirm whether a specific individual is currently in custody and to identify the charges associated with a booking.
2. Local Police Departments
Randolph County encompasses several municipalities, each of which may maintain its own law enforcement agency. The Chester Police Department and the Red Bud Police Department serve as primary municipal agencies within the county. Arrest information from municipal departments is not always published online in real time; however, press releases and public notices may be issued for significant arrests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipal department should contact that department directly to inquire about available records and applicable request procedures.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Randolph County are filed with the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Members of the public may search court case records through the State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts, which provides access to case information across Illinois circuit courts. Searching by an individual's name may return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and scheduled court dates. Court records reflect the legal proceedings that follow an arrest and are distinct from the booking records maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for criminal history records through the Bureau of Identification. Under current law, all criminal history conviction information collected and maintained by the Illinois State Police is made available to the public pursuant to applicable statute. A fee applies to criminal history record requests submitted to the Bureau of Identification; at present, the standard fee for a name-based public criminal history request is $16.00, payable by check or money order made out to the Illinois State Police. The Illinois Department of Corrections also provides an individual in custody search for individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5011
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, should be provided at the time of the request
- Copy fees apply; standard copy fees are $0.15 per page for black-and-white copies
Clerk of Court:
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
Illinois Courts
- Criminal records division handles requests for court case files
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Case file inspection is permitted during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at 1 Taylor Street, Chester, IL 62233. Requests submitted by mail should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office
Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5 to 10 business days from receipt of a complete request.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (618) 826-5011
- Basic custody status information may be available by telephone; however, detailed arrest record information requires an in-person visit or written request
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling
- Staff may direct callers to the online inmate listing or advise an in-person visit for comprehensive records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in legal proceedings.
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, municipal police department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Randolph County
Arrest records in Randolph County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS § 140), which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. The Act reflects the principle that government transparency serves the public interest and that records of law enforcement activity are presumptively open to inspection absent a specific statutory exemption.
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 related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain categories of cases
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act reflects the balance between government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 4 of the Illinois Constitution support press and public access to records of government activity, including law enforcement records. Due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records, which reflect an accusation, and conviction records, which reflect a judicial determination of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating in compliance with applicable law
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment decisions. Employers subject to Illinois law may not use an arrest record that did not result in a conviction as the sole basis for an adverse employment action. Illinois has enacted "ban the box" provisions under the Illinois Human Rights Act that restrict inquiry into criminal history at certain stages of the hiring process.
What's in Randolph County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or Illinois State Police)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Illinois statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (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
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or 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 the arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public records)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not available in the public arrest record
- Court records document the legal proceedings that follow an arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following a finding or plea of guilt
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Randolph County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Randolph County varies by agency and record type. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS § 140/6), public bodies may charge fees for copies of public records but may not charge a fee for the inspection of records.
| Record Type | Agency | Current Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | Sheriff's Office | $0.15 per page |
| Standard paper copies | Circuit Clerk | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | Circuit Clerk | $6.00 per document |
| Name-based criminal history | Illinois State Police | $16.00 per request |
| Electronic copies | Sheriff's Office | No additional charge |
| Record inspection | All agencies | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the Illinois State Police. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made by news media organizations for records in the public interest; requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request stating the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request. Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk is available at no charge during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Randolph County
Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or return of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the records for law enforcement use. The distinction is significant: expunged records are destroyed and treated as though the arrest never occurred, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies but are not available to the general public or most employers.
Under 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement of their arrest records. Arrests that resulted in acquittal, dismissal, or a finding of not guilty are eligible for expungement. Arrests that resulted in a conviction are not eligible for expungement but may be eligible for sealing depending on the offense type and the time elapsed since the completion of the sentence.
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification to confirm the charges and disposition
- Complete the petition for expungement or sealing using the standardized forms available from the Circuit Clerk of Randolph County
- File the completed petition with the Randolph County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee; fee waivers are available for indigent 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 court will grant or deny the petition based on eligibility under Illinois law
- If the petition is granted, the court order is transmitted to all named agencies, which are required to expunge or seal the records within 60 days
Randolph County State's Attorney's Office
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
Illinois Courts
The Illinois Legal Aid Online website provides free petition forms and eligibility screening tools. Individuals who are uncertain about their eligibility for expungement or sealing should consult with a licensed Illinois attorney or contact a legal aid organization serving Randolph County.
What Happens After Arrest in Randolph County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Randolph County, the arrested individual is transported to the Randolph County Jail, located at 1 Taylor Street, Chester, IL 62233. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Randolph County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which is conducted by correctional staff of the Sheriff's Office. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, and address
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted for criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
- Housing classification is determined based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history
The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
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 court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, if the individual is indigent, appoints the public defender. First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees, provided the individual appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The individual may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Illinois law.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, a danger to the community, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release within one to eight hours, personal property is returned, and written conditions of release and a court date are provided. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, telephone, and visitation privileges.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Randolph County Public Defender's Office
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
Eligibility for the public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for the public defender may retain private counsel. Attorney visits at the jail are conducted in a confidential setting.
Charging Decision:
The Randolph County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the State's Attorney may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. At arraignment, the charges are formally read, and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these.
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 widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months
- Felony cases: resolved within several months to over one year
- Illinois law provides a right to a speedy trial under Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution
Important Contacts:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5011
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
Illinois Courts
Randolph County State's Attorney's Office
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family members or friends who may assist with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Randolph County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Randolph County is governed by the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS § 205) and the retention schedules approved by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Records retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining the record, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are part of the individual's permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and the Illinois State Police repository. Local law enforcement agencies retain misdemeanor arrest records for a minimum of five years under applicable retention schedules.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the individual obtains a court order for expungement. Court records of dismissed cases are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained by local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerk but may be expunged upon petition. The state repository retains these records unless an expungement order is received.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which no charges were filed are retained for a minimum of two years by the Sheriff's Office and may be eligible for expungement.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork is retained according to the applicable Local Records Commission schedule
- Digital records in records management systems are retained for the same periods as their physical counterparts and are often maintained permanently
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update their records when a court orders expungement or sealing. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of this requirement with respect to expunged records varies. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5011
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: minimum five years
- Arrest reports: minimum five years
- Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
1 Taylor Street
Chester, IL 62233
Phone: (618) 826-5211
- Felony case files: permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: minimum 20 years
- Traffic case files: minimum five years
- Electronic records: permanent
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
Illinois State Police Headquarters
801 South 7th Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 785-0653
Criminal History Records
- Maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Illinois law enforcement agencies
- Retention: permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records retained unless expunged by court order
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Illinois law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction records are retained permanently in all databases
- Dismissed charges may remain in databases unless expunged; they are not reported on most employment background checks
- Expungement results in the physical destruction or sealing of local records and the updating of the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement
- Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after two years
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years; however, convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law prohibits employers from considering arrests that did not result in a conviction as the basis for an adverse employment action. The Illinois Human Rights Act imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Randolph County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 826-5011 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 1 Taylor Street, Chester, IL 62233. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a written request.