McDonough County Public Records / McDonough County Arrest Records

McDonough County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in McDonough County in 2026

McDonoughRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to arrest records in McDonough County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through public channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and associated court case numbers. Access to specific records may vary depending on the requesting party and the disposition of the case.

Official arrest record searches in McDonough County may be conducted through the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The McDonough County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster portal, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining this information.

Available information includes: arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond status, and custody status
Records are updated as bookings occur
Search by full legal name or booking number

2. Local Police Departments

The Macomb Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within McDonough County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may be obtained through the Macomb Police Department's records division. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically issued by both the Sheriff's Office and the Macomb Police Department.

Macomb Police Department 201 S. Randolph St. Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2321 Macomb Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The McDonough County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Illinois Circuit Court Case Search portal maintained by the Illinois Courts system. Searching by an individual's name will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition data.

Search by defendant name or case number
Returns felony, misdemeanor, and traffic case records
Linked to arrests processed in McDonough County

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police maintains the Illinois Criminal History Information (CHI) system, which contains statewide arrest and conviction records. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Illinois State Police. A fee applies for civilian requests.

Includes arrests from all Illinois jurisdictions
Current fee: $16.00 for a name-based search (subject to change)
Available through the Illinois State Police website
Returns arrests, charges, and dispositions statewide

In-Person Access:

McDonough County Sheriff's Office 100 S. Randolph St. Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2331 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. McDonough County Sheriff's Office

Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Provide full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date if known
Copy fees apply per page (see fee section below)

McDonough County Circuit Clerk 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2474 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. McDonough County Circuit Clerk

Criminal case files available for public inspection
Certified copies available upon request
Copy fees apply

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the McDonough County Sheriff's Office at 100 S. Randolph St., Macomb, IL 61455. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (309) 833-2331 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will refer detailed records requests to in-person or written submission. Callers should have the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public.

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, Macomb Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in McDonough County

Arrest records in McDonough County are public records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 ILCS 140, establishes the public's right to access records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Pursuant to this statute, arrest records, booking information, and associated documentation are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies.

As stated in the Illinois FOIA, "Each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying all public records, except as otherwise provided in Section 7 of this Act." This framework supports government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic inquiry, and background screening activities.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, affirms that "all records, books, and papers of every public officer shall be open to inspection by the public." This provision, combined with the Illinois FOIA, establishes the legal foundation for public access to arrest records. Courts have consistently balanced transparency interests against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges did not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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
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. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Illinois has enacted additional protections limiting the use of arrest records without conviction in employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt.

What's in McDonough County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
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 such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Macomb Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Illinois statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per 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 (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned by the Circuit Clerk
Court jurisdiction (McDonough County Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report content)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings following the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in McDonough County?

Fees for obtaining arrest records in McDonough County are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge for the actual cost of reproducing records, subject to statutory limits.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Black-and-white paper copies (first 50 pages)	No charge
Black-and-white paper copies (pages 51 and beyond)	$0.15 per page
Color copies or non-standard formats	Actual cost
Certified copies (Circuit Clerk)	$2.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of medium
Illinois State Police name-based criminal history	$16.00 per search

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certification fees apply when a raised seal or official certification is required
The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are provided at no charge under current Illinois FOIA provisions
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or requests made in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order; the Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money order for records requests

How To Delete Arrest Records in McDonough County

Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or obliteration of the arrest record, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and view the record. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

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 conviction records may be eligible for sealing after a waiting period, depending on the offense classification.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests with no charges filed
Charges dismissed by the court
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Successful completion of court supervision (for qualifying offenses)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after the required waiting period

Eligibility for Sealing:

Most misdemeanor convictions (with exceptions)
Certain Class 4 felony convictions
Waiting periods apply based on offense type and sentence served
Violent offenses, sex offenses, and DUI convictions are generally not eligible

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police
Determine eligibility based on offense type, disposition, and waiting period
Complete the petition forms available through the Illinois Courts system
File the petition with the McDonough County Circuit Clerk at 1 Courthouse Square, Macomb, IL 61455
Pay the applicable filing fee (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all relevant law enforcement agencies
Attend the scheduled hearing if the State's Attorney objects
If granted, the court order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for compliance

McDonough County State's Attorney's Office 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2440 McDonough County State's Attorney

Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free self-help resources and petition forms for individuals seeking expungement without an attorney at illinoislegalaid.org.

What Happens After Arrest in McDonough County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the McDonough County Jail, located at 100 S. Randolph St., Macomb, IL 61455. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person is secured during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the McDonough County 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
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

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 this hearing:

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

The McDonough County Circuit Court schedules first appearances through the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the Circuit Clerk
Refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in applicable cases
Pretrial supervision compliance

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the McDonough County Jail
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. The McDonough County Public Defender's Office provides representation to qualifying individuals.

McDonough County Public Defender's Office 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2474 McDonough County Circuit Clerk

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The McDonough County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The State's Attorney may file an Information (for misdemeanors and felonies), request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Options include not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution
Plea Negotiations: The State's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; may be eligible for expungement
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no contest plea; sentencing hearing is scheduled
Trial: Jury or bench trial; prosecution and defense present evidence; verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, 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 the 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:

McDonough County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 100 S. Randolph St. Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2331 McDonough County Sheriff's Office

McDonough County Circuit Clerk 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2474 McDonough County Circuit Clerk

McDonough County State's Attorney's Office 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2440 McDonough County State's Attorney

McDonough County Public Defender's Office 1 Courthouse Square Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: (309) 833-2474 McDonough County Circuit Clerk

What to Do If 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 an 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 release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in McDonough County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in McDonough County is governed by the Illinois Local Records Act and the retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Under these provisions, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on record type and case disposition.

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 (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
Illinois State Police repository retains indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
Court records: Retained until expunged by court order
State repository: Retained unless expunged
Records remain accessible unless the individual obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
Court records: Often retained permanently unless expunged
Eligible for expungement under Illinois law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum five years at the local level
Eligible for expungement; in some cases, immediate petition is available

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained per Illinois State Police policy
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who obtain expungement orders should monitor third-party databases and submit removal requests directly to those platforms.

Retention by Agency:

McDonough County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (309) 833-2331

Macomb Police Department:

Arrest records: Minimum five years
Incident reports: Minimum three years
Contact: (309) 833-2321

McDonough County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent

Illinois State Police Repository:

The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository
Includes arrests from all Illinois jurisdictions
Retention is permanent unless modified by court-ordered expungement or sealing

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
Federal retention is permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used in employment background checks for federally regulated positions and firearms purchases

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention minimum five years
Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation indicating expungement
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after five years; eligible for immediate expungement petition in many cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through the Circuit Court case search or by contacting the Sheriff's Office
Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
Very old arrests (twenty or more years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (309) 833-2331

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered 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 requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most positions; positions with salaries above $75,000 annually are not subject to this limitation
Illinois law restricts the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions
Convictions may be reported indefinitely on background checks
"Ban the box" provisions under the Illinois Human Rights Act limit when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the McDonough County Sheriff's Records Division at (309) 833-2331 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Illinois FOIA may be required. Applicable copy fees may apply for documentation provided in response to the request.