Jefferson County Public Records / Jefferson County Arrest Records

Jefferson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jefferson County in 2026

JeffersonILRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Jefferson County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and inmate custody status. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county detention facility. Members of the public may submit records requests through the Jefferson County FOIA portal, which directs Sheriff's Department activity, arrest records, and police activity requests to the appropriate records system. The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis as individuals are booked and released. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking number, charges, arresting agency, and current custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Mt. Vernon Police Department serves the county seat and maintains its own arrest logs and press release records. Arrest information from municipal police departments may differ from Sheriff's Office records, as each agency maintains independent records management systems. Press releases announcing significant arrests are periodically published on departmental websites and may include charge details, arresting officer information, and case summaries.

Mt. Vernon Police Department
1100 Main Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 242-2131
Mt. Vernon Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court case numbers, scheduled hearing dates, charge dispositions, and sentencing information. Court case records are accessible through the clerk's public access terminal located at the courthouse.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
100 South 10th Street, Room 203
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Jefferson 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 Bureau of Identification. A fee applies for civilian requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based public inquiry is $16.00, payable to the Illinois State Police. The repository includes arrest dates, charges, dispositions, and sentencing data reported by local agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
200 Rend City Road
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 242-5211
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate arrest date or booking number. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fees section below.

Jefferson County Courthouse (Clerk of Court)
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Jefferson County, Illinois

By Mail:

Written requests directed to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copy fees must accompany the written request. Processing time for mailed requests varies and may extend up to five business days beyond receipt.

By Phone:

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (618) 242-5211 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will direct requestors to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records. The requestor should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active legal proceedings, arrest records are obtainable through the discovery process governed by the Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County

Arrest records in Jefferson County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS 140. Under current law, any person may submit a written request to a public body for access to public records, and the public body must respond within five business days. Arrest records are considered public because they document the exercise of governmental authority, support community awareness of law enforcement activity, facilitate journalism and academic research, and provide information relevant to background screening and 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 (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under the Juvenile Court Act)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Information pertaining to active investigations
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, establishes that all records of public bodies are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within 5 ILCS 140. First Amendment protections extend to press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

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
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 further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. Employers and landlords must distinguish between an arrest record and a conviction record, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Jefferson 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 such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (where disclosed)
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 and classifications (felony degree 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 during booking but not 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, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
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 included in the arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Under current law, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6) governs the fees that public bodies may charge for records. Public bodies may not charge for the first 50 pages of black-and-white, letter- or legal-size copies. Beyond that threshold, the standard fee is $0.15 per page. Fees for other formats, certifications, or electronic media may vary by office.

Record Type	Fee
First 50 pages (black & white, standard size)	No charge
Additional pages beyond 50	$0.15 per page
Color copies	Actual cost
Electronic format (where available)	No charge or actual cost
Certified copy (Circuit Clerk)	Varies; contact clerk's office
Illinois State Police name-based criminal history	$16.00 per request

Accepted payment methods at the Jefferson County Courthouse and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office. The Circuit Clerk's office may also accept credit or debit card payments; members of the public should confirm accepted methods prior to submitting a request.

Fee waivers are available under 5 ILCS 140/6 when the requester demonstrates that disclosure is in the public interest and that the primary purpose of the request is not commercial. Inspection of records at a public access terminal does not incur a copy fee unless the requestor requests printed copies.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Jefferson 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 return of arrest records to the petitioner, effectively eliminating the record from law enforcement databases. Sealing restricts public access to the record while allowing law enforcement and certain licensing agencies to retain access. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest never occurred for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to specific governmental entities.

Under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (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 be eligible for sealing after the required waiting period has elapsed following 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 dispositions on file.
Complete the petition forms available through the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office or the Illinois courts self-help resources.
File the petition with the Jefferson 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. If no objection is filed within 60 days, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
Upon entry of the expungement or sealing order, the court transmits the order to all named agencies, which are required to comply within 60 days.

Jefferson County State's Attorney's Office
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8010
Jefferson County, Illinois

Jefferson County Public Defender's Office
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8021
Jefferson County, Illinois

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. The Illinois Attorney General's office also provides guidance on the expungement process through its public resources.

What Happens After Arrest in Jefferson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Jefferson County Jail, located at 200 Rend City Road, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Jefferson County Jail, the booking process commences. The process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying and storing personal property, issuing a jail uniform, and completing medical and mental health screenings. Booking duration varies based on facility volume but is completed prior to housing assignment.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Illinois law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest absent extraordinary circumstances. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or conditions of release, and advises the individual of the right to counsel. Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for appointment of the Public Defender at this stage. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the clerk of court
Refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount 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):

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 assessed flight risk

No Bond:

Individual held without bond pending further proceedings
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:

Mandatory check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted: Processing time following bond payment is typically one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If Bond Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for the Public Defender is based on financial need. The application is completed at the initial appearance or at the Jefferson County Public Defender's Office, located at 100 South 10th Street, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864, phone (618) 244-8021. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Private Attorney:

Individuals 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. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Jefferson County Jail during designated visitation hours.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Jefferson County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity. For felony offenses, the State's Attorney may proceed by information or present the matter to a grand jury.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial options. Subsequent court dates for pretrial conferences, motions hearings, and trial are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and argued before the assigned judge. Plea negotiations may occur at any point during the pretrial phase.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any custodial sentence. The defendant retains the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.

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 a few months
Felonies: May extend six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Under Illinois law, the defendant must be tried within 120 days of demanding trial while in custody, or 160 days if on bail

Important Contacts:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
200 Rend City Road
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 242-5211
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
100 South 10th Street, Room 203
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk

Jefferson County State's Attorney's Office
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8010
Jefferson County State's Attorney

Jefferson County Public Defender's Office
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8021
Jefferson County Public Defender

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 retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jefferson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Jefferson County is governed by Illinois state law and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Under the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205), public bodies must retain records according to approved schedules and may not destroy records without authorization. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the disposition of the associated case, and the agency maintaining the record.

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 Interstate Identification Index
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Local law enforcement records retained per the applicable Local Records Commission schedule
State repository retains indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period per the Local Records Commission schedule, then eligible for destruction unless subject to a litigation hold
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records are retained permanently absent an expungement order
Local law enforcement records retained per applicable schedule
Subject may petition for expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum period per Local Records Commission schedule
Eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Local Records Commission schedule applicable to the record type
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable statute of limitations

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are retained per approved schedules, with many categories retained permanently
Mugshot databases may retain images beyond the minimum retention period
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most categories

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and data aggregators may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Records in third-party databases may not be updated when a court orders expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy but does not mandate deletion upon expungement

Retention by Agency:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
200 Rend City Road
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 242-5211
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Illinois Local Records Commission schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature of the offense and applicable statute of limitations.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
100 South 10th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the applicable Local Records Commission schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently.

Illinois State Police Criminal History Repository:

The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data reported by all Illinois law enforcement agencies. Retention at the state level is governed by state policy and is permanent for most categories. The repository is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and to authorized background check requestors.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are queried during employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all law enforcement and court databases
Reported on background checks without time limitation under Illinois law

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless expunged
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records

Expungement:

Physical destruction or sealing of local records as ordered by the court
Illinois State Police updates the state repository upon receipt of the expungement order
FBI database may retain a notation with restricted access
Removal from all affected databases is completed within 60 days of the court order

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
Eligible for expungement petition; in some circumstances, records may be purged administratively after the applicable retention period

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available through the online resources described above, with real-time or daily updates

Older Arrests (More Than Several Years Prior):

May require an in-person request to the Sheriff's records division or Circuit Clerk
Archived records may be subject to a retrieval fee and longer processing time

Very Old Arrests:

Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form in the county archives
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Members of the public should contact the Sheriff's records division at (618) 242-5211 to inquire about the availability of specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report most criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks. Illinois law provides additional protections restricting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions. Expunged records are not reportable by consumer reporting agencies following the entry of the expungement order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's records division at (618) 242-5211 or submit a written public records request pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.