Madison County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Madison County in 2026
MadisonILRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Madison County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, jail rosters, court dockets, inmate records, and criminal history summaries. Information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent complete or final legal outcomes.
Records may be searched through official county resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government tools. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains a complete record of all traffic accidents, arrests, and investigations involving the unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office provides basic police services and retains booking records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access the Madison County Jail Division for inmate information, including current custody status, booking dates, and charges on file. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information. For inmate information by phone, the Jail Division may be reached at 618-692-1064.
2. Local Police Departments
Multiple municipal police departments operate within Madison County, including the Alton Police Department, Edwardsville Police Department, Granite City Police Department, and Collinsville Police Department, among others. Each department maintains its own arrest logs and incident records. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on individual department websites. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific municipality should direct requests to the records division of the relevant city police department.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Madison County Circuit Clerk Records Search allows members of the public to search state and local court cases by party name, case number, or other identifiers. The Circuit Clerk's office files and processes criminal cases, collects fines and fees, and maintains the official record of all court proceedings. Searching an arrestee's name through this system may reveal associated criminal case filings, charge dispositions, and scheduled court dates. The police agency dockets page, maintained by Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae, provides direct access to dockets organized by law enforcement agency.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains an Individual in Custody Search tool that allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. This resource includes individuals sentenced to state prison and provides information such as offense type, projected release date, and facility assignment. The Illinois State Police also maintains the Statewide Criminal History Repository, which contains arrest and disposition records submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state. Certified criminal history requests submitted to the Illinois State Police may include a processing fee.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Madison County Sheriff's Office
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-4433
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, specific information about the arrest including the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Standard copy fees apply to reproduced records.
Police Departments:
Edwardsville Police Department
333 S. Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 656-2131
Edwardsville Police Department
Alton Police Department
101 E. 3rd Street
Alton, IL 62002
Phone: (618) 463-3505
Alton Police Department
Records request procedures vary by department. Members of the public should contact the records division of the relevant department directly to confirm required forms, applicable fees, and processing timelines.
Clerk of Court:
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 N. Main Street, Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-7040
Madison County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Members of the public may inspect case files at public access terminals located within the clerk's office. Certified copies of court records are available for a fee per page as established under Illinois law.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Madison County Sheriff's Office at 405 Randle Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time for mail requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on record volume and availability.
By Phone:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (618) 692-4433. The Jail Division inmate information line is 618-692-1064. Information available by phone is limited to general custody status and may not include detailed charge or booking information. Callers may be directed to the online search system or advised to submit an in-person or written request for more detailed records.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. In active legal proceedings, arrest records and related documentation are subject to disclosure under Illinois Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.
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 or location of arrest
Are Arrest Records Public in Madison County
Arrest records in Madison County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS § 140, which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. As a matter of government transparency and public safety, arrest records are accessible to the general public, media organizations, researchers, employers, and legal professionals, subject to specific statutory limitations.
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 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
- Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is exempt from public release
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain case types
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 6, provides foundational privacy protections that courts balance against the public's right of access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm based on unresolved or dismissed matters.
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 (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with adverse action procedures and may not use arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain circumstances. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions. The Illinois Human Rights Act limits the use of arrest records without convictions in employment and housing contexts. Employers and landlords should distinguish between arrest records and conviction records when making adverse decisions.
What's in Madison 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, which may be limited in public-facing records
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Illinois State Police
- 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, including 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-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount as 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, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, where 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, which is redacted from public records
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
- 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 Madison County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Madison County varies by record type and the office from which records are requested. Under 5 ILCS § 140/6, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act establishes that public bodies may charge fees for reproducing records, but such fees may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.15 per page (black and white) |
| Color copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Electronic records | No charge if already in electronic format |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Illinois FOIA |
| Inspection of records | No charge for inspection |
- Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge
- Copy fees apply only when physical or electronic reproductions are requested
- Certification fees are assessed by the Circuit Clerk's office for certified copies of court records
- The Illinois State Police charges a fee for certified criminal history transcript requests, currently set at $16.00 per request for non-fingerprint-based searches
- Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, money order, or credit card
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, as determined by the responding agency
How To Delete Arrest Records in Madison County
Under Illinois law, arrest records may be subject to expungement, which results in the physical destruction or return of records, or sealing, which restricts public access while allowing law enforcement to retain access. These are distinct legal remedies. Expungement removes the record from public view and, in many cases, from law enforcement databases. Sealing restricts public access but does not destroy the record, and law enforcement agencies retain the ability to view sealed records.
Under 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2, the Illinois Criminal Identification Act governs expungement and sealing eligibility in Illinois. Arrests that did not result in conviction, charges that were dismissed, and certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement or sealing depending on the offense type, waiting period, and the individual's criminal history.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests with no charges filed
- Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after the applicable waiting period
- Supervision dispositions after successful completion
Eligibility for Sealing:
- Most felony convictions not eligible for expungement may qualify for sealing after a five-year waiting period
- Certain misdemeanor convictions are eligible for sealing
- Class 4 felony convictions for specific offenses may be sealed
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office
- Determine eligibility based on offense type, disposition, and waiting period under 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2
- Complete the Illinois Petition for Expungement or Sealing, available through the Circuit Clerk's office or the Illinois courts website
- File the petition with the Madison County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
- 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 the State's Attorney objects to the petition
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for compliance
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 N. Main Street, Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-7040
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Madison County State's Attorney's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 402
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6280
Madison County State's Attorney
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free expungement resources and eligibility screening tools at illinoislegalaid.org for individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Madison County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Madison County, the arrested individual is transported to the Madison County Jail for booking. The jail is located at the Madison County Sheriff's Office complex in Edwardsville. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of transport personnel.
Madison County Jail
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-4433
Inmate Information: (618) 692-1064
Madison County Jail Division
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Madison County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Collection of fingerprints
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical and 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 the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined by the presiding judge
- The individual is advised of their rights
First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees and costs. The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or pursuant to a bond schedule.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the total bond amount in Illinois.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future 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 individual is held without the possibility of bond. Grounds for no-bond status include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a high flight risk assessment, violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or the existence of an out-of-state warrant.
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Mandatory drug or alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release following bond payment takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of the next court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Madison County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary account procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Madison County Public Defender's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 200
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6290
Madison County Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application and demonstrate that they cannot afford private legal representation.
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private criminal defense representation. Attorney visits at the Madison County Jail are conducted in confidential consultation areas.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Madison County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The State's Attorney may file charges by Information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking. For felony offenses, the State's Attorney may present the matter to a grand jury.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, which includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard by the court. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence
- Trial: The case proceeds to a jury trial or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty
Sentencing (If Convicted):
Following a guilty verdict or plea, the judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, mandatory treatment, or a combination of these options. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied toward any custodial sentence. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 48 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to several weeks |
| Arraignment to trial or resolution | Several months, varies by case complexity |
| Misdemeanor cases | Resolved within weeks to several months |
| Felony cases | May take six months to over one year |
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial under the Illinois Speedy Trial Act
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Madison County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-4433
Inmate Information: (618) 692-1064
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 N. Main Street, Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-7040
Circuit Clerk Records Search
Madison County State's Attorney's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 402
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6280
Madison County State's Attorney
Madison County Public Defender's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 200
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6290
Madison County Public Defender
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 legal counsel
- Contact family members or trusted individuals for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Madison County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Madison County is governed by Illinois state law and local agency policies. Under the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS § 205, public bodies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules established by the Local Records Commission. 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, the Circuit Clerk, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Felony conviction records are part of the individual's permanent criminal history and are not subject to routine destruction
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of seven years by local law enforcement
- Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained for a minimum of seven years by the Circuit Clerk
- The Illinois State Police retains misdemeanor conviction records in the statewide repository
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains arrest records for a minimum of five years
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain in the state repository unless the individual petitions for expungement
Acquittals:
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
- Court records are retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
- Individuals acquitted of charges may petition for expungement under Illinois law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
- Individuals whose arrests did not result in charges may be eligible for immediate expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
- Photographs are retained for the duration of the associated record's retention period
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years
- Records management system entries are retained for the duration of the associated case record
- Electronic court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk are retained permanently for felony cases
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. These entities are required under the FCRA to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but they may not update records promptly following expungement or sealing. Individuals whose records have been expunged or sealed may need to contact third-party database operators separately to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Madison County Sheriff's Office
405 Randle Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-4433
Madison County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Local Records Commission schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition.
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 N. Main Street, Suite 120
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-7040
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of seven years. Traffic case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic 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 records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Illinois. Records in the state repository are retained in accordance with state law and are accessible to authorized agencies for background check purposes.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level criminal history records. Federal retention is permanent for most offense categories. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged by court order |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged or sealed |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be purged after two years |
| Expungement granted | Physical destruction or sealing; state repository updated |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following the granting of an 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 Madison County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 692-4433 or submit a written public records request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.
Lookup Arrest Records in Madison County
- Madison County Sheriff's Office – arrest records and law enforcement information
- Madison County Jail Division – inmate search and custody information
- Madison County Circuit Clerk Records Search – court case and criminal docket search
- Madison County Police Agency Dockets – dockets organized by law enforcement agency
- Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search – state inmate locator