Franklin County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Franklin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Franklin County, Illinois may access publicly available information through FranklinILRecords.org as well as through official government channels maintained by county and state agencies. Criminal records accessible through public resources may include arrest records, court case filings, conviction histories, sentencing information, and booking data. The scope and completeness of available records depends on the source consulted, the age of the record, and whether the record has been sealed or expunged under Illinois law.
Records that members of the public may encounter through official channels include:
- Arrest and booking records maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office
- Court case filings, dispositions, and sentencing records held by the Circuit Clerk
- Statewide criminal history data maintained by the Illinois State Police
- Sex offender registration information through the Illinois State Police Offender Registry
- Inmate and individual-in-custody data through the Illinois Department of Corrections
1. County Court Records
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk maintains all court case records for proceedings heard within the county, including criminal cases involving felonies, misdemeanors, adoptions, family matters, and civil disputes. Members of the public may inspect non-restricted court records in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring the full legal name of the subject and, where available, a case number or date of birth to facilitate the search. Public access terminals are available on-site for self-service record lookups.
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
Benton Courthouse, 100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-3221
Circuit Clerk – Franklin County
2. Sheriff's Office
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail roster information. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. Fees may apply for copies of records. The office processes requests in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Benton Courthouse, 100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-4841
Sheriff – Franklin County
3. Online Court Search
The Illinois Courts system provides an online case search portal through which members of the public may search for court records by name, case number, or filing date. Users should enter the subject's full legal name and refine results by county to locate Franklin County cases. The portal reflects case information as entered by the Circuit Clerk and may not include all historical records predating electronic filing systems.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Illinois State Police serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit requests for criminal background checks through the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information portal. Fingerprint-based submissions are required for certified background checks. Processing times and fees vary depending on the type of request submitted.
Illinois State Police – Bureau of Identification
260 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for Franklin County criminal records by mail to the Circuit Clerk or Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public bodies are required to respond to FOIA requests within five business days of receipt.
What Is Franklin County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Franklin County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Under Illinois law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the lifecycle of a criminal case, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through prosecution, adjudication, sentencing, and post-conviction supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant for purposes of public access and legal interpretation:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court. An arrest record alone does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony records involve more serious offenses and carry heavier penalties under Illinois law. Misdemeanor records involve lesser offenses. Both categories are maintained in the court system and the state repository.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under applicable law. Juvenile records are confidential under 705 ILCS 405/1-7 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document past proceedings and their outcomes.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Franklin County include:
- Franklin County Sheriff's Office – arrest records, jail booking records, inmate data
- Franklin County Circuit Clerk – court case files, charging documents, dispositions, sentencing orders
- Illinois State Police – statewide criminal history repository, fingerprint records
- Local police departments – incident reports, arrest documentation at the municipal level
Records are created when law enforcement initiates contact resulting in an arrest, and are subsequently updated as the case progresses through arraignment, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and any appellate proceedings. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment dates, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and any modifications to those conditions.
Are Criminal Records Public In Franklin County
Criminal records in Franklin County are subject to public disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies. As stated in the Act, "all records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying." Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are among the categories of records that are accessible to the public under this framework.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed by operation of law under 705 ILCS 405/1-7
- Records that have been expunged or sealed pursuant to a court order under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act
- Ongoing law enforcement investigations where disclosure would interfere with the investigation
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain categories of cases
- Records subject to federal confidentiality requirements
The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor provides guidance on the application of FOIA to criminal records and may be consulted when access disputes arise. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Illinois FOIA.
How To Find Criminal Records in Franklin County Online?
Official County Resources
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk maintains court case records for all proceedings heard in Franklin County, including criminal cases. Members of the public may access case information through the clerk's office directly. The Franklin County Sheriff provides information related to arrests and jail operations through its official website.
State-Level Resources
- The Individual in Custody Search tool maintained by the Illinois Department of Corrections allows members of the public to search for individuals currently in state custody by name or IDOC number.
- The Illinois State Police Offender Registry provides searchable access to registered sex offenders, violent offenders against youth, and individuals listed on the Missing Sex Offenders List.
- The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository accessible through the Illinois State Police Criminal History portal for authorized background check requests.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or name variations.
- Case number searches yield the most precise results when the case number is known.
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records from all agencies.
- Be aware that records predating electronic filing systems may not appear in online searches.
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public-facing search tools.
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records from prior decades may not be digitized and may require in-person requests. Online searches do not substitute for certified official background checks required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Can You Search Franklin County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Inspection of court records at the Franklin County Circuit Clerk's office and arrest records at the Sheriff's Office is available at no cost during regular business hours. Copying fees apply to reproductions of records.
2. Free Online Databases: The Individual in Custody Search through the Illinois Department of Corrections is available at no charge. The Illinois State Police Offender Registry is freely accessible to the public online. The Franklin County Circuit Clerk's case information is accessible in person at no cost.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Arrest and booking information maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office may be reviewed at no charge subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | Per-page fee set by statute |
| Official state background check (fingerprint-based) | Fee set by Illinois State Police |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Variable |
| Copies of records (non-certified) | Per-page copying fee |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
State Fee Law
Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the cost of searching or reviewing records. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances as provided by statute.
What's Included in a Franklin County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A Franklin County criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records include the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records maintained by the Franklin County Circuit Clerk include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution orders, conditions of probation or parole, and any appellate proceedings.
Additional Record Elements
- Outstanding warrants or bench warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status per the Illinois State Police Offender Registry
- DUI or DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in criminal court
- Pending charges not yet resolved
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under Illinois law)
- Expunged or sealed records pursuant to court order
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Federal criminal records
- Records from completed diversion programs where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may petition the maintaining agency or the court for correction. The Illinois State Police provides a process for challenging inaccurate criminal history information through the Bureau of Identification.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Illinois public records retention is governed by the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205, which establishes minimum retention periods for records maintained by local government bodies. The Local Records Commission sets specific schedules applicable to court and law enforcement records.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the court and the Illinois State Police repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in court records; state repository retention follows applicable schedules
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a period subject to applicable retention schedules; may be eligible for expungement
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained in court records with disposition noted; eligible for expungement under Illinois law
- Juvenile records: Sealed by operation of law; subject to destruction after applicable periods under 705 ILCS 405/1-7
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution of the case
Agency Differences
- Franklin County Circuit Court: Court records are retained permanently pursuant to applicable retention rules
- Franklin County Sheriff's Office: Jail and arrest records are retained per Local Records Commission schedules
- Illinois State Police repository: Conviction records are retained permanently; the Illinois State Police Criminal History system maintains statewide records
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, with the electronic version serving as the official record of retention.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction results in the permanent elimination of a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement results in the removal and destruction of the record from public and law enforcement databases, subject to limited exceptions. Under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, eligible individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of qualifying records. Even where a county destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and are retained separately from state and county records. Federal retention rules differ from Illinois state requirements.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions appearing in the Illinois State Police repository remain accessible indefinitely absent expungement. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain record types, though this limitation does not apply to positions with salaries above applicable thresholds or to certain licensed professions. Professional licensing boards in Illinois may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record.