Jackson County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jackson County in 2026
JacksonILRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Jackson County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and court case numbers. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following official channels are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Jackson County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the Jackson County Jail in Murphysboro, Illinois. The Sheriff's Office manages a modern jail facility and a professional law enforcement staff. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status, recent bookings, and associated charge information. The jail roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Information available through this channel includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Murphysboro Police Department and the Carbondale Police Department serve as the primary municipal law enforcement agencies within Jackson County. Both departments maintain arrest logs and may issue press releases containing arrest information for matters of public interest. Members of the public may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to either department to obtain copies of arrest records within their respective jurisdictions.
Carbondale Police Department
1110 E. Main St.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (618) 457-3200
Carbondale Police Department
Murphysboro Police Department
1700 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 684-2115
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jackson County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are directly linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name through the Illinois e-File system or by visiting the Circuit Clerk's office in person. Court case records include charge information, case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition data.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police maintains the Illinois Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system, which contains statewide arrest and conviction data. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. A fee of $16.00 applies to civilian name-based requests submitted online. The CHRI system includes arrests from all Illinois jurisdictions and reflects dispositions where available.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
3001 W. DeYoung St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-4343
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page as established under Illinois law.
Clerk of Court:
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
Case file inspection is available during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee established by the Illinois Clerk of Courts Act.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 3001 W. DeYoung St., Murphysboro, IL 62966. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time for mail requests is typically 5–10 business days.
By Phone:
Members of the public may contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at (618) 687-4343 for general custody status inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information may not be provided by phone, and callers may be directed to submit a written FOIA request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
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)
- Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County
Arrest records in Jackson County are public records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS § 140/1 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are considered public because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism, research, background screening, and legal proceedings.
As stated in the Illinois FOIA, "it is the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
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
- 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)
- Active investigation information
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, affirms that public records are available to the public. Access to arrest records is further supported by First Amendment press access principles and due process considerations that require transparency in the exercise of law enforcement authority. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within the Illinois FOIA.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- 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:
Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. Illinois law further restricts the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Members of the public should note that an arrest record does not constitute evidence of guilt, and the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant.
What's in Jackson County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- 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 and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Illinois statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in standard public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jackson County?
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Fees apply when copies are requested. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies | $0.15 per page |
| Color paper copies | Actual cost |
| Electronic copies (where available) | No charge or actual cost of medium |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Illinois State Police CHRI name search | $16.00 per request |
- Inspection of records in person: No fee
- Search fees: Not permitted under the Illinois FOIA for standard requests
- Fee waivers: Available when the requester demonstrates that disclosure is in the public interest and not primarily for commercial benefit, pursuant to 5 ILCS § 140/6
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency
- Fees may vary between the Sheriff's Office, individual police departments, and the Circuit Clerk's office
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jackson 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, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and view the records. 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 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 also be eligible for sealing after applicable waiting periods have elapsed.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests with no charges filed
- Charges dismissed by the court
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Supervision dispositions (after successful completion)
- Certain minor offenses as specified by statute
Eligibility for Sealing:
- Most misdemeanor convictions (after a 3-year waiting period from end of sentence)
- Certain Class 3 and Class 4 felony convictions (after a 3-year waiting period)
- Convictions for which the individual has completed the sentence in full
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police or the Jackson County Circuit Clerk
- Complete the Illinois Uniform Order for Expungement and/or Sealing petition form, available from the Circuit Clerk
- File the petition with the Jackson County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all arresting agencies
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the State's Attorney objects
- If the court grants the petition, certified copies of the order are sent to all relevant agencies for compliance
Jackson County State's Attorney's Office
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7260
Jackson County State's Attorney
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
The Illinois Legal Aid Online resource provides free petition forms and eligibility guidance. Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may contact the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid office serving Jackson County for assistance with the expungement process.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
2 E. Main St.
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (618) 457-0781
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
What Happens After Arrest in Jackson County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Jackson County, the arrested individual is transported to the Jackson County Jail located at 3001 W. DeYoung St., Murphysboro, IL 62966. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office operates the jail facility, which serves as the primary detention center for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the 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 given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
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 initial hearing, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the defendant of rights, and appoints a public defender if the defendant is indigent. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or pursuant to a bond schedule.
Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the total bond amount in Illinois.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond 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 may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The released individual receives their 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 is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary account procedures, phone privileges, and the visitation schedule. The Jackson County Jail currently utilizes a video visitation system for all visits, which are subject to recording and monitoring. Each inmate is permitted one free on-site visit.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Jackson County Public Defender's Office
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7270
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential and are not subject to recording.
Charging Decision:
The Jackson 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. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets subsequent hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Illinois offers pretrial diversion programs for eligible defendants; successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
If the case proceeds to trial, the defendant has the right to a jury trial for most charges or may elect a bench trial. Upon a guilty verdict, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. Sentencing options include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.
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 3–6 months in most cases
- Felonies: Resolved within 6–18 months in most cases
- Right to speedy trial: 120 days for defendants in custody; 160 days for defendants on bond under Illinois law
Important Contacts:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
3001 W. DeYoung St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-4343
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
Jackson County State's Attorney's Office
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7260
Jackson County State's Attorney
Jackson County Public Defender's Office
1001 Walnut St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7270
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 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 release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jackson County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Jackson County is governed by the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS § 205/1 et seq., and the retention schedules approved by the Illinois Local Records Commission. The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository and applies separate retention standards for records held at the state level.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and the Illinois State Police repository. Local law enforcement agencies retain records in accordance with the approved Local Records Commission schedule.
Dismissed Charges: Records may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains a court order for expungement. Court records are retained permanently unless expunged.
Acquittals: Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Court records are often retained permanently. These records may be eligible for expungement under Illinois law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records are subject to the applicable retention schedule and may be eligible for expungement. In some cases, individuals may petition for immediate expungement of arrest records where no charges were filed.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of 2 years
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Booking photographs: Retained in accordance with the Local Records Commission schedule
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per the approved retention schedule
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.
Retention by Agency:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
3001 W. DeYoung St.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-4343
Jackson 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 and disposition of the case.
Illinois State Police (State Repository)
801 S. 7th St.
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 782-6211
Illinois State Police
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal history records for all arrests occurring within Illinois. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and are accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide.
Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)
1301 Concordia Court
Springfield, IL 62794
Phone: (217) 558-2200
Individual in Custody Search
The IDOC maintains records on individuals sentenced to state correctional facilities. Members of the public may search for individuals currently in IDOC custody through the online inmate search tool.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest and conviction records submitted by Illinois law enforcement agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on most standard background checks
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updates records; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or upon petition
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the compensation threshold. Illinois law prohibits employers from inquiring about arrests that did not result in conviction in most circumstances. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following a court-ordered expungement.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 687-4343 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Illinois FOIA may be required to obtain formal documentation. Applicable copy fees may apply.