Vermilion County Public Records / Vermilion County Arrest Records

Vermilion County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Vermilion County

Arrest records in Vermilion County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/1, the public has the right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Vermilion County. The Illinois FOIA establishes that public records shall be made available for inspection or copying upon request, with certain exemptions that may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Illinois law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to convictions may be eligible for expungement or sealing under certain circumstances as provided in 20 ILCS 2630/5.2.

The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Vermilion County. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office, also maintain their own records of arrests within their jurisdiction.

What's in Vermilion County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Vermilion County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Home address
Driver's license number (if applicable)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond conditions
Release status

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Immigration status
Medical or mental health alerts
Risk assessment information
Victim information (may be redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Some information may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure pursuant to exemptions under the Illinois FOIA or other applicable laws.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Vermilion County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Vermilion County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing these records:

Contact the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office directly:
- Submit a written FOIA request specifying the records sought
- Provide identifying information about the subject of the search
- Include contact information for receiving the records

Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
2 East Main Street, Suite 101
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office

Visit the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Request access to public court records related to arrests
- Provide case numbers or identifying information
- Staff can assist with locating relevant records

Vermilion County Circuit Clerk
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7700
Vermilion County Circuit Clerk

Submit a request to the arresting agency:
- Identify the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Submit a FOIA request directly to that agency
- Follow their specific procedures for record requests
Request records from the State's Attorney's Office:
- For cases that have been prosecuted, contact the State's Attorney
- Submit a written request for public case information

Vermilion County State's Attorney
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street, Suite 201
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7750
Vermilion County State's Attorney

When requesting arrest records, requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case numbers if available. Pursuant to the Illinois FOIA, agencies must respond to requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances as provided in 5 ILCS 140/3.

Fees may apply for copying or certifying records, though the first 50 pages of black and white copies are typically provided free of charge under Illinois law. Additional fees may be assessed for color copies or electronic media.

How To Find Vermilion County Arrest Records Online

Vermilion County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

Vermilion County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate information or jail roster section
- Search by name to find current inmates and recent arrests
- Information typically includes booking date, charges, and bond information
Vermilion County Circuit Clerk's Public Access System:
- Access the Judici online court records portal
- Select Vermilion County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by name or case number
- Review case information, including arrest details for cases that have entered the court system
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information:
- Visit the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP)
- Create an account and follow the instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Pay the required fee for record searches
- Receive results electronically
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
- For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison
- Access the IDOC Inmate Search
- Search by name or inmate number
- View current custody status and related information

When using online systems, users should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date. For the most accurate and complete arrest records, direct contact with the relevant agencies may be necessary. Additionally, online access to certain information may be restricted due to privacy concerns or ongoing investigations as permitted under 5 ILCS 140/7.

How To Search Vermilion County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Vermilion County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

Visit the Vermilion County Sheriff's Office in person:
- Go to the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request to view public arrest records
- Examine records on-site without charge

Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
2 East Main Street, Suite 101
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Use the free online inmate lookup tool:
- Access the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the jail roster or inmate lookup section
- Search for current inmates and recent arrests
- This service is provided at no cost to the public
Review court records at the Circuit Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's public access terminals
- Search for cases related to arrests
- View basic case information without charge

Vermilion County Circuit Clerk
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7700
Vermilion County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Access the free Judici basic search:
- Visit Judici.com
- Select Vermilion County
- Use the basic search function, which is available without subscription
- View limited case information at no cost
Submit a FOIA request:
- Under the Illinois FOIA, the first 50 pages of black and white copies are provided free of charge
- Submit requests in writing to the appropriate agency
- Specify that you are requesting records under the FOIA

While these methods provide free access to basic arrest information, users should be aware that comprehensive searches or certified copies may still require payment of fees. Additionally, certain information may be redacted or unavailable due to privacy protections or ongoing investigations as permitted under Illinois law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Vermilion County

Illinois law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their effects and eligibility requirements:

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement physically destroys records or returns them to the petitioner, removing them completely from public access
Sealing maintains the records but restricts access to them, making them unavailable to most employers and the general public
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records, while expunged records are generally unavailable even to them

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may be eligible for expungement or sealing under the following circumstances:

Expungement Eligibility:

Arrests that did not lead to charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Certain non-conviction dispositions
Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
Certain probation completions after waiting periods

Sealing Eligibility:

Most misdemeanor convictions
Certain felony convictions as specified by statute
Successful completion of specialized programs (e.g., drug court)
Cannabis offenses that are now legal under current law

The process for expungement or sealing in Vermilion County involves these steps:

Obtain criminal history transcript:
- Request records from the arresting agencies
- Compile complete history of arrests and case dispositions
Determine eligibility:
- Review the specific requirements under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2
- Consult with an attorney if necessary
Prepare and file petition:
- Complete the appropriate petition forms
- File with the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk
- Pay filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)

Vermilion County Circuit Clerk
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7700
Vermilion County Circuit Clerk

Serve notice on relevant agencies:
- Provide copies to the State's Attorney
- Notify arresting agencies and the Illinois State Police
- Follow court procedures for proper service
Attend hearing if required:
- Appear at any scheduled court hearings
- Present evidence supporting the petition
Await court order:
- If granted, the court will issue an order for expungement or sealing
- Agencies will have a specified time period to comply with the order

The Illinois Legal Aid Online provides resources and guidance for individuals seeking to expunge or seal their records. Additionally, the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk's Office can provide the necessary forms and information about local procedures.

What Happens After Arrest in Vermilion County?

The criminal justice process in Vermilion County follows a structured sequence of events after an individual is arrested. This process adheres to Illinois state law and local court procedures:

Arrest and Booking:
- Law enforcement takes the individual into custody
- The arrestee is transported to the Vermilion County Jail
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and secured

Vermilion County Jail
2 East Main Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office

Initial Appearance/Bond Hearing:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours)
- Judge determines if probable cause exists for the arrest
- Bond amount and conditions are set
- Defendant may be released on bond or detained until trial
Formal Charging:
- The State's Attorney's Office reviews the case
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May file a complaint, information, or seek a grand jury indictment for felonies
- Some cases may be declined for prosecution

Vermilion County State's Attorney
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street, Suite 201
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7750
Vermilion County State's Attorney

Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Court appoints counsel if defendant qualifies for public defender

Vermilion County Public Defender
Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse
7 North Vermilion Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 554-7730
Vermilion County Public Defender

Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motions to suppress evidence)
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase
Trial:
- Jury trial or bench trial (before judge only)
- Prosecution presents evidence to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Defense presents its case
- Verdict is rendered (guilty or not guilty)
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines and case factors
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative programs
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Possible post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation supervision or incarceration begins

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissals. The Vermilion County Circuit Court handles all criminal cases within the county, with proceedings taking place at the Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse in Danville.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Vermilion County?

Arrest records in Vermilion County are maintained according to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) and the retention schedules established by the Local Records Commission. These regulations govern how long different types of law enforcement records must be preserved.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 5 years after case disposition
- Arrests not leading to charges: Minimum of 5 years from date of arrest
Criminal History Information:
- Maintained permanently by the Illinois State Police
- Local agencies typically retain indefinitely for serious offenses
- May be subject to expungement or sealing under specific circumstances
Juvenile Arrest Records:
- Subject to different retention requirements under the Juvenile Court Act
- Many juvenile records are automatically expunged when the individual reaches age 18 or 21, depending on the offense
- Serious juvenile offenses may be retained longer
Related Documentation:
- Incident reports: Minimum of 5 years
- Investigation files: Varies based on case type and outcome
- Evidence records: Until case disposition plus applicable statute of limitations
- Photographs and fingerprints: Retained with criminal history information

Different agencies within Vermilion County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records
The Circuit Clerk maintains court case records related to arrests
The State's Attorney's Office keeps prosecution files
The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository of all criminal history information

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, law enforcement agencies are required to report arrest information to the Illinois State Police, which maintains these records in the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system. These centralized records are typically maintained indefinitely unless expunged or sealed by court order.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes, including:

Providing complete criminal history information for law enforcement investigations
Supporting prosecution of subsequent offenses
Enabling background checks for employment and licensing
Maintaining statistical data for crime analysis
Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system

How to Find Mugshots in Vermilion County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Vermilion County, as in other jurisdictions, mugshots are typically taken from the front and side (profile) views and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots taken in Vermilion County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Vermilion County Sheriff's Office
2 East Main Street, Suite 101
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 442-4080
Vermilion County Sheriff's Office

Danville Police Department
2 East South Street
Danville, IL 61832
(217) 431-2250
Danville Police Department

Additionally, the Illinois State Police maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including mugshots, for arrests throughout the state.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Vermilion County have several options:

Submit a FOIA request:
- File a written request with the arresting agency
- Specify the individual's name and date of arrest
- Indicate that you are specifically requesting the booking photograph
- Provide your contact information for response
Visit the law enforcement agency:
- Go to the records division during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identifying information about the subject
- Pay any applicable fees for copies
Check court records:
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office to review case files
- Request copies of any photographs in the file

Can They Be Found Online

The availability of mugshots online through official Vermilion County sources is limited. Currently:

The Vermilion County Sheriff's Office does not routinely publish mugshots on its website
The county jail roster may provide inmate information but typically does not include photographs
Court records accessible through online portals generally do not include mugshots

Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sources are not officially affiliated with Vermilion County government agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain mugshots from Vermilion County agencies:

Submit a specific FOIA request citing 5 ILCS 140/3
Include as much identifying information as possible
Be prepared to pay reasonable reproduction fees
Allow up to 5 business days for a response (extensions may apply)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile records are generally not public under Illinois law
Ongoing investigations may justify temporary withholding
Privacy concerns may lead to redactions in some cases
Expunged or sealed records will not include accessible mugshots
Records related to certain victims may have additional protections

The Illinois FOIA provides specific exemptions that may apply to mugshot requests, particularly for juvenile arrestees or in cases where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.