Perry County Public Records / Perry County Arrest Records

Perry County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Perry County in 2026

PerryCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Perry 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. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, court case filings, and sex offender registry entries. Information presented reflects what is available through public channels and may not represent the complete record of any individual.

Arrest records in Perry County may be searched through official resources including the Perry County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies. The sections below detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Perry County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the Perry County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so inquiries are handled by phone or in person.

Available information: Arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond status, custody status
Update frequency: Records are updated as bookings occur
Search capability: Name-based inquiry by phone or in person

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Du Quoin Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Perry County. Arrest information from city police may be obtained through the department's records division. Press releases and public arrest logs are issued periodically and may be available upon written request.

Du Quoin Police Department
221 N. Washington St.
Du Quoin, IL 62832
Phone: (618) 542-3111

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Perry County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests made within the county. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Illinois e-File and Case Lookup portal maintained by the Illinois Courts. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions are accessible through this system.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police Statewide Criminal History system maintains arrest and conviction records for individuals processed within Illinois. Members of the public may submit a name-based inquiry for a fee. Under current law, 20 ILCS 2630/7 governs access to criminal history records maintained by the Illinois State Police. The standard fee for a public criminal history inquiry is $16.00, payable online.

In-Person Access:

Perry County Sheriff's Office
3764 State Route 13
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2115
Perry County Sheriff's Office

Records division: Located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification; specific information about the arrest including full name and approximate date
Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Perry County Circuit Clerk
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2116
Perry County Circuit Clerk

Criminal records division: Located at the courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Case file inspection: Available during business hours at public access terminals
Copy fees: $2.00 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for plain copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Perry County Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Booking number (if known)
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Perry County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (618) 357-2115
Automated arrest information systems are not currently available in Perry County
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk may compel production of records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by court order and applicable rules of 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 of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Du Quoin Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Perry County

Arrest records in Perry County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. Under current law, records created by public bodies in the performance of their governmental functions are presumed open to inspection and copying by any person. Arrest records fall within this presumption because they document the exercise of law enforcement authority, a core governmental function subject to public accountability.

The public interest in arrest records reflects several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability for law enforcement conduct
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies
Access by parties and counsel in legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond or bail amount and type
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under 705 ILCS 405/1-7, which limits disclosure of records involving minors
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 to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information is restricted in cases involving sexual offenses and domestic violence
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, establishes that all records of public bodies are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the exemptions enumerated in the Illinois FOIA. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest records as part of the broader right to gather information about government conduct. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record, which documents an allegation, and a conviction record, which documents a judicial finding of guilt.

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 fair housing laws
Licensing agencies conducting fitness determinations
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA limits the reporting of arrest records without disposition to seven years for most employment purposes. Illinois law does not currently impose a statewide "ban the box" requirement on private employers, though the Illinois Human Rights Act restricts the use of conviction records in employment decisions in certain circumstances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between an arrest, which is not a finding of guilt, and a conviction when making adverse decisions.

What's in Perry County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Perry County Sheriff's Office, Du Quoin Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (when included)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of arrest
Illinois statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification of each charge (Class X felony, Class 1–4 felony, Class A–C misdemeanor, or petty offense)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility (Perry County Jail)
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public records)
Inventory of personal property collected at intake

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, if made part of the public court record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned by the Circuit Clerk
Court jurisdiction (Perry County Circuit Court, Second Judicial Circuit)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available at time of inquiry

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details are a separate record)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or surveillance methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted pursuant to state and federal law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIA analysis
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Perry County depends on the requesting office and the format of the records sought. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, public bodies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the time spent searching or reviewing records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Plain paper copies (black and white)	$0.15 per page
Plain paper copies (color)	Actual cost
Certified copies (Circuit Clerk)	$2.00 per page
Electronic records (where available)	No charge or actual cost of media
Certification of records	$2.00 per document
State criminal history inquiry (ISP)	$16.00 per request

Inspection of Records:

Members of the public may inspect arrest records and court case files at no charge during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in person)
Check or money order payable to the applicable agency (by mail)
Credit or debit card (where available at the Circuit Clerk's office)

Fee Waivers:

The Illinois FOIA provides that fees may be waived or reduced when disclosure is in the public interest and the requester is a non-commercial entity such as a news organization or nonprofit. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with a statement of the public interest served.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records and court case files
Online case lookup through the Illinois Courts portal
Review of the jail roster by phone inquiry (no copy fee for verbal information)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Perry County

Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records to the petitioner, while sealing restricts public access to records without destroying them. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records; expunged records are treated as though they do not exist for most purposes.

When Records May Be Expunged:

Under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records when:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
The individual successfully completed a qualified supervision or diversion program
A conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal
The offense is one specifically designated as expungeable under Illinois law

When Records May Be Sealed:

Sealing is available for a broader range of offenses, including certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, after applicable waiting periods have elapsed. Convictions for violent offenses, sex offenses, and driving under the influence are not eligible for sealing under current law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police to identify all arrests and dispositions
Determine eligibility based on the offense type, disposition, and waiting period
Complete the petition forms available from the Illinois Courts or the Perry County Circuit Clerk
File the petition with the Perry 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 before a Perry County Circuit Court judge
If the petition is granted, the court order is transmitted to all relevant agencies for compliance

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Perry County Circuit Clerk
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2116
Perry County Circuit Clerk

Perry County State's Attorney's Office
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-6726

Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free self-help resources for individuals seeking to expunge or seal their records at illinoislegalaid.org.

What Happens After Arrest in Perry County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Perry County Jail located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 3764 State Route 13, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Perry County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda advisement if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
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 first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond is set or the individual is released on recognizance
Rights are reviewed

Hearings 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 at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees and assessments.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the total bond in Illinois.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual 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 assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond when the charges involve serious violent offenses, when the individual presents a danger to the community, when a probation or parole violation is alleged, when an immigration hold is placed, or when an out-of-state warrant is active.

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at the time of release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release takes one to eight hours following payment. Personal property is returned, a written notice of court dates is provided, and conditions of release are explained in writing.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Perry County Public Defender's Office
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2128

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail by scheduling a confidential consultation through the jail administration.

Charging Decision:

The Perry 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, the State's Attorney may proceed by information or present the matter to a grand jury. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The court sets future hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for review of evidence and plea negotiations.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, plea agreement, or trial. If convicted at trial or by plea, a sentencing hearing is scheduled at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these.

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 charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within three to twelve months
Felonies: Resolved within six months to two or more years
Right to speedy trial: 120 days for defendants in custody; 160 days for defendants on bond under Illinois law

Important Contacts:

Perry County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
3764 State Route 13
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2115
Perry County Sheriff's Office

Perry County Circuit Clerk
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2116
Perry County Circuit Clerk

Perry County State's Attorney's Office
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-6726

Perry County Public Defender's Office
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2128

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 an attorney, including other inmates
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Perry County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Perry 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. Records may not be destroyed without authorization from the Commission. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk for court records
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years following case closure
State repository retains records permanently

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
Court records retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository retains records unless updated following expungement

Acquittals:

Court records retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
Records may be eligible for expungement upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two years
Local arrest logs retained for a minimum of five years
May be eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork: Retained per Local Records Commission schedule, minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Transmitted to Illinois State Police; retained permanently
Booking photographs: Retained for a minimum of five years locally; state repository retention is permanent
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of two years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently in digital format
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Perry County Sheriff's Office
3764 State Route 13
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2115
Perry County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Minimum five years; longer for serious offenses

Perry County Circuit Clerk
One Public Square
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-2116

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years following case closure
Traffic case files: Minimum three years
Electronic records: Permanent

Illinois State Police Criminal History Repository:

The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and disposition records from all law enforcement agencies in Illinois. Records are retained permanently unless updated or expunged pursuant to court order.

FBI Database:

The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Illinois agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on most employment background checks
Expungement: Local records destroyed or returned; state repository updated; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to five years; eligible for expungement in most cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests (within the past five years): Available online through the Illinois Courts portal or by phone inquiry to the Sheriff's Office
Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk; retrieval fees may apply
Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): Records may not be digitized; paper records may be in archives; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 357-2115 for availability

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction arrest records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions, though the Illinois Human Rights Act restricts the use of certain conviction records in employment decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be considered by employers in certain circumstances under state law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Perry County

Individual in Custody Search — Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search tool for locating individuals currently in state custody
Illinois State Police Offender Registry — Search the Illinois Sex Offender Registry, Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, and Missing Sex Offenders List