Will County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Will County
Arrest records in Will County are considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumptively open to public inspection. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions as provided by law.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/7, certain information may be redacted from arrest records before they are released to the public. These exemptions include information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel, and information that would compromise ongoing investigations.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but do not indicate guilt
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) further governs the dissemination of criminal history record information in the state. Under this act, conviction information is generally available to the public, while non-conviction information (including arrests that did not lead to conviction) may have restricted access.
In Will County, the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Members of the public seeking access to these records must follow established procedures for requesting such information.
What's in Will County Arrest Records
Will County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- State identification number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
- Charge severity (Class A, B, C, etc.)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking number
- Fingerprinting information
- Photograph (mugshot)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, personal recognizance, etc.)
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and applicable state and local regulations governing record-keeping practices.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Will County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Will County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Submit a FOIA Request to the Will County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Freedom of Information Act request form
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
- Specify the information being requested, including the name of the individual, date of arrest (if known), and any other identifying information
- Allow 5 business days for processing as required by Illinois FOIA law
Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 727-8575
Will County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Request access to public court records related to criminal cases
- Provide identifying information for the individual whose records are being sought
- Staff will assist in locating relevant case information
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
Will County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
- Request Criminal History Information from Illinois State Police
- Submit a formal request for criminal history transcript
- Provide fingerprints of the subject (for complete criminal history)
- Pay required processing fees
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police
- Contact Local Police Departments
- For arrests made by municipal police departments, contact the specific agency
- Submit a FOIA request to the records division of that department
- Provide as much identifying information as possible
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document copying and certification, but the first 50 pages of black and white copies are provided free of charge.
How To Find Will County Arrest Records Online
Will County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are available:
-
Will County Sheriff's Inmate Search
- Visit the Will County Sheriff's website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- View current custody status and basic arrest information
- Note that this system only displays information for currently incarcerated individuals
-
Will County Circuit Clerk's Case Lookup
- Access the Will County Circuit Clerk's online portal
- Select "Case Information" or "Court Records Search"
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Be aware that this system provides court case information, not the original arrest records
-
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Visit the Individual in Custody Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or IDOC number
- View information for individuals currently in state custody
- Access basic demographic information and conviction details
- Note that this system only contains information on individuals sentenced to state prison
-
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information
- Access the Criminal History Information portal
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history records
- Note that complete criminal history information requires fingerprint submission
- Pay required fees for record access
- Allow processing time for record retrieval
When using online systems, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Information may not be comprehensive or complete
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Official record copies typically require formal requests through FOIA procedures
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and regulations that apply to physical records, including the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and the Criminal Identification Act.
How To Search Will County Arrest Records for Free?
Will County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest-related information:
-
Will County Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Will County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
- Search by name to view current inmates and their charges
- Access basic booking information at no cost
- Note that historical arrest data may not be available through this resource
-
Will County Circuit Clerk's Public Access System
- Access the Will County Circuit Clerk's website
- Use the public access terminal for court records
- Search by name to locate criminal cases
- View case status, charges, and court dates
- Note that while online access is free, printing documents may incur fees
-
FOIA Requests for Limited Information
- Submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the appropriate agency
- Specify the exact records being requested
- Receive the first 50 pages of black and white copies free of charge (pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6)
- Additional pages may incur copying fees
-
Will County Courthouse Public Terminals
- Visit the Will County Courthouse
- Use public access terminals in the clerk's office
- Search court records related to criminal cases
- View case information at no cost
- Pay only if printed copies are requested
Will County Courthouse
100 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Courthouse
- Local Public Library Resources
- Visit local public libraries in Will County
- Use public computers to access online court records
- Receive assistance from library staff in navigating public records
- Access newspaper archives that may contain arrest information
- Utilize library resources at no cost
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Some details may be redacted or unavailable
- Historical records may require formal requests
- Complex searches may require assistance from agency staff
For comprehensive criminal history information, formal requests through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification may be necessary, which typically involve processing fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Will County
Under Illinois law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged (completely removed) or sealed (restricted from public access) under certain circumstances. The process is governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: Physical destruction of records and removal from public databases
- Sealing: Records remain intact but are not accessible to the general public
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
- Cases resulting in supervision that has been successfully completed
- Certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Certain misdemeanor convictions (limited circumstances)
Eligibility for Sealing:
- Most misdemeanor convictions
- Certain Class 3 and Class 4 felony convictions
- Cases with successful completion of specialized programs (e.g., drug court)
- Convictions for which a pardon has been granted
Steps to Expunge or Seal Records in Will County:
-
Obtain Criminal History Transcript
- Request a criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police
- This document will show all arrests and case dispositions
-
Determine Eligibility
- Review the criminal history transcript
- Consult the Illinois Expungement and Sealing Statutes (20 ILCS 2630/5.2)
- Consider consulting with an attorney to confirm eligibility
-
Obtain Certified Dispositions
- Visit the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Request certified copies of dispositions for all cases
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies
-
Complete Required Forms
- Obtain expungement/sealing petition forms from the Circuit Clerk
- Complete Request to Expunge & Impound and/or Seal Criminal Records form
- Complete Notice of Filing form
- Complete Order to Expunge & Impound and/or Seal Criminal Records form
-
File Petition with Circuit Clerk
- Submit completed forms to the Will County Circuit Clerk
- Pay filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
- Provide copies for service to all required agencies
Will County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
-
Attend Hearing (if required)
- If a hearing is scheduled, appear at the designated time
- Be prepared to explain why expungement/sealing should be granted
- Address any objections raised by state's attorney or law enforcement
-
Wait for Processing
- If granted, the order is sent to relevant agencies
- Agencies have 60 days to comply with the order
- Records will be expunged or sealed as directed by the court
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), certain offenses are not eligible for expungement or sealing, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence convictions.
What Happens After Arrest in Will County?
Following an arrest in Will County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law and local court procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
- Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Will County Adult Detention Facility
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
Will County Adult Detention Facility
95 S. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 727-8273
Will County Sheriff's Office
-
Bond Determination
- Bond hearing is held within 48 hours of arrest
- Judge determines appropriate bond amount and conditions
- Under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act, certain individuals may be released without monetary bail
- Factors considered include nature of charges, criminal history, and flight risk
-
Initial Court Appearance
- Formal charges are presented
- Rights are explained to the defendant
- Public defender is appointed if defendant qualifies
- Preliminary hearing date is set for felony cases
Will County Courthouse
100 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Courthouse
-
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)
- Prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed to trial
- If probable cause is found, case is bound over for trial
- If no probable cause is found, charges may be dismissed
-
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date is set if not guilty plea is entered
- Pretrial motions may be filed
-
Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery process (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
-
Trial
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trial)
-
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentencing options include probation, jail/prison time, fines, community service
-
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Possible post-conviction relief petitions
- Potential expungement or sealing of records (if eligible)
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under the Illinois Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, including the right to counsel, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against self-incrimination.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Will County?
Arrest records in Will County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Illinois state law and local agency policies. The Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) provides the legal framework for records retention throughout Illinois, including Will County.
Standard Retention Periods:
-
Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Felony arrests: Minimum 10 years after case disposition
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 5 years after case disposition
- Arrests not resulting in charges: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
-
Criminal History Information
- Maintained indefinitely by the Illinois State Police
- Subject to expungement or sealing only through court order
- Governed by the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/)
-
Court Records
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic case files: Minimum 7 years after case disposition
- Juvenile records: Special retention rules apply under 705 ILCS 405/5-915
-
Jail Records
- Inmate booking records: Minimum 10 years
- Inmate medical records: Minimum 10 years after release
- Visitor logs: Minimum 3 years
The Illinois State Archives Local Records Commission establishes specific retention schedules for each type of record maintained by local government agencies. These schedules may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law or administrative needs.
Factors Affecting Retention:
-
Legal Requirements
- Statutory mandates for minimum retention periods
- Court orders requiring preservation of specific records
- Pending litigation holds that prevent destruction
-
Agency Policies
- Individual agencies may establish longer retention periods
- Digital storage capabilities may allow for extended retention
- Administrative needs may dictate longer preservation
-
Record Type and Severity
- More serious offenses typically have longer retention periods
- Records related to unsolved crimes may be kept indefinitely
- Records with historical significance may be permanently archived
-
Expungement and Sealing
- Court-ordered expungement results in physical destruction of records
- Sealed records remain intact but are removed from public access
- Automatic expungement for certain cannabis offenses under 410 ILCS 130/10
It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, digital traces or references to arrests may persist in various databases. Complete removal of all record references typically requires formal expungement proceedings through the court system.
How to Find Mugshots in Will County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are maintained as part of the official arrest record in Will County. Access to these photographs is governed by Illinois public records laws and agency policies.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Will County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- Will County Sheriff's Office
- Municipal police departments that made the arrest
- Illinois Department of Corrections (for individuals sentenced to state prison)
Finding Mugshots:
- Submit a FOIA Request
- File a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/)
- Direct request to the arresting agency or Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, charges)
- Allow 5 business days for response as required by law
Will County Sheriff's Office
16911 W. Laraway Road
Joliet, IL 60433
(815) 727-8575
Will County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Records Division in Person
- Go to the arresting agency's records division
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification and pay any applicable fees
- Receive copies if records are available for release
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
- The Will County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database
- Some municipal police departments may post recent booking photos on their websites
- Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots, but these are not official sources
- Illinois has enacted the Mugshot Publication Act (225 ILCS 46/) restricting commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
- Submit written request to the arresting agency
- Specify exact information being sought
- Pay applicable copying fees
- Be prepared to show identification
- Allow processing time for request fulfillment
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public under 705 ILCS 405/1-7
- Sealed or expunged records are not accessible
- Privacy exemptions may apply in certain cases
- Ongoing investigation exemptions may temporarily restrict access
- Law enforcement agencies have discretion to withhold certain images
It is important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their release is subject to various exemptions under Illinois FOIA law. Additionally, the use of mugshots for commercial purposes, particularly on websites that charge removal fees, is restricted under Illinois law.