Williamson County Public Records / Williamson County Arrest Records

Williamson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Williamson County in 2026

WilliamsonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Williamson 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. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, bond information, and disposition records. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not represent a complete criminal history.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent arrest information. The Sheriff's Office updates booking records as individuals are processed through the facility.

Williamson County Sheriff's Office
407 N. Monroe Street, Suite 114
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-6541
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Williamson County and maintain their own arrest logs and incident records. The Marion Police Department and Herrin Police Department are among the primary agencies serving incorporated areas of the county.

Marion Police Department
1102 Tower Square Plaza
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 993-2124
Marion Police Department

Herrin Police Department
300 N. 14th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
Phone: (618) 942-3111
Herrin Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Williamson County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions.

Williamson County Circuit Clerk
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1301
Williamson County Circuit Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest and conviction records from jurisdictions across Illinois, including Williamson County. Members of the public may submit a request for a name-based criminal history record check. A fee of $16.00 currently applies to public requests submitted through the Illinois State Police. Fingerprint-based searches are available for a higher fee and provide more precise results.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 407 N. Monroe Street, Suite 114, Marion, IL 62959
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Phone: (618) 997-6541
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case information
Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 200 W. Jefferson Street, Marion, IL 62959
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (618) 997-1301
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's public counter
Copy fees: $2.00 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office at 407 N. Monroe Street, Suite 114, Marion, IL 62959. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address and contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks.

By Phone:

The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (618) 997-6541 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide limited booking information. Detailed record copies are not available by phone and require an in-person visit or written request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal channels may include materials not subject to routine public disclosure.

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)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Marion PD, Herrin PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Williamson County

Arrest records in Williamson County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS 140. Under current law, government agencies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to enumerated exemptions. Arrest records are maintained in the public interest to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and enable background screening for employment and licensing purposes.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Illinois law
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
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are not disclosed

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 6, provides protections for individual privacy that courts balance against the public's right of access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a 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 restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Illinois law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record alone does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Williamson County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, 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
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Illinois statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record copies

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or 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
Jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence inventory or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available through routine public access
Court records: Document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Williamson County varies by agency and record type. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the time spent reviewing records to determine what is subject to disclosure.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copies (Sheriff's Office)	$0.15 per page
Certified court copies (Circuit Clerk)	$2.00 per page
Uncertified court copies (Circuit Clerk)	$0.25 per page
Illinois State Police name-based criminal history	$16.00 per request
Illinois State Police fingerprint-based criminal history	$30.00 per request
In-person record inspection	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Williamson County Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. The Sheriff's Office accepts cash and money orders for mailed requests. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application demonstrating financial hardship, at the discretion of the custodial agency.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Williamson 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 but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and view the records. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies.

Under 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 conviction records may be eligible for sealing after applicable waiting periods have elapsed. Serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other categories are not eligible for expungement or sealing under current Illinois law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the individual's criminal history from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification to identify all records subject to the petition
Complete the Illinois State Police Expungement/Sealing Petition forms, available through the Circuit Clerk's office
File the completed petition with the Williamson County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all law enforcement agencies named in the petition
Attend the scheduled hearing; if no objection is filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing
Upon entry of the court's order, certified copies are distributed to each agency directed to expunge or seal records

Williamson County State's Attorney's Office
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1351
Williamson County State's Attorney

Williamson County Public Defender's Office
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1322

Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may seek assistance from the Public Defender's Office or from legal aid organizations serving southern Illinois.

What Happens After Arrest in Williamson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Williamson County Jail located at 407 N. Monroe Street, Marion, Illinois 62959. 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 jail, the booking process begins and takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. During booking, staff record personal identifying information, photograph the individual, collect fingerprints, conduct a criminal history and outstanding warrant check, inventory and store personal property, and complete medical and mental health screenings. The individual is assigned a booking number that serves as the primary identifier for the arrest record.

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 this hearing, the court formally advises the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, and sets bond. 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 to the Circuit Clerk. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees.

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. The court considers community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges in making this determination.

No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release within one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules and procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1322

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Individuals must complete an application at the time of the first appearance hearing.

Charging Decision:

The Williamson County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file charges different from those listed at booking. This review occurs within days of the arrest for most cases.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. The court sets subsequent hearing dates at this proceeding.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and either party may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Cases may resolve through dismissal, diversion programs, plea agreements, or trial. Williamson County operates specialty court programs including drug court for eligible defendants.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
Misdemeanor cases: Resolution within weeks to several months
Felony cases: Resolution within several months to over one year
Illinois guarantees the right to a speedy trial under Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution

Important Contacts:

Williamson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
407 N. Monroe Street, Suite 114
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-6541
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

Williamson County Circuit Clerk
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1301
Williamson County Circuit Clerk

Williamson County State's Attorney's Office
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1351
Williamson County State's Attorney

Williamson County Public Defender's Office
200 W. Jefferson Street
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: (618) 997-1322

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
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than legal counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Williamson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Williamson County is governed by Illinois law and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Under the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205, local government agencies must follow approved retention schedules before disposing of public records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Maintained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Appear on background checks indefinitely under current federal and state law

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Maintained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Retained by the Illinois State Police criminal history repository
Reported on background checks indefinitely unless sealed by court order

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Remain in local law enforcement databases unless expunged
Court records are retained permanently but may be sealed
May not appear on standard employment background checks but remain accessible to law enforcement

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained subject to the applicable retention schedule
Eligible for expungement under Illinois law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period established by the Local Records Commission
Eligible for expungement upon petition to the Circuit Court

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the approved retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Records management system entries are retained permanently in most cases
Court electronic records are maintained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records beyond the periods maintained by official agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when expungement or sealing orders are entered. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement of this requirement against individual websites varies.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Retained per Illinois Local Records Commission schedule
Arrest reports: Retained per approved schedule
Phone: (618) 997-6541

Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained per approved schedule
Electronic records: Permanent retention

Illinois State Police:

The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all Illinois jurisdictions
Records are retained in accordance with state policy and updated upon receipt of expungement or sealing orders

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Illinois agencies
Federal retention is permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for criminal justice purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement. An expungement order directs local agencies and the Illinois State Police to destroy or return records, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal following an expungement order is typically 60 to 90 days for state-level records.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions. Individuals subject to background checks retain the right to dispute inaccurate information with the reporting agency.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Williamson County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 997-6541 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain formal documentation of record status. Applicable copy fees may apply.

Lookup Arrest Records in Williamson County

Individual in Custody Search — Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search tool
ISP Patrol Troop 10 – Illinois State Police — State Police district serving Williamson County
Bureau of Identification – Illinois State Police — Statewide criminal history records and background check requests