LaSalle County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in LaSalle County
Arrest records in LaSalle 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. Pursuant to § 2.15 of the Illinois FOIA, arrest records are specifically designated as public records that must be disclosed upon request, with certain limited exceptions.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Illinois law. 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 criminal offense through the judicial process. Under 725 ILCS 5/5-4-3, conviction records are permanently maintained and accessible to the public, whereas arrest records that do not result in convictions may be eligible for expungement or sealing under certain circumstances.
The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from LaSalle County. However, local law enforcement agencies, including the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, maintain their own records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction.
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
What's in LaSalle County Arrest Records
LaSalle 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 (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Processing officer information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bond conditions
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Projected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical or mental health alerts
- Special custody requirements
- Property inventory
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/).
How To Look Up Arrest Records in LaSalle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in LaSalle County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing record requests in compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete the standard FOIA request form, specifying the arrest record information being sought.
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (first 50 pages are free; $0.15 per page thereafter).
- Allow up to five business days for processing as required by § 3(d) of the Illinois FOIA.
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office Records Division
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Records Division
To request arrest records by mail:
- Prepare a written FOIA request clearly identifying the records sought.
- Include your full name, contact information, and a copy of your identification.
- Mail the request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address above.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order made payable to "LaSalle County Sheriff's Office").
To request arrest records electronically:
- Visit the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the FOIA request form under the Records Division section.
- Complete the electronic form with all required information.
- Submit the form through the online portal.
- Monitor the email address provided for correspondence regarding the request.
For expedited service, requesters may contact the Records Division directly at 815-433-2161 to confirm receipt of requests or inquire about processing status.
How To Find LaSalle County Arrest Records Online
LaSalle County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for current arrest information is the LaSalle County Inmate Search portal. This database provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at the LaSalle County Jail, including:
- Navigate to the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office website.
- Select the "Inmate Search" option from the menu.
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range).
- Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, bond amounts, and custody status.
- Note that this system only displays information for currently incarcerated individuals.
For historical arrest records not available through the inmate search:
- Access the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's public access system.
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options.
- Create a user account if required (free registration).
- Enter the name of the individual or case number if known.
- Review case information, which may include arrest details for cases that have been filed with the court.
Additionally, the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information system provides statewide arrest record searches for a fee:
- Visit the Illinois State Police website.
- Select "Criminal History" from the services menu.
- Choose between name-based or fingerprint-based background checks.
- Complete the required forms and submit payment ($16 for name-based checks).
- Receive results electronically or by mail, depending on the request method.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for older records or arrests that did not result in charges being filed. For comprehensive arrest history, a formal FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division remains the most reliable method.
How To Search LaSalle County Arrest Records for Free?
LaSalle County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without cost through several public resources. These no-fee options provide basic arrest data while maintaining compliance with Illinois public records laws.
The most accessible free resource is the LaSalle County Jail Inmate Lookup system, which provides:
- Current inmate population information
- Recent booking data (past 24-72 hours)
- Basic charge information
- Custody status updates
- Bond amounts
This system requires no login credentials or payment to access.
The LaSalle County Sheriff's Office also maintains a public terminal at their facility where individuals may conduct free searches of basic arrest information:
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For court case information related to arrests, the public access terminal at the Circuit Clerk's Office provides free on-site access:
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Additionally, pursuant to § 3(e) of the Illinois FOIA, the first 50 pages of any public records request are provided free of charge. Requesters seeking specific arrest records may utilize this provision by submitting a targeted FOIA request that limits the scope to fewer than 50 pages.
Local public libraries in LaSalle County often provide free internet access where patrons may utilize the online resources mentioned above:
Reddick Library
1010 Canal Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-0509
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While these free options provide basic arrest information, comprehensive criminal history reports still require payment of statutory fees to the Illinois State Police or other record custodians.
How To Delete Arrest Records in LaSalle County
Illinois law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing. These processes are governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement and sealing represent distinct legal remedies:
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Expungement: The physical destruction of records and removal from all public databases, effectively erasing the arrest from the individual's record. Pursuant to § 5.2(a) of the Criminal Identification Act, expungement is available for arrests that did not result in conviction or for certain qualifying probations after completion.
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Sealing: The restriction of public access to records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Under § 5.2(c), sealing is available for many convictions after a waiting period, typically three years from completion of the sentence.
To initiate the process of expunging or sealing arrest records in LaSalle County:
- Obtain a certified disposition for each case from the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk.
- Request a criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police to ensure all arrests are identified.
- Complete the Petition for Expungement/Sealing form available from the Circuit Clerk's Office.
- File the petition with the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk and pay the filing fee (currently $157).
- Serve copies of the petition on all affected agencies, including the State's Attorney and arresting agency.
- Attend the scheduled court hearing if objections are filed (approximately 60 days after filing).
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the order and distribute to all agencies holding records.
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
Certain arrests are ineligible for expungement or sealing, including most sexual offenses, domestic violence convictions, and driving under the influence. Additionally, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/) provides for automatic expungement of certain minor cannabis offenses.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Illinois Legal Aid Online provides resources for individuals seeking to clear their records, including self-help tools and referrals to low-cost legal services.
What Happens After Arrest in LaSalle County?
Following an arrest in LaSalle County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law. This process typically progresses through several defined stages:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the LaSalle County Jail, arrestees undergo booking procedures including:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial custody classification
-
Bond Determination: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge for a bond hearing, as required by 725 ILCS 5/109-1. The judge may:
- Set monetary bail
- Release on personal recognizance
- Order pretrial detention
- Impose conditions of release
-
Formal Charging: The LaSalle County State's Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to file formal charges. This decision typically occurs within:
- 30 days for misdemeanors
- 120 days for felonies if the defendant is in custody
- 160 days for felonies if the defendant is released on bond
-
Arraignment: Defendants appear in court to:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty or not guilty)
- Receive information about their constitutional rights
- Have counsel appointed if they qualify for public defender services
-
Pretrial Proceedings: Cases proceed through several pretrial stages:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motions to suppress evidence)
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations
-
Trial or Plea Resolution: Cases conclude through:
- Negotiated plea agreement
- Bench trial (judge decides)
- Jury trial (for eligible offenses)
- Dismissal of charges
-
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing options include:
- Court supervision
- Probation
- Conditional discharge
- Periodic imprisonment
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Fines and restitution
-
Post-Conviction: Following case disposition:
- Appeal rights are explained
- Probation monitoring begins if applicable
- Transfer to Illinois Department of Corrections for prison sentences
- Collection of fines and fees
Throughout this process, court proceedings are conducted at:
LaSalle County Courthouse
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bond.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in LaSalle County?
Arrest records in LaSalle County are maintained according to the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) and the retention schedules established by the Illinois State Archives. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.
Pursuant to § 4 of the Local Records Act, arrest records are subject to the following retention requirements:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency and the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office.
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Retained permanently in both physical and digital formats, with copies forwarded to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification as required by 20 ILCS 2630/2.1.
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Arrest Logs and Blotters: Preserved permanently as historical records of law enforcement activity.
-
Investigation Reports Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: Maintained permanently
- Misdemeanor cases: Retained for 5 years after case closure
- Juvenile cases: Maintained until the subject reaches age 18 or for 5 years, whichever is longer
-
Custodial Records: Jail booking and custody records are retained for 5 years after the individual's release from custody.
Different agencies within LaSalle County maintain separate record systems with varying retention practices:
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The LaSalle County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for all unincorporated areas and assists with record-keeping for smaller municipalities.
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The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests indefinitely, including case dispositions and outcomes.
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The Illinois State Police maintains a central repository of all arrest fingerprint cards and criminal history information permanently.
Records retention serves several critical public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Supports historical research and policy development
Records that have met their retention requirements may only be destroyed after receiving approval from the Local Records Commission through a formal application process, as specified in § 7 of the Local Records Act.
How to Find Mugshots in LaSalle County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the arrest booking process. These images document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of processing into the LaSalle County criminal justice system. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often accompanied by identifying information such as a booking number and date.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In LaSalle County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
As the operator of the county jail, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains the official booking photographs for all individuals processed into county custody. These images become part of the individual's arrest record and are stored in both digital and physical formats.
Municipal police departments within LaSalle County may also maintain copies of booking photographs for arrests they conduct before transferring custody to the county jail.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in LaSalle County have several options:
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Submit a FOIA Request: The primary method for obtaining official booking photographs is through a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Requests should be submitted to the Records Division of the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, specifying:
- Full name of the individual
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case or booking number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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Check Online Resources: Limited booking photographs may be available through the LaSalle County Inmate Search system for currently incarcerated individuals. This database is updated regularly and provides basic custody information along with booking photographs for public safety purposes.
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Review Court Records: In some cases, booking photographs may be included in court files if submitted as evidence. These records can be accessed through the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some booking photographs may be accessible through the county's inmate search function, LaSalle County does not maintain a comprehensive public database of all historical mugshots. This limited online availability reflects growing privacy concerns and the potential negative impact of commercial mugshot websites.
Several third-party websites and publications may publish booking photographs obtained through public records requests, but these sources often:
- Contain incomplete or outdated information
- May charge fees for removal of photographs
- Are not officially sanctioned by LaSalle County government
- May not remove images even after cases are dismissed or expunged
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of booking photographs, individuals should:
- Complete the standard FOIA request form available on the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office website
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or electronically
- Pay applicable reproduction fees ($0.15 per page for physical copies)
- Allow up to five business days for processing as required by Illinois law
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs in LaSalle County is subject to certain limitations under Illinois law:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not released to the public pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/)
- Photographs related to sealed or expunged cases are removed from public access
- Images related to certain sensitive investigations may be temporarily withheld
- The Illinois Mugshot Publication Act (815 ILCS 505/2QQQ) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
Lookup Arrest Records in LaSalle County
LaSalle County Jail Information