LaSalle County Criminal Records
What Is LaSalle County Criminal Records
Criminal records in LaSalle County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20 § 2630/3, which establishes the framework for criminal record keeping throughout the state.
Criminal records in LaSalle County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office or local police departments, including booking information, charges, and mugshots
- Court Records: Case files maintained by the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk documenting arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, and case dispositions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, including sentencing information
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the LaSalle County Jail or state correctional facilities
It is important to distinguish between several key types of criminal records:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Illinois law, arrests that did not lead to convictions may be eligible for expungement.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of one year or more, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18 years of age are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Illinois Juvenile Court Act 705 ILCS 405.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in LaSalle County:
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
815-740-5160
Illinois State Police
Are Criminal Records Public In LaSalle County
Criminal records in LaSalle County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal justice information, should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
Section 1.2 of the Illinois FOIA states: "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."
However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
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Public Records: The following criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Court case information for adult offenders
- Conviction records
- Inmate custody status
- Sex offender registry information
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Restricted Records: Certain criminal records have limited accessibility:
- Active criminal investigations (exempt under 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d))
- Juvenile records (protected under 705 ILCS 405/1-7)
- Sealed or expunged records (pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2)
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Information that would compromise law enforcement proceedings
The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) further regulates the dissemination of criminal history record information. Under this statute, conviction information is available to the public, while non-conviction information has restricted access.
Law enforcement agencies in LaSalle County maintain discretion regarding the release of certain records, particularly those related to ongoing investigations or those that might compromise public safety if disclosed. The LaSalle County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk balance public access rights with privacy considerations and investigative integrity when responding to record requests.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In LaSalle County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in LaSalle County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county has established procedures for both in-person and remote requests pursuant to Illinois public records laws.
For in-person requests at the LaSalle County Courthouse:
- Visit the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5 for record searches and $0.25 per page for copies).
- Allow staff to process the request, which may be fulfilled immediately or within 5 business days depending on complexity.
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name and identifying information
- Specific records being requested
- Notarized signature if requesting certified copies
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
For comprehensive criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints and a formal request to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.
- Complete form ISP-6-405B (available on the Illinois State Police website).
- Include the required fee (currently $20 for name-based searches or $25 for fingerprint-based searches).
- Submit the request via mail or through an approved LiveScan vendor.
For active warrant information:
- Contact the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office directly.
- Provide the name of the individual in question.
- Be prepared to verify your identity and reason for inquiry.
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in LaSalle County Online?
LaSalle County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources allow for efficient searches without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resources for criminal records in LaSalle County include:
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LaSalle County Inmate Search Portal
- Provides current custody information for individuals detained in the LaSalle County Jail
- Searchable by name or booking number
- Displays booking date, charges, bond information, and next court date
- Updated in real-time as individuals are booked or released
- Available at the LaSalle County Inmate Search portal
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LaSalle County Records Online
- Offers access to court case information, including criminal proceedings
- Requires creation of a free user account
- Allows searches by name, case number, or filing date
- Provides case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information
- Available through the LaSalle County Records Online system
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Illinois Judici System
- Comprehensive court case management system
- Includes criminal, civil, and traffic cases
- Searchable by name or case number
- Displays case history, charges, and court dates
- Available at Judici.com
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Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Provides information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities
- Includes projected release dates and facility locations
- Searchable by name or inmate ID number
- Available through the Illinois Department of Corrections website
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Illinois Sex Offender Registry
- Maintains information on registered sex offenders residing in LaSalle County
- Searchable by name, location, or compliance status
- Includes photographs, addresses, and offense information
- Available through the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry
When using these online resources, users should note:
- Some detailed case documents may not be available online and require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Historical records prior to digital conversion may have limited online availability
- Registration requirements vary by platform, with some requiring user accounts
- Information accuracy should be verified through official county offices for legal purposes
Can You Search LaSalle County Criminal Records for Free?
LaSalle County provides several options for free access to criminal records in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6(a)), which states: "Each public body may charge fees reasonably calculated to reimburse its actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records and for the use, by any person, of the equipment of the public body to copy records."
Free inspection options include:
- In-Person Record Inspection
- Members of the public may examine non-confidential criminal records at no cost during regular business hours at the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's office
- No fee is charged for viewing records, though copying fees apply
- Staff assistance is available for locating specific records
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
815-434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
- Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to the county's case management system
- Available during regular business hours
- No registration required for basic searches
Free online resources include:
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LaSalle County Inmate Search
- Provides current custody information at no cost
- No registration required
- Updated in real-time
- Available through the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
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Illinois Sex Offender Registry
- Free public access to sex offender information
- No registration or fees required
- Searchable by name or location
- Available through the Illinois State Police
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Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Free access to information on state prisoners
- No registration required
- Includes custody status and location
- Available through the Illinois Department of Corrections
While basic record searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Extensive record searches requiring significant staff time
- Background checks through the Illinois State Police
- Copies of documents (typically $0.25 per page)
- Expedited processing requests
What's Included in a LaSalle County Criminal Record?
LaSalle County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding Illinois statute citations
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (typically LaSalle County Circuit Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the State's Attorney
- Classification of charges (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Court appearance dates
- Motion and hearing records
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history within LaSalle County
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on case age, severity, and disposition status. Records maintained by the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office may contain different elements than those held by the Circuit Clerk or Illinois State Police.
How Long Does LaSalle County Keep Criminal Records?
LaSalle County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/) and retention schedules established by the Illinois State Archives Local Records Commission. These regulations govern how long various criminal justice documents must be preserved before they may be destroyed.
The retention periods for criminal records in LaSalle County vary by document type:
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Felony Case Files
- Permanent retention for murder, treason, and Class X felonies
- 25 years after case closure for other felonies
- Includes all court documents, evidence logs, and disposition information
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Misdemeanor Case Files
- 10 years after case closure for Class A and B misdemeanors
- 5 years after case closure for Class C misdemeanors
- Includes court documents, disposition information, and sentencing records
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Arrest Records
- 7 years for arrests not resulting in charges
- Retained according to corresponding case file retention period if charges filed
- Booking photos and fingerprints maintained by Illinois State Police indefinitely
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Court Dockets and Indexes
- Permanent retention
- Provides summary information of all criminal proceedings
- Maintained by the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
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Probation Records
- 10 years after completion of probation for felonies
- 5 years after completion of probation for misdemeanors
- Includes supervision reports, compliance documentation, and violation notices
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Jail Records
- 5 years for booking and release information
- 7 years for inmate medical records
- 3 years for visitor logs and commissary records
Records eligible for expungement or sealing under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2 may be removed from public access earlier than these retention periods indicate. However, certain agencies may maintain sealed records for law enforcement purposes even after they are no longer publicly accessible.
Digital conversion efforts by LaSalle County have resulted in the electronic preservation of many records beyond their required retention periods, particularly for cases dating from the late 1990s forward. Older records may exist only in physical format with more limited accessibility.
Lookup Criminal Records in LaSalle County
LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
LaSalle County Jail Inmate Search
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk Records
LaSalle County Records Online Portal
Illinois State Police Criminal History Records