Criminal records in Sangamon County, Illinois, are available through several channels. SangamonCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the office of the circuit court clerk provide access to records—online, in person, or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sangamon
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for: a court case, current inmate status, or a complete criminal history check. Each of these inquiries is serviced by different agencies.
Online Search
- SangamonCourt.us — enter a name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
- Office of the Circuit Court Clerk — the clerk maintains the official record of all proceedings considered by the Sangamon County courts. Record search forms are available on the Seventh Judicial Circuit's website here — the cost is $4.00 per year of search.
- Sheriff's Inmate Roster — allows you to view a list of individuals currently in custody at the county jail.
- IDOC Inmate Search — for checking individuals serving sentences in Illinois state correctional facilities.
- Illinois State Police Offender Registry — registry of sex offenders, individuals convicted of murder, and violent offenders against youth.
In-Person Visit
Visit the office of the circuit court clerk at the Sangamon County Complex. The e-filing kiosk is located in room 405. Courtrooms are located on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the office of the circuit court clerk at the address above. Include the full name of the individual, date of birth (if known), and the years for which the search is needed. Include payment in the form of a money order. For a complete state-level criminal history check, submit a request to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
Search Sangamon Criminal Cases by Case Number
Illinois courts use a standardized case number format. As of 2023, a statewide numbering system is in place, differing from the previous one.
New format (from 2023):
- County code (e.g., for Sangamon County)
- Case type — a letter code indicating the category (criminal, civil, traffic, etc.)
- Sequential case number
Old format (before 2023): typically consisted of a two-digit year, a letter code for the case type, and a sequential number. For example, "2022-CF-000123" indicated a criminal felony case registered in 2022.
Letter codes for case types most frequently encountered in criminal proceedings:
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CF | Criminal Felony |
| CM | Criminal Misdemeanor |
| DT | Traffic Violations |
| TR | Traffic Violations (alternative code) |
If you have the full case number, the search is significantly faster and more accurate than by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sangamon
Each criminal case in the county contains several key data elements. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to a specific section of the Illinois Criminal Code (e.g., 720 ILCS 5/12-1 — battery)
- Severity Level: Felony (serious crime — classes X, 1, 2, 3, 4), Misdemeanor (minor offense — classes A, B, C), or Petty Offense
- Amended Charges — the prosecutor may change or add charges during the case
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, awaiting consideration |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled |
| Disposed | The court has issued a decision on the case |
| Closed | The case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled |
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant learns of the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies)
- Pre-trial — procedural matters, exchange of evidence between parties
- Sentencing — issuing a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — checking the fulfillment of sentence conditions, such as probation
Court Results
| Result | Description |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquittal following trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed by the prosecutor or judge |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue prosecution |
| Withheld Judgment | The court deferred sentencing (often with conditions) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sangamon
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Sangamon County Circuit Court Clerk's office. It is the only county-level institution authorized to certify court documents.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office in room 405 of the Sangamon County Complex building
- By Mail — send a completed request form and payment by money order to the clerk's address
Record search forms are available on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court forms page.
What is Needed for the Request
- Completed record search request form
- Full name of the individual being searched
- Years for which the search is needed
- Payment in the specified amount
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
Contact Information
For a complete state-level criminal history, contact the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. This request includes information from all counties in the state, not just Sangamon.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sangamon
Fees for court records in the county are set according to Illinois law and the internal fee schedule of the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (per year) | $4.00 |
| Document copy (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 |
| Document certification | $6.00–$10.00 |
| Criminal history check through ISP (state level) | Depends on the type of check; check ISP website for details |
The $4.00 per year search fee is confirmed on the Seventh Judicial Circuit forms page. Exact certification and copying fees should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
Processing Time
- In-Person Request — usually processed the same day or the next business day
- Mail Request — 5 to 10 business days, depending on the search volume and mail delivery
- Check through ISP — times vary; electronic requests are processed faster than paper ones
Payment is accepted by money order or check payable to Sangamon County Circuit Clerk. Confirm with the clerk if credit cards are accepted for in-person requests.