Montgomery County Public Records / Montgomery County Arrest Records

Montgomery County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montgomery County in 2026

MontgomeryILRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Montgomery County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness of records vary by agency and the nature of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access the current inmate roster and recent arrest information through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with recent bookings reflected within 24 hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Montgomery County maintain their own police departments, each of which may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. The City of Hillsboro Police Department and other local agencies periodically release arrest summaries through their official channels. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly to inquire about available arrest logs.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings accessible through the Illinois Circuit Court case search system. Searching by an arrestee's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and court dates. The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County maintains criminal case records for all matters filed in the county.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. Fees apply for civilian requests, and the search returns conviction and arrest history on file with the state. The current fee for a name-based public inquiry is $16.00, payable to the Illinois State Police.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-3505
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known information about the arrest, including the arrestee's full name and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Clerk of Court:

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9546
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk

Criminal records division handles requests for case files and court records
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Case file inspection is available at public access terminals in the clerk's office
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 Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 1 Courthouse Square, Hillsboro, IL 62049. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (217) 532-3505
Basic arrest and custody status information may be available by phone; staff may direct callers to the online roster or an in-person visit for detailed records
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery in criminal cases provides defense counsel access to arrest reports, evidence logs, and related documentation through the State's Attorney's Office.

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)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County

Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under Illinois law. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records held by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed open to inspection and copying by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, and provide information relevant to background screening and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, 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
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 6, provides foundational privacy protections that courts balance against the public's right of access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on employers' use of criminal history information. Arrests that did not result in conviction carry limited weight in employment decisions under applicable state guidance. Members of the public should be aware that an arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt.

What's in Montgomery County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and 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 and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Illinois statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony class or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Montgomery County varies by agency and the format of the requested records. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproducing records but may not charge for the time spent searching or reviewing records in most circumstances.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper 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
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of reproduction

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order payable to the relevant agency (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (where available at the clerk's office)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent or who are requesting records for a public interest purpose may request a fee waiver from the relevant public body. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster and jail booking information through the Sheriff's Office website
Basic case status information through the Illinois Circuit Court public access terminals
Court date and case number lookups through the clerk's online portal

How To Delete Arrest Records in Montgomery 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, 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 they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing bodies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

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 minor offenses that resulted in a sentence of supervision may also be eligible for expungement after the supervision period is completed and a waiting period has elapsed.

Eligibility for Sealing:

Sealing is available for a broader range of offenses, including many misdemeanor and felony convictions that are not eligible for expungement. Certain offenses, including sex offenses, domestic violence offenses, and driving under the influence convictions, are not eligible for sealing under current Illinois law.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
Complete the petition for expungement or sealing using forms available through the Illinois courts self-help resources
File the petition with the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk at 120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
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; the State's Attorney may object within 60 days of service
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to expunge or seal their records

Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9549
Montgomery County State's Attorney

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9546
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk

What Happens After Arrest in Montgomery County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Montgomery County Jail, located at 1 Courthouse Square, Hillsboro, IL 62049. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a processing procedure that typically takes between one and four hours, depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not already provided
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history and warrant checks
Personal property inventoried and stored
Exchange of clothing for jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

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 individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

Hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are available through the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Illinois
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written court date is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9543
Montgomery County Public Defender

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Public Defender's Office at the time of the first appearance.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for those seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The State's Attorney may file formal charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. Under Illinois procedure, arraignment occurs within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty, and subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and related hearings
Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution
Plea Negotiations: The State's Attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; dismissal may create eligibility for expungement
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or recommendation
Trial: Jury or bench trial; if found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose any combination of the following:

Prison or jail time
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
Credit for time served in pretrial detention

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by charge severity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Illinois guarantees the right to a speedy trial under Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 Courthouse Square, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-3505
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9546
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk

Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9549
Montgomery County State's Attorney

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
120 N. Main Street, Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9543
Montgomery County Public Defender

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montgomery County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Montgomery County is governed by Illinois law and local agency policies. The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) establishes the framework for records retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court agencies. The Illinois Local Records Commission approves retention schedules that specify minimum retention periods for various categories of records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years following case closure, with many agencies retaining records permanently in digital systems
The Illinois State Police repository retains misdemeanor conviction records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years, often retained longer in digital records management systems
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository: Records remain unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
Court records: Retained permanently in most cases
State repository: Records remain unless expunged

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum three to five years
Local arrest logs: Minimum three years
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement in some circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement records: Minimum three to five years
Frequently eligible for expungement under Illinois law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per approved retention schedule, minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for convicted individuals; minimum five years for non-conviction arrests
Photographs: Retained per retention schedule; digital images often retained indefinitely

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two to three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently due to storage capacity
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who have obtained an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years; digital records often retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Minimum five years following case closure; longer for serious offenses
Contact: (217) 532-3505

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years following case closure
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Retained permanently

Illinois State Police Repository:

The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Illinois law enforcement agencies
Retention policy: Permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records remain unless expunged by court order

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention: Permanent for most records
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Records remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order; dismissed charges are not reported on most standard employment background checks
Expungement: Local records are physically destroyed or returned; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems typically takes 60 to 90 days following the court order
No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and the Circuit Clerk's case search portal
Older arrests (five to twenty years ago): May require an in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives or may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (217) 532-3505

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction arrest history. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction carry limited weight under applicable state guidance, and certain jurisdictions prohibit consideration of non-conviction arrests entirely.

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for law enforcement purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate, more restrictive retention and access rules under Illinois law