Montgomery County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Montgomery County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Montgomery County, Illinois may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as MontgomeryILRecords.us. Criminal record searches may return data related to arrests, charges, court dispositions, sentencing outcomes, and incarceration history, though the completeness and currency of any record depends on the source consulted and the nature of the underlying case.
Records that may be accessible through official and public channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail and inmate rosters
- Sex offender registration entries
- Active warrant information
- Bond and bail records
Criminal records in Montgomery County may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public at present:
1. County Court Records
The Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit serves Montgomery County. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during business hours. Requestors should bring a government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate date of birth or case number. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for self-service searches.
Circuit Clerk of Montgomery County
120 N. Main St.
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-9546
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
2. Sheriff's Office
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records beyond basic inspection.
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 100
Hillsboro, IL 62049
Phone: (217) 532-3505
Montgomery County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search
The Illinois courts system provides a statewide online case search portal. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal returns case type, filing date, charges, and disposition for cases entered into the electronic system. Not all historical records are available online, and sealed or expunged matters do not appear.
The Illinois Court Case Search portal is maintained by the Illinois Supreme Court and is accessible at no charge.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Illinois State Police (ISP) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require fingerprint submission and payment of a processing fee. At present, the standard fee for a name-based check is $16, and fingerprint-based checks are $30. Processing times vary.
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police Criminal History
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for court records to the Circuit Clerk's office at the address listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the nature of the records sought. Under 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies are required to respond to written requests within five business days.
What Is Montgomery County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Montgomery County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Illinois law, a criminal record may encompass arrests, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and post-conviction supervision status such as probation or parole.
The distinction between record types is significant for access and legal purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not establish guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding or plea of guilty and a court-imposed sentence.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of imprisonment. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both are part of the public court record under Illinois law.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are sealed by operation of law under 705 ILCS 405/5-915 and are not accessible to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest and are maintained by the issuing court and law enforcement. Historical records reflect resolved matters.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Montgomery County include the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Circuit Court Clerk (court filings and dispositions), the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification (statewide criminal history), and local municipal police departments within the county. Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as a case progresses through the criminal justice process.
Are Criminal Records Public In Montgomery County
Criminal records in Montgomery County are public records to the extent provided under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to members of the public. The Illinois FOIA provides that "each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying all public records."
The following categories of records are accessible to the public under current law:
- Adult arrest records and booking information
- Circuit court case filings, charges, and dispositions
- Sentencing orders and probation terms
- Sex offender registration information via the Illinois Sex Offender Registry
The following categories are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by statute)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor provides guidance on FOIA compliance and exemptions. Members of the public may consult the Illinois Attorney General FOIA resources for authoritative interpretation of access rights and limitations.
How To Find Criminal Records in Montgomery County Online?
Official County Resources
The Montgomery County Circuit Clerk's office participates in the Illinois courts' electronic filing and case management system. Members of the public may search case records through the Illinois Court Case Search portal, which provides access to case numbers, party names, charges, and dispositions for cases entered into the system. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website may also post current inmate rosters and recent booking information.
State-Level Resources
The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history background check system accessible through the ISP Criminal History Information Requests portal. The Illinois courts' unified case management system aggregates records from circuit courts statewide.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Understand that records predating electronic filing may not appear online
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public search
Limitations
Online databases reflect a data lag and may not capture the most recent case activity. Records predating the adoption of electronic case management systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not substitute for certified official background checks required for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Montgomery County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Under 5 ILCS 140/3, public bodies are required to make public records available for inspection at no charge. Members of the public may inspect court records and arrest logs in person at the Circuit Clerk's office and the Sheriff's Office without paying a fee. Copying fees apply to reproductions.
2. Free Online Databases
The Illinois Court Case Search portal is available at no charge. The Illinois Sex Offender Registry is also freely accessible online.
3. Sheriff's Logs
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office may make daily arrest and booking logs available to the public, subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $2–$6 per page (varies) |
| Official ISP name-based background check | $16 |
| Official ISP fingerprint-based background check | $30 |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
State Fee Law
Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the cost of searching or reviewing records. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances as determined by the public body.
What's Included in a Montgomery County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A criminal record compiled through the Illinois State Police or county court system includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records include the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, statutory charges with felony or misdemeanor classification, plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or plea outcome, conviction date, sentence type and length, fines, restitution orders, conditions of supervision, appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI adjudications
- Traffic violations adjudicated in circuit court
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their own criminal records may petition the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification or the relevant court for correction. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and housing determinations.
How Long Does Montgomery County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Illinois courts and law enforcement agencies retain criminal records in accordance with schedules established under state law and the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205. The Illinois Local Records Commission oversees retention schedules for county agencies.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; subject to expungement eligibility |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17 or 21 (depending on offense); eligible for expungement |
| Pending cases | Retained until resolution |
Agency Differences
County circuit courts retain case files permanently under Illinois Supreme Court records retention rules. The Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records according to the applicable local records schedule. The Illinois State Police retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed after scanning and verification, but the electronic record persists in the state repository.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record.
- Sealing removes a record from public view but preserves it for law enforcement access.
- Expungement results in the deletion or obliteration of the record from agency files.
Individuals eligible for expungement or sealing under Illinois law may petition the circuit court using forms available through the Illinois Legal Aid Online resource or the Circuit Clerk's office. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the disposition, and the time elapsed since the case closed.
Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to a court order served on all relevant agencies.
Federal Records
The FBI maintains its own criminal history repository independently of state systems. Federal records are subject to different retention rules and are not affected by Illinois expungement orders unless the FBI is separately notified and complies.
Practical Implications
Convictions of record appear on background checks conducted for employment, professional licensing, and housing. Consumer reporting agencies are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most criminal records to seven years for certain employment purposes, though convictions may be reported indefinitely for positions with salaries above applicable thresholds. Professional licensing boards in Illinois may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record.