Fayette County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fayette County in 2026
FayetteILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Fayette County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case numbers. The information presented reflects data from official public sources and may not reflect the most current status of any individual case.
Records may be searched through official county resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following resources are available for conducting an arrest record search:
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Fayette County Sheriff maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Fayette County Jail. The Sheriff's Office website provides information on current inmates, recent bookings, and custody status. Records are updated as new bookings occur and as individuals are released. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status.
2. Local Police Departments
The Vandalia Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Fayette County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city jurisdictions within the county may contact the Vandalia Police Department directly.
Vandalia Police Department
221 N. 5th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3505
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Circuit Clerk of Fayette County maintains official records for the entire court system and serves as the official recorder of documents for filing. Members of the public may search court cases by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings. Court case records reflect charges formally filed following an arrest and include case numbers, hearing dates, and disposition information.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Under current law, all criminal history record conviction information collected and maintained by the Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, is made available to the public. A name-based criminal history search may be requested for a fee of $16.00 per subject. The types of records maintained by the Illinois State Police include criminal investigation files, arrest records, and conviction histories. Requesters may submit inquiries through the ISP's online portal or by mail to the Bureau of Identification.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3431
Fayette County Sheriff
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply to printed records. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Clerk of Court:
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk | Fayette County, Illinois
The Circuit Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Case files may be inspected at the public access terminal located in the clerk's office. Certified copies of court records are available for a fee of $2.00 per page plus a certification fee.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 221 S. 7th St., Vandalia, IL 62471. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5 to 10 business days.
By Phone:
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (618) 283-3431 during regular business hours. Limited information, such as current custody status, may be available by phone. Requesters should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record requests are referred to the in-person or written request process.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
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 (which jurisdiction)
Are Arrest Records Public in Fayette County
Arrest records in Fayette County are public records subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), which establishes the right of the public to access records maintained by government agencies. Under 5 ILCS 140/2, public records include all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information, and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business. Arrest records fall within this definition and are presumed open to public inspection absent a specific statutory exemption.
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 (restricted or sealed under the Juvenile Court Act)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that would interfere with a pending proceeding
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, establishes that all records of public bodies are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The balance between government transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions and judicial interpretation. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern, and due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest and a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment contexts. Employers and landlords must distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt. Illinois has enacted job application restrictions that limit when criminal history may be considered in the hiring process.
What's in Fayette County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- 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 and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or Illinois State Police)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Illinois statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
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, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- 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 investigative information
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Fayette County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Fayette County varies by the type of record requested and the office from which the request is made. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6), public bodies may charge fees for copying records but may not charge for the time spent searching or reviewing records unless the request is for a commercial purpose.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (black and white) | $0.15 per page (first 50 pages free for non-commercial requests) |
| Certified court record copies | $2.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Illinois State Police criminal history search | $16.00 per subject |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
Members of the public may inspect records at the Circuit Clerk's office or the Sheriff's Office at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. The Illinois State Police accepts payment by credit card for online requests.
Fee waivers may be available for requests made by indigent individuals or for requests determined to be in the public interest. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time the records request is filed.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fayette 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 to the petitioner, while sealing restricts public access to records without destroying them. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records; expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes.
Under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrests that did not result in conviction, charges that were dismissed, or cases in which the individual was acquitted. Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for sealing after the required waiting period has elapsed. Convictions for violent offenses, sex offenses, and driving under the influence are not eligible for expungement or sealing under current law.
Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:
- Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification to confirm the records subject to the petition.
- Complete the Illinois State Police Expungement/Sealing Petition form, available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
- File the completed petition with the Fayette County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee. Filing fees are waived for eligible petitioners who qualify as indigent.
- 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. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
- Upon entry of the court's order, the Circuit Clerk forwards certified copies to all agencies directed to expunge or seal their records.
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk | Fayette County, Illinois
Fayette County State's Attorney's Office
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3531
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Prairie State Legal Services or the Illinois Legal Aid Online resource at illinoislegalaid.org.
What Happens After Arrest in Fayette County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Fayette County Jail, located at 221 S. 7th St., Vandalia, IL 62471. 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 Fayette County Jail, the booking process is initiated. Booking typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- 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 the initial hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable court fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives written conditions of release and a court date. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules and procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Fayette County Public Defender's Office
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3531
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. Attorney consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Fayette County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of formal charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues.
Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, plea agreements, and trial. Defendants convicted at trial or through a plea agreement proceed to a sentencing hearing at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these sanctions.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: resolved within three to six months in many instances
- Felony cases: may extend twelve months or longer
- The right to a speedy trial under Illinois law requires trial within 120 days for defendants in custody and 160 days for defendants on bond, pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-5
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:
Fayette County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3431
Fayette County Sheriff
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk | Fayette County, Illinois
Fayette County State's Attorney's Office
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3531
Illinois Department of Corrections (for state inmates)
1301 Concordia Court
Springfield, IL 62794
Phone: (217) 558-2200
Individual in Custody Search
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with 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 release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fayette County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Illinois is governed by state law and the records retention schedules established by the Illinois Local Records Commission. Local agencies are required to follow the schedules approved by the Commission, which specify minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form a permanent part of the individual's criminal history.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently by the Circuit Clerk and the Illinois State Police. Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records associated with misdemeanor convictions for a minimum period established by the Local Records Commission.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained by the Circuit Clerk and may remain accessible to the public absent a sealing or expungement order.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained by local agencies and the state repository. These records may be eligible for expungement under Illinois law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period and may be eligible for expungement. Individuals in this category may petition for immediate expungement in certain circumstances.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule and are often maintained permanently. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the periods specified in the Local Records Commission schedule. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Commission schedule. The Sheriff's Office may be contacted at (618) 283-3431 for information regarding specific records.
Circuit Clerk: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of seven years following final disposition. Electronic court records are maintained permanently in the court's case management system.
Illinois State Police: The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Illinois law enforcement agencies. Records are retained in accordance with state policy and are updated to reflect expungements and sealings ordered by Illinois courts.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may leave records in place unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the physical destruction or sealing of local records and requires the state repository to update its files; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest typical retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrest records are available online through the Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Clerk's public access terminal. Older records may require an in-person request and may be subject to retrieval fees if stored in archives. Records predating the digitization of county systems may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time to locate and produce.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions, and employers are prohibited from considering arrests that did not result in conviction in certain contexts. Third-party background check companies are required by the FCRA to maintain accurate and current records, but commercial mugshot and arrest record websites are not always subject to the same update obligations.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Records Division at (618) 283-3431 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain formal documentation of record status. Applicable copy fees may apply.