Cook Public Records / Cook County Arrest Records

Cook County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cook County

Arrest records in Cook County are generally considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in 5 ILCS 140. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted. However, access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions as provided by law.

Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, § 2630/3, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain arrest records, which become part of the public record once an individual is arrested. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process

The Illinois State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Cook County. While arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records.

Under 20 ILCS 2630/5, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing, which restricts public access to these records under specific circumstances. Additionally, the Illinois Criminal Identification Act provides guidelines for the dissemination of criminal history record information.

What's in Cook County Arrest Records

Cook County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address at time of arrest
State identification number (SID) and/or FBI number if applicable
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether arrest was made pursuant to warrant or probable cause

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Type of bond (cash, personal recognizance, etc.)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned courtroom and judge
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition (if case has concluded)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held, if in custody
Projected release date, if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history in Cook County
Known gang affiliations (if documented)
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Special custody considerations

The Cook County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cook County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cook County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
- Complete the FOIA request form available through the Cook County Sheriff's Office FOIA portal
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known
- Submit the request electronically, by mail, or in person
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response as required by 5 ILCS 140/3
Visit the Cook County Sheriff's Records Department in person

Cook County Sheriff's Office
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(773) 674-5100
Cook County Sheriff

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Check the Inmate Locator System
- For individuals currently in custody, utilize the online inmate locator service
- Search by name or booking number
- This system provides limited information about current detainees
Contact the Arresting Agency
- If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Cook County, contact that agency directly
- Provide the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Be prepared to complete that agency's specific records request form
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1001
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Circuit Court of Cook County

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide proper identification. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/7, certain requestors may be required to submit fingerprints for verification purposes when seeking criminal history information.

How To Find Cook County Arrest Records Online

Cook County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following online methods are available to the public:

Cook County Sheriff's Inmate Locator
- Navigate to the Cook County Sheriff's inmate locator portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- This system provides information on currently detained individuals, including charges, bond information, and next court date
- Updated in real-time as individuals enter or leave custody
Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court Electronic Docket
- Access the Circuit Court of Cook County electronic case information system
- Search by name or case number
- View case information including charges, court dates, and case disposition
- Note that this system provides court case information, which may include arrest details
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information
- Visit the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification website
- Complete the Criminal History Information Request Form
- Submit the required fee ($16 per name-based search)
- Provide fingerprints if requesting a fingerprint-based search
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison
- Access the IDOC inmate search portal
- Search by name, IDOC number, or birthdate
- View current custody status, location, and projected release date

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/7, certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws and the nature of the case. Additionally, online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for older cases or those involving juveniles.

How To Search Cook County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain Cook County arrest records without incurring fees through several available resources. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

Cook County Sheriff's Inmate Locator
- The online inmate locator service is available at no cost
- Provides real-time information on individuals currently in custody
- Includes basic arrest information, charges, and court dates
- No registration or payment required
Cook County Sheriff's Website
- The Cook County Sheriff's website offers free access to certain public safety information
- Includes press releases about significant arrests
- Provides jail population data and statistics
- Features information about individuals in custody
Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities

Cook County Criminal Courthouse
2650 S. California Avenue
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 674-7100

Daley Center Courthouse
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
- Computer terminals provide free access to court case information
- Staff assistance may be available for searches
- No fee for on-site searches
FOIA Requests for Specific Records
- Initial FOIA requests to the Cook County Sheriff's Office do not require payment
- First 50 pages of black and white copies are provided free of charge
- Electronic records can be provided at no cost when available
- Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6, fees may apply for extensive searches or large document productions
Public Library Resources

Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 747-4300
- Public computers with internet access
- Reference librarians can assist with navigating public records resources
- Access to legal research databases that may contain arrest information

When conducting free searches, requestors should note that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/3(A), certain comprehensive criminal history information may still require payment of statutory fees, particularly when requesting official documentation or certified records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cook County

Illinois law provides mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records through expungement (complete removal) or sealing (restricting public access). Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may petition for these remedies under specific circumstances:

Expungement Eligibility:

Arrests that did not lead to charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and waiting period
First-time, non-violent offenses through the Second Chance Program

Sealing Eligibility:

Most misdemeanor convictions (after 3-year waiting period)
Certain felony convictions (after 3-year waiting period)
Cases where the individual received court supervision (after completion)
Some drug offenses after successful completion of treatment programs

The process for expungement or sealing in Cook County involves the following steps:

Obtain Criminal History Transcript
- Request records from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
- Alternatively, obtain local records from the Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Review for accuracy and eligibility
Complete Required Forms
- Petition for Expungement/Sealing
- Notice of Filing
- Order for Expungement/Sealing
- Additional forms as required by the court
File Petition with Circuit Court

Cook County Circuit Court Criminal Department
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Room 1006
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-4357
- Pay filing fee (approximately $120 per case)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying individuals
Notification to Relevant Agencies
- Clerk's office notifies the State's Attorney
- Copies sent to arresting agencies and Illinois State Police
- Agencies have 60 days to object
Court Hearing (if necessary)
- If objections are filed, court schedules hearing
- Individual must demonstrate eligibility
- Judge makes final determination
Implementation of Court Order
- If granted, court order sent to all relevant agencies
- Records expunged or sealed according to order
- Process takes approximately 60 days after court approval

Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705), certain marijuana-related arrests and convictions are eligible for automatic expungement. Additionally, the Clean Slate Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.12) provides for automatic sealing of certain eligible records after specified waiting periods.

What Happens After Arrest in Cook County?

Following an arrest in Cook County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Illinois law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

Arrest and Booking
- Individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to Cook County Department of Corrections facility
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Medical screening conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
Bond Court/Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours)
- Judge determines if probable cause exists for detention
- Bond amount and conditions set based on:
  - Nature and circumstances of charges
  - Individual's criminal history
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Public safety considerations
- Pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/110-5, judges must set bonds that are not oppressive
Pretrial Detention or Release
- If bond is posted, individual is released pending trial
- If unable to post bond, individual remains in Cook County Jail
- Pretrial services may monitor released individuals
- Electronic monitoring may be required in certain cases
Preliminary Hearing/Grand Jury (Felony Cases)
- Preliminary hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Alternatively, case may be presented to grand jury for indictment
- Must occur within 30 days if in custody (60 days if not in custody)
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Individual enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date set if not guilty plea entered
- Discovery process begins
Pretrial Conferences and Motions
- Status hearings to monitor case progress
- Pretrial motions may include:
  - Motion to suppress evidence
  - Motion to dismiss charges
  - Discovery motions
- Plea negotiations may occur during this phase
Trial
- Bench trial (judge only) or jury trial
- Prosecution presents evidence beyond reasonable doubt
- Defense presents counter-evidence and arguments
- Verdict rendered by judge or jury
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
  - Statutory guidelines
  - Criminal history
  - Mitigating and aggravating factors
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative programs
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Sentence modification requests

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to confront witnesses, and right to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment and codified in Illinois law under 725 ILCS 5/103-1 through 103-7.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cook County?

Arrest records in Cook County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Illinois state law and local agency policies. The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) establishes the framework for records retention, while specific schedules are approved by the Local Records Commission.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 5-year retention
- Local ordinance violations: Minimum 3-year retention
Fingerprint Records:
- Maintained permanently by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
- Retained in accordance with 20 ILCS 2630/3
Mugshot Photographs:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Retained for minimum of 5 years
- May be retained longer for investigative purposes
Arrest Warrants:
- Active warrants: Maintained until served or recalled
- Executed warrants: Retained with case file according to case type
Juvenile Arrest Records:
- Subject to special confidentiality provisions under 705 ILCS 405/5-915
- May be automatically expunged when juvenile reaches 18 under certain conditions
- Otherwise maintained according to adult record standards

Different agencies within Cook County maintain separate record systems with varying retention periods:

Cook County Sheriff's Office:
- Maintains arrest and custody records according to county retention schedule
- Records may be kept longer than minimum requirements for administrative purposes
Municipal Police Departments:
- Each department within Cook County follows local retention schedules
- Generally align with state minimum standards
Illinois State Police:
- Maintains central repository of all fingerprint-based criminal history
- Records maintained permanently unless expunged by court order
Cook County Circuit Court:
- Court case records related to arrests maintained according to case type
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum 10-year retention after case closure

Records retention serves several important public purposes, including maintaining evidence for future investigations, supporting background checks authorized by law, and ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, certain records may be eligible for expungement or sealing as described in previous sections, which alters their accessibility but may not affect underlying retention requirements.

How to Find Mugshots in Cook County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Cook County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken in a standardized format against a plain background. These photographs are accompanied by identifying information such as the individual's name, booking number, and date of arrest.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Cook County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Cook County Sheriff's Office
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(773) 674-5100
Cook County Sheriff
Municipal Police Departments within Cook County that made the arrest
Illinois State Police as part of the central criminal history repository

Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking mugshots in Cook County have several options:

Submit a FOIA Request:
- File a formal request through the Cook County Sheriff's FOIA portal
- Specify that you are seeking booking photographs
- Provide the individual's full name and approximate date of arrest
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response
Check Online Inmate Information:
- For currently incarcerated individuals, limited booking information may be available through the inmate locator service
- Note that full mugshots may not be displayed online
Visit Records Department in Person:
- Request mugshots at the Sheriff's Records Division
- Bring identification and as much information as possible about the arrest
- Be prepared to complete request forms and possibly pay fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: While some jurisdictions publish mugshots online, Cook County has limited official online publication of booking photographs. The Cook County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database. However, certain third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To ensure accuracy and legitimacy, mugshots should be obtained through official channels:

Complete the appropriate FOIA request form
Provide specific information about the individual and arrest
Pay any applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)
Receive certified copies if needed for official purposes

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots in Cook County is subject to several important limitations:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not available to the public under 705 ILCS 405/1-7
Mugshots related to expunged or sealed cases are not accessible
Privacy exemptions under 5 ILCS 140/7 may apply to certain mugshots
Law enforcement may withhold mugshots related to ongoing investigations
Commercial publication of mugshots is restricted under Illinois' "Mugshot Act" (815 ILCS 505/2QQQ)

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that pursuant to Illinois law, websites charging fees to remove mugshots may be in violation of state law, and affected individuals have legal remedies available.

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