Kankakee County Criminal Records
What Is Kankakee County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kankakee County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 20, Act 2630, which establishes the Criminal Identification Act governing the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office or the Kankakee Police Department.
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings handled by the Kankakee County Circuit Court, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration, probation, or parole status maintained by the Kankakee County Detention Center.
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that a court has determined the individual committed the offense. Under Illinois law, both types of records are maintained, though they carry different implications for public access and potential expungement.
Criminal offenses in Kankakee County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors:
- Felonies: More serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of one year or more in state prison facilities.
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Juvenile records (pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age) are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under 705 ILCS 405/1-7, the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Kankakee County include:
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office
3000 South Justice Way
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-802-7100
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
450 E Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-936-5700
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: 815-740-5160
Illinois State Police
Are Criminal Records Public In Kankakee County
Criminal records in Kankakee County are generally considered public information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public. Section 5 ILCS 140/1 of this Act states: "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying."
The public status of criminal records is further reinforced by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, which specifically addresses the dissemination of criminal history information. Under § 2630/3(A), "conviction information shall be available without restriction," establishing a clear statutory basis for public access to records of criminal convictions.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The following distinctions apply to record accessibility in Kankakee County:
Publicly Available Records:
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Adult conviction records
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sex offender registry information
- Current inmate records
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records specifically exempted by statute
The Kankakee County Circuit Clerk maintains court records that are accessible to the public, while the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records. Both agencies are subject to FOIA requirements and must provide reasonable access to non-exempt records.
It is important to note that while conviction information is generally public, arrest records that did not result in conviction may be eligible for expungement or sealing under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which outlines the procedures for removing eligible records from public access.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kankakee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kankakee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple channels for record retrieval, each appropriate for different types of information needs.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the following locations:
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's Office
450 E Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-936-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
To request criminal records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process:
- Complete the FOIA Request Form specific to the agency holding the records.
- Submit the completed form to the appropriate FOIA Officer at the relevant agency.
- Provide specific information to identify the records sought, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Date range for the records requested
- Include contact information for receiving the records.
- Allow up to 5 business days for a response, as stipulated under 5 ILCS 140/3.
For criminal history background checks that include state-level information:
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: 815-740-5160
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information
The process requires:
- Submission of fingerprints through an approved fingerprinting vendor
- Payment of applicable fees
- Completion of required consent forms
- Verification of identity
For records related to specific law enforcement actions within city limits:
Kankakee Police Department
385 East Oak Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-933-3321 (non-emergency)
Kankakee Police Department
When requesting records, requestors should be prepared to present valid identification and pay any applicable fees for copying or certification of documents.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kankakee County Online?
Kankakee County offers several digital platforms that allow members of the public to access criminal records information online. These resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by platform.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Kankakee County include:
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk Case Information System
This portal provides access to court case information, including criminal cases filed in the county. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
The system displays case summaries, charges, scheduled court dates, and disposition information. Access is available through the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's website.
Kankakee County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function that provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court appearance
This resource is accessible through the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office website.
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information
For comprehensive criminal history information that extends beyond Kankakee County, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification offers online access to state criminal records. This service:
- Requires user registration
- Involves payment of statutory fees
- May require fingerprint submission for complete records
- Provides conviction information pursuant to the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act
Illinois Sex Offender Registry
Information about registered sex offenders residing in Kankakee County is available through the Illinois Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Illinois State Police. This database allows searches by:
- Name
- Geographic location
- Compliance status
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Some records may only be partially available online
- Older records may not be digitized
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online access
- Registration may be required for some platforms
- Official copies of records typically require in-person requests
Can You Search Kankakee County Criminal Records for Free?
Kankakee County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, in accordance with Illinois public records laws. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act establishes that public bodies may provide the first 50 pages of black and white copies without charge, though fees may apply for additional pages or certified copies.
Free in-person inspection of public criminal records is available at:
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's Office
450 E Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-936-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk
Kankakee County Courthouse
450 E Court Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 815-937-2918
Kankakee County Courthouse
The following online resources are available without charge:
-
Public Case Access: The Kankakee County Circuit Clerk provides free online access to basic case information through their public access terminal and website.
-
Inmate Lookup: The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search function that provides current custody information.
-
Sex Offender Registry: Information about registered sex offenders in Kankakee County is freely accessible through the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.
While basic record searches are often available without charge, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Complete criminal history reports
- Records requiring extensive redaction or review
- Expedited processing requests
- Records older than the current retention period in digital systems
When requesting records under FOIA through the Kankakee County FOIA process, requestors may ask for a fee waiver if the information is sought in the public interest, though approval is at the discretion of the FOIA officer.
What's Included in a Kankakee County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Kankakee County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with 20 ILCS 2630, the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
A complete criminal record from Kankakee County generally includes:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Fingerprint classification
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Current and previous addresses
- Photograph/mugshot
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Kankakee County Sheriff's Office or Kankakee Police Department)
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number assigned by the Kankakee County Circuit Court
- Court jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Classification of offenses (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Court appearance dates
Disposition Information:
- Final outcome of each charge (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Court-ordered fines and fees
- Restitution requirements
- Community service obligations
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Probation or parole status
- DUI/traffic violations that resulted in criminal charges
- Pending cases
Records maintained by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification may include criminal history information from jurisdictions throughout Illinois, providing a more comprehensive overview than county-level records alone.
How Long Does Kankakee County Keep Criminal Records?
Kankakee County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205), which establishes retention requirements for government records in Illinois. The specific retention periods vary based on the type of record and its disposition.
The following retention periods generally apply to criminal records in Kankakee County:
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports for felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for felony cases not resulting in conviction: Minimum of 7 years
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 10 years after case closure
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor cases not resulting in conviction: 5 years
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 7 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 20 years after case closure
Correctional Records:
- Inmate files for felony incarceration: 10 years after release
- Inmate files for misdemeanor incarceration: 5 years after release
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
Special Categories:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Sexual offense cases: 75 years
- Juvenile records: Until the individual reaches age 24, unless otherwise ordered by the court
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely, particularly for cases resulting in conviction.
The Kankakee County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and implements the retention schedule approved by the Illinois State Archives Local Records Commission. The Kankakee County Sheriff's Office maintains separate retention schedules for law enforcement records.
Criminal history information maintained by the Illinois State Police is generally retained permanently, unless the records are subject to expungement or sealing under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kankakee County
Kankakee County Sheriff's Office