Criminal records of St. Clair County, Illinois, are available through several channels. StClairCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the online case search system of the Circuit Clerk's office, through the sheriff's office, state law enforcement agencies, and directly at the court clerk's office. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, understand, and obtain certified copies of criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Clair
There are several ways to find criminal records. Start with what you know: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number.
Online Search
- StClairCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available information on county criminal cases.
- Circuit Clerk Case Search — the official county website's Courts page offers a Case Search tool (Criminal and Civil) that allows searching for hearing dates, case status, and related information.
- Inmate Search — the Sheriff's Corrections Department provides a search for current inmates in the county jail. Records are updated hourly.
- Illinois State Registries — the Illinois State Police Offender Registry contains a registry of sex offenders and individuals convicted of murder. For inmate searches in state correctional facilities, use the IDOC Offender Search.
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the county courthouse:
Public terminals for case searches are available there. Bring a valid ID with you.
Written Request
You can send a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain a complete state criminal history record, submit a request to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification — they are the official repository of state criminal records.
You can also request public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Search St. Clair Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal record. In Illinois, case numbers in county courts typically follow this structure:
- Year — two or four digits of the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024).
- Case Type Code — a letter designation of the category. Common codes for criminal cases are: CF (criminal felony), CM (criminal misdemeanor), TR (traffic violations), DT (DUI cases).
- Sequential Number — a numerical identifier within the year and category.
Example: 2024-CF-000123 indicates a felony case filed in 2024 with a sequential number of 123. Enter this number into the search system on the Circuit Clerk's website or on StClairCourt.us to get case details.
Note: After Illinois transitioned to a new electronic filing system, the format of numbers may differ slightly for older cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in St. Clair
A criminal record contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the Illinois Compiled Statutes under which the charge is brought (e.g., 720 ILCS 5/12-1 — assault). |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, classes X, 1–4), Misdemeanor (less serious, classes A–C), Petty/Business Offense (minor violation). |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce the charges during the case. The updated record will reflect the new codes. |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — the case is in progress.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision (sentence, closure, dismissal).
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed.
Hearings
Types of hearings you will see in the record:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they declare their plea (guilty/not guilty).
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (usually for felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements.
- Sentencing — a hearing to impose a penalty after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Review — a control hearing to check compliance with conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by jury verdict or guilty plea. |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted. |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict. |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute. |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in St. Clair
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as legal proof.
Where to Apply
The main office for obtaining certified copies of court criminal records is the St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's office.
For a complete state-level criminal history check, contact the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. They accept requests online, by mail, and through authorized fingerprinting agencies.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office with a valid photo ID. Provide the case number or full name and date of birth.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying: the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document needed, your return address, and payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Through FOIA — for other law enforcement records, submit a request under Illinois FOIA.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests).
- For third-party requests, a notarized consent from the record subject may be required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in St. Clair
Fees for court document copies in Illinois are regulated by 705 ILCS 105/27.2a (Clerks of Courts Act). Specific amounts may be updated — check directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 | Depends on document type; the first pages are usually more expensive. |
| Document certification | $5.00–$10.00 | In addition to the copy cost; includes seal and clerk's signature. |
| Criminal history check (Illinois State Police) | $20.00+ | Fingerprint-based checks are more expensive; the exact amount is set by ISP. |
| Circuit Clerk database search (online) | Free | Basic search for hearing dates and case status. |
Processing Times
- In Person — simple copies are usually issued during the same visit or within 1–3 business days.
- By Mail — processing may take 1–2 weeks depending on the request volume.
- Criminal history check via ISP — electronic requests are processed faster (a few business days); paper requests take up to 4–6 weeks.
For current rates, call the Circuit Clerk's office at (618) 277-6600. Payment is usually accepted in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or cash (for in-person visits).