Adams County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Adams County in 2026

AdamsILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Adams 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 may include arrest logs, inmate rosters, warrant information, court case filings, and criminal history summaries. Access and completeness of records vary by agency and record type.

Arrest records in Adams County may be searched through official resources including the Adams County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains public records including inmate information, warrant searches, and case files accessible through its official website. Members of the public may conduct an inmate search to locate individuals currently held at the Adams County Jail. Available information includes the detainee's name, booking number, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The inmate roster is updated on a regular basis, though the Sheriff's Office notes that the website provides information specifically for warrants held by the agency and that criminal justice records may not be used for solicitation of business for monetary gain.

2. Local Police Departments

The Quincy Police Department, which serves the county seat, maintains arrest and incident information. Press releases and arrest logs may be published periodically through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal agencies within Adams County should contact the relevant department directly, as online arrest log availability varies by jurisdiction.

Quincy Police Department
730 Maine St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 228-4470
Quincy Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests in Adams County are filed with the Adams County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal court filings. The State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts provides information about the Illinois court system, including Circuit Courts where Adams County criminal cases are adjudicated.

Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont St, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to the public for certain purposes. The Bureau of Identification processes requests for Illinois criminal history records, including arrest and conviction data. Individuals may request their own criminal history record through the Bureau of Identification. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based name searches; fingerprint-based searches carry a separate fee schedule published by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois.gov public records portal also provides access to the Archives Database, which allows users to preview multiple state record databases.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Adams County Sheriff's Office
314 N 6th St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2200
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Adams County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest or booking number. Fees for copies are assessed per page; the current fee schedule is available through the records request page.

Clerk of Court:

Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont St, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Adams County Circuit Clerk

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Circuit Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Illinois law.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Adams County Sheriff's Office at 314 N 6th St, Quincy, IL 62301. Each written request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Adams County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (217) 277-2200. Staff can provide limited information by phone, including general custody status. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases are governed by the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure.

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 within Adams County)

Are Arrest Records Public in Adams County

Arrest records in Adams County are public records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS § 140, establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are subject to disclosure because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Illinois law:

• Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act
• Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
• Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
• Active investigation information that would interfere with a pending investigation
• Undercover officer identities
• Confidential informant information
• Victim identifying information in certain cases, including sexual assault
• Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, affirms the public's right to information concerning the affairs of government. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within 5 ILCS § 140/7, which enumerates categories of information exempt from mandatory disclosure. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while 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 (FCRA)
• Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
• Licensing agencies
• Background check companies
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Illinois law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment decisions. The Illinois Human Rights Act limits the circumstances under which an employer may consider an arrest record that did not result in conviction. "Ban the box" provisions applicable in certain Illinois jurisdictions restrict when in the hiring process an employer may inquire about criminal history. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Adams County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

• Full legal name
• Aliases or "also known as" names
• Date of birth
• Age at time of arrest
• Sex/gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Height and weight
• Eye color and hair color
• Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
• Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

• Arrest date and time
• Location of arrest (street address or general area)
• Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Illinois State Police, etc.)
• Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
• Booking date and time
• Booking number or arrest number
• Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

• Specific criminal charges
• Illinois statute numbers violated
• Charge descriptions
• Classification (felony class or misdemeanor class)
• Number of counts for each charge
• Domestic violence designation, if applicable
• Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

• Booking facility name and location
• Intake process timestamp
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records releases
• 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 (PR bond)
  • No bond
• Release date and time, if released
• Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

• Court case number assigned
• Court jurisdiction (Adams County Circuit Court)
• Scheduled arraignment date
• Court location
• Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

• Previous arrests in the county
• Previous booking numbers
• Historical charges
• Not always included in a current arrest record

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 information
• Mental health status
• Substance abuse 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 are subject to separate disclosure rules
• Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
• Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
• Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Adams County?

The Adams County Sheriff's Office assesses fees for public records copies in accordance with Illinois law. Under 5 ILCS § 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Current Standard Fees:

Record Type	Fee
Black-and-white paper copies	$0.15 per page (standard under FOIA)
Color copies	Actual cost of reproduction
Certification of records	Varies by office
Electronic format	May be provided at no charge or at cost of medium
Search fees	Not permitted under Illinois FOIA for standard requests

The complete and current fee schedule for the Adams County Sheriff's Office is published on the records request page. The Adams County Circuit Clerk assesses separate copy fees for court records.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Payment methods accepted by the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Adams County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request.

Fee Waivers:

Under Illinois FOIA, a public body may waive fees when disclosure is in the public interest and primarily benefits the general public rather than the requester. Requests from news media organizations or nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees.

What Is Available at No Charge:

• Inspection of public records in person (no copy fee for viewing only)
• Online inmate search through the Sheriff's Office website
• Online court case search through the Circuit Clerk
• The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are provided free of charge under Illinois FOIA for standard requests

How To Delete Arrest Records in Adams County

Under Illinois law, arrest records may be subject to expungement (physical destruction or removal from public access) or sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record). These are distinct legal remedies. Expungement results in the destruction or return of arrest records to the petitioner, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to retain access.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to 20 ILCS § 2630/5.2, individuals arrested in Illinois may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

• Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
• Charges that were dismissed
• Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
• Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after the required waiting period
• Successful completion of court supervision or qualified probation

Eligibility for Sealing:

Sealing is available for a broader range of offenses, including many misdemeanor and felony convictions that do not qualify for expungement. Certain offenses, including most sex offenses and crimes of violence, are not eligible for sealing.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

1. Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification to confirm the charges and dispositions on record.
2. Complete the petition forms available through the Illinois courts system. The Office of the Illinois Courts provides standardized forms for expungement and sealing petitions.
3. File the petition with the Adams County Circuit Clerk at 521 Vermont St, Room 101, Quincy, IL 62301. A filing fee applies unless the petitioner qualifies for a fee waiver.
4. Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and any other required agencies.
5. Attend the scheduled hearing. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
6. Upon entry of the court order, the order is transmitted to the Illinois State Police and the arresting agency for compliance.

Contact Information for Expungement Assistance:

Adams County State's Attorney's Office
521 Vermont St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2280
Adams County State's Attorney

Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 N Chicago St
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160
Bureau of Identification

What Happens After Arrest in Adams County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Adams County, the arrested individual is transported to the Adams County Jail, located at 314 N 6th St, Quincy, IL 62301. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Adams County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

• Personal information recorded
• Miranda rights read if not previously administered
• Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
• Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
• Criminal history check conducted
• Outstanding warrants check conducted
• Personal property inventoried and stored
• Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
• Medical screening completed
• Brief mental health screening
• Housing classification determined

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, or as soon as practicable. At the first appearance:

• The individual is formally notified of the charges
• The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
• Bond or bail is determined
• Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules for Adams County are maintained through the Adams County Circuit Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

• The full bond amount must be paid in cash
• The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
• Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the bond schedule

Surety Bond:

• A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
• The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
• The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

• The individual is released on a written promise to appear
• No monetary payment is required
• Granted based on ties to the community, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

• The individual is held without bond
• Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

• Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
• Travel restrictions
• No-contact orders
• Drug and alcohol testing
• GPS monitoring
• Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

• Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
• Personal property is returned
• A court date is provided in writing
• Written conditions of release are issued
• The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

• The individual remains in custody at the Adams County Jail
• Housing assignment is made
• Inmate orientation is conducted
• Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation by the Adams County Public Defender. Eligibility is based on income.

Adams County Public Defender's Office
521 Vermont St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2260
Adams County Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Illinois State Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Adams County Jail, and consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Adams County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days of the arrest. The State's Attorney may file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, may be filed and heard. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any point prior to verdict.

Case Resolution Options:

• Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
• Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
• Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
• Trial: A jury trial or bench trial results in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

• Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
• First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
• Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
• Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
• Felonies: May take six months to over one year
• Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Illinois Constitution and Illinois statute

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:

Adams County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
314 N 6th St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2200
Inmate Information: (217) 277-2200
Adams County Sheriff's Office

Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont St, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk

Adams County State's Attorney's Office
521 Vermont St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2280
Adams County State's Attorney

Adams County Public Defender's Office
521 Vermont St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2260
Adams County Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
2. Do not physically resist arrest
3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
6. Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
8. Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Adams County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Adams County is governed by Illinois law and local agency policies. The Illinois Local Records Act establishes retention schedules for records maintained by local government agencies, including law enforcement.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police, and the FBI
• Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

• Retained permanently by the Illinois State Police criminal history repository
• Local law enforcement and court records are retained for extended periods per the applicable retention schedule

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

• Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the agency's retention schedule
• Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
• Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

• Local law enforcement records are retained per agency policy
• Court records are often retained permanently
• The subject may petition for expungement of the underlying arrest record

Charges Not Filed:

• Booking records are retained for a period determined by local policy
• These records are among the most eligible for expungement under Illinois law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

• Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable retention schedule
• Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
• Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis by the Circuit Clerk
• Mugshot databases maintained by third parties may retain records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely. These entities are not subject to expungement orders in the same manner as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Adams County Sheriff's Office
314 N 6th St
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2200
Adams County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Illinois Local Records Act retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome.

Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont St, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period specified in the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis.

State Repository:

The Illinois State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions in Illinois. The individual in custody search maintained by the Illinois Department of Corrections provides information on individuals currently in state custody.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Illinois agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

• Permanent retention in all major databases
• Appears on background checks indefinitely unless sealed or expunged under applicable law

Dismissal:

• May remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
• Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks

Expungement:

• Results in physical destruction or sealing of local records
• The Illinois State Police updates the state repository upon receipt of the court order
• The FBI database may retain a notation; removal from federal databases requires a separate process
• Timeframe for removal from state and local systems varies following entry of the court order

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through the online inmate search and court case search tools. Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk. Records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and fees for retrieval. Records that have exceeded the applicable retention period may have been destroyed in accordance with the retention schedule.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, 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 arrest records in employment decisions, particularly for arrests that did not result in conviction. Certain jurisdictions within Illinois have enacted fair chance hiring ordinances that further restrict when and how arrest records may be considered.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Adams County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (217) 277-2200 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request submitted pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain written confirmation. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Adams County

• Public Records - Adams County Sheriff Office
• Inmate Search - Adams County Sheriff Office
• Request Public Records - Adams County Sheriff Office
• Find Public Records - Illinois.gov
• Illinois State Police
• Individual in Custody Search - Illinois Department of Corrections
• State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts
• Bureau of Identification - Illinois State Police