Criminal records in Peoria County, Illinois, are accessible through several channels—from online tools to official court systems and law enforcement agencies. PeoriaCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the 10th Judicial Circuit Court's portal, the Circuit Clerk's office, the Peoria County Sheriff's Office, and the Illinois state criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Peoria
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The person's full name (Last Name, First Name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Through PeoriaCourt.us
Go to PeoriaCourt.us and enter the name or case number. The service will display publicly available information about criminal cases, including charges and status.
Online through Official Portals
- Peoria County Records Inquiry — the official county portal where criminal and traffic cases, jail and bond records are available. Search by name or case number.
- Public Data Portals — the Public Data Portals page of Peoria County contains data on court dockets, arrest warrants (felony and misdemeanor), and crime maps.
- Warrant Search — the list of active warrants is published by the Sheriff's Office. Note: the list is not exhaustive.
- Inmate Search — on the Jail & Inmate Information page, you can check if a person is in custody at the county jail.
- Illinois Department of Corrections — to search for individuals serving state-level sentences, use the Individual in Custody Search.
- State Criminal History — the Bureau of Identification at the Illinois State Police maintains a statewide registry of convictions.
In Person
Visit the Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse:
Public access terminals are available on-site to view cases. The clerk can also issue copies of documents.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known). For police reports or other law enforcement records, contact the Records/Clerical department of the Sheriff's Office. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are submitted through the Peoria County FOIA Request form.
Search Peoria Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal case. In Illinois, a unified numbering system has been in place since 2024, in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court standards.
Case number structure:
| Part | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Year the case was filed (four digits) | 2024 |
| Case Type Code | Letter code indicating the category (CF — felony, CM — misdemeanor, TR or DT — traffic violations) | CF |
| Sequential Number | Sequential number within the year and category | 000123 |
For example, the number 2024-CF-000123 indicates a felony case filed in 2024 under number 123. Enter this number into the county records search system to get case details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Peoria
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to the specific section of the Compiled Statutes of Illinois under which the charge is filed
- Severity Level — felony (serious crime, classes X, 1–4), misdemeanor (lesser offense, classes A–C), or petty/business offense
- Amended Charges — the prosecution may change the initial charge to a lesser or more serious one during proceedings
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, proceedings are not yet completed |
| Active | The case is actively being considered by the court |
| Disposed | The court has made a decision — the case is closed on the merits |
| Closed | All procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution |
Types of Hearings
A criminal case usually goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies)
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss plea agreements or prepare for trial
- Trial — the case is heard on the merits, with or without a jury
- Sentencing — the imposition of a sentence following a guilty plea or conviction
- Review Hearing — checks compliance with probation or other penalties
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty — by the court or through a plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquits the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the prosecutor's or court's initiative |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after a trial on the merits |
Records of cases that have been expunged or sealed are not available for public viewing.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Peoria
Certified copies of criminal records are required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings in other jurisdictions. Here's how to obtain them.
Through Circuit Clerk (Court Records)
Contact the Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk:
Ways to submit a request:
- In Person — visit with a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number, and return address; include payment
- Electronically — Illinois has a mandatory electronic filing system (eFileIL), but for simple copy requests, contact the clerk directly
Through Illinois State Police (State Criminal History)
To obtain a complete statewide criminal history, submit a request to the Bureau of Identification at the Illinois State Police. Fingerprints and a fee are required.
Through the Sheriff's Office (Police Reports)
Copies of police reports and arrest records are issued by the Records/Clerical department of the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. Call ahead to confirm the availability of a specific document.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Peoria
Below are estimated fees. It is recommended to confirm exact amounts directly with the office, as rates may change.
| Service | Estimated Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (Uncertified) | $0.50–$2.00 per page | Circuit Clerk, according to 705 ILCS 105/27.2a |
| Certified Copy of Court Document | $6.00–$10.00 (plus copying cost) | Circuit Clerk; certification fee set by state statute |
| State Criminal History Check | $20.00+ (depends on request type and fingerprinting requirement) | Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification |
| Police Report (Copy) | Varies | Sheriff's Office, Records/Clerical department |
Processing Times
- Online Search — results appear instantly through the county records portal
- Certified Copies (Circuit Clerk) — typically within 1–5 business days for in-person requests; mail requests may take 1–2 weeks
- State Criminal History (ISP) — 3 to 10 business days for electronic requests; paper requests with fingerprints — up to 4–6 weeks
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or cashier's check. Some offices accept credit cards — confirm before visiting. Fees are set according to 705 ILCS 105/27.2a and local rules of the 10th Judicial Circuit.