Lee County Public Records / Lee County Arrest Records

Lee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lee County in 2026

LeeILRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Lee County, Illinois. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case references, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available may include felony arrests, misdemeanor bookings, warrant-related detentions, and associated court filings. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not capture every arrest or reflect the most current status of a case.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available for locating arrest records in Lee County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lee County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement and detention authority for the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the Lee County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. The jail roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a regular basis.

Lee County Sheriff's Office
309 S Galena Ave
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-6631
Lee County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Lee County maintain their own police departments, each of which may issue press releases or maintain arrest logs. The Dixon Police Department, as the largest municipal agency in the county, periodically publishes arrest information through official channels.

Dixon Police Department
129 W. Chicago St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-4411
Dixon Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. The Lee County Courthouse serves the 15th Judicial Circuit and maintains criminal case records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate court cases associated with an arrest. The State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts also provides circuit court case information through its online directory.

Lee County Circuit Clerk
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Illinois Courts Directory

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide criminal history repository through the Bureau of Identification. Members of the public and authorized entities may request criminal history records, which include arrest and disposition information compiled from law enforcement agencies across Illinois. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based name searches. Individuals seeking to review their own criminal history may do so through a Live Scan fingerprint vendor.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 309 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021
Records division located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (815) 284-6631
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo ID, full name of subject, approximate date of arrest
Fees for copies: $0.15 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Dixon Police Department: 129 W. Chicago St., Dixon, IL 61021 | (815) 288-4411
Records requests submitted in writing or in person during business hours
Fees: $0.15 per page; additional fees may apply for electronic records

Clerk of Court:

Address: 112 E. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021
Criminal records division located on the main floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Case file inspection available during business hours
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies $6.00 per document

By Mail:

Sheriff's Office mailing address: 309 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021
Written requests must include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Booking number (if known)
- Requestor's name, address, and contact information
Include payment by check or money order payable to the Lee County Sheriff's Office
Processing time: 5–10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (815) 284-6631
Basic custody status information may be provided by phone
Information needed: Full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date
Detailed records require written request or in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not available through standard public access
Discovery in criminal proceedings is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules

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)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, Dixon PD, or other municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County

Arrest records in Lee County are public records under Illinois law. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, codified at 5 ILCS 140, all persons have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records fall within the category of public documents because they reflect official government action and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, and community awareness.

As stated by the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor, "The Freedom of Information Act is based on the public policy that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government."

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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under the Juvenile Court Act
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Illinois Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, establishes that public funds, property, and operations are subject to public scrutiny. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in government transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history. Illinois has enacted the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act, commonly referred to as a "ban the box" law, which restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process. An arrest without a resulting conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in many circumstances.

What's in Lee County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Lee County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the processing of a criminal case.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Dixon Police Department, Illinois State Police, or other)
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 and classifications (felony degree 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 (collected but not included in public-facing records)
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), or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (15th Judicial Circuit, Lee County)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available through standard public access
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Lee County varies by agency and record type. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for reproducing records but may not charge for the time spent reviewing records to determine what is subject to disclosure.

Record Type	Agency	Fee
Standard paper copies	Sheriff's Office	$0.15 per page
Standard paper copies	Circuit Clerk	$0.25 per page
Certified court documents	Circuit Clerk	$6.00 per document
Criminal history (name-based)	Illinois State Police	$16.00 per request
Electronic records	Varies by agency	Actual cost of reproduction
Record inspection (in person)	All agencies	No charge

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order. The Illinois State Police accepts payment by credit card for online criminal history requests processed through the Bureau of Identification.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, such as by journalists or nonprofit organizations. Requestors seeking a fee waiver must submit a written statement explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lee County

Illinois law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement and certain agencies to continue viewing the records. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement.

Under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act, 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals may petition for expungement of arrests that did not result in conviction, including arrests where charges were dismissed, where the individual was acquitted, or where supervision was successfully completed. Certain felony convictions may be eligible for sealing after a mandatory waiting period, though serious violent offenses and sex offenses are excluded.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the Bureau of Identification - Illinois State Police to confirm the records subject to the petition.
Complete the Illinois Uniform Order for Expungement and/or Sealing (available from the Circuit Clerk).
File the petition with the Lee County Circuit Clerk at 112 E. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021.
Pay the filing fee (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals).
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and all arresting agencies.
Attend the scheduled hearing if the State's Attorney objects.
If the court grants the petition, certified copies of the order are sent to all relevant agencies for compliance.

Lee County State's Attorney's Office
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3337

Lee County Circuit Clerk
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Lee County Courthouse - Illinois Courts

Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from Prairie State Legal Services, which provides free civil legal aid to qualifying residents of northern Illinois.

What Happens After Arrest in Lee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lee County Jail, located at 309 S Galena Ave, Dixon, IL 61021. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Lee County Jail, the booking process begins. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal information
Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously given)
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Illinois State Police
Criminal history check through state and federal databases
Outstanding warrants check through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Illinois law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge within 48 hours of arrest for a probable cause determination. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond is set or the individual is released on recognizance
Rights are formally advisement

The State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts provides information about court schedules and procedures applicable to the 15th Judicial Circuit.

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 court fees.

Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman, pays a non-refundable premium (typically 10% of the bond amount), and the bondsman posts the full amount with the court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Lee County Public Defender's Office
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309 (via Circuit Court)

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify may retain private counsel. The Illinois State Bar Association provides attorney referral services for those seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Lee County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of charges, at which time the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (including motions to suppress or dismiss), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial.

If convicted, sentencing options include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.

Important Contacts:

Lee County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
309 S Galena Ave
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-6631
Lee County Sheriff's Office

Lee County Circuit Clerk
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Lee County Courthouse - Illinois Courts

Lee County State's Attorney's Office
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3337

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely stating the intention to do so
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Records retention in Lee County is governed by the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205, which establishes minimum retention periods for public records maintained by local government agencies. The Illinois Local Records Commission approves retention schedules for county agencies, including law enforcement and court offices.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Illinois State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 7 years, often permanent in digital systems
Court records: Permanent in electronic case management systems
State repository: Permanent

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often permanent in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often permanent
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum 2–5 years
Local arrest logs: Minimum 5 years
May be eligible for expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per approved retention schedule
Fingerprint cards: Forwarded to Illinois State Police; retained permanently
Photographs: Retained per agency policy, often indefinitely in digital systems

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum 3–5 years
Records management systems: Often permanent
Court electronic records: Permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated when expungement or sealing orders are issued
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency: