What are Coles County Public Records?
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, Coles County public records include all records, writings, photographs, recordings, electronic data, and other recorded information used to carry out official public business. The definition of public records covers all data regardless of physical form or characteristics. While most records are public, the Freedom of Information Act allows certain exceptions. Some of these include:
- Any record specifically exempt by state or federal law
- Private information
- Law enforcement records with details of the physical or mental state of an individual
- Personal information contained in a public record
- Trade secrets and financial or commercial information
Coles County Crime Statistics
The Illinois State Police (ISP) publishes annual Uniform Crime Reports with statewide crime statistics. The ISP's 2019 report showed that Coles County recorded a total of 634 crimes. These include 35 rape cases, 175 burglaries, five robberies, and 115 cases of aggravated assault/battery. The ISP also reported 11 motor vehicle thefts and 7 cases of arson. The most committed crime in 2018 was theft, with 286 reported cases. There were no sex acts, crimes of servitude, or criminal homicides in 2018. Compared to 2017, Coles County's crime rate fell by 12%.
Are Coles County Criminal Records Public?
Coles County criminal records are public records. Under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act, almost anyone can obtain copies of a criminal record. Interested persons may conduct name-based inquiries via the ISP's Criminal History Information Response web portal. Conducting a name-based search costs $16. Persons may also submit request forms to the Illinois State Police. For a fingerprint-based search, the ISP charges $20. Note that fingerprint vendors may charge additional fees for their services. Coles criminal records only contain conviction information.
How to Obtain Coles County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Coles County arrest records and police reports are directly obtainable from the police department involved in the incident or arrest. Requestors may also contact the Coles County Sheriff's Office to obtain copies of police reports and arrest records. Interested persons should provide the Sheriff's Office with a detailed description of the arrest record or police report sought. The description should carry the name of the arrested persons, names of other involved parties, a description of the incident, charges leveled against the person, the arresting officer and agency, dates and locations of arrest or incidents, and any other relevant specifics. Send the details in a written request or visit the Sheriff's Office at:
Coles County Sheriff's Office
701 7th Street
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-7332
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Coles County
The Illinois State Police provides an online sex offender registry that contains information on registered offenders in the state. The registry search allows interested persons to input the offender's first name, last name, city, and zip code. Select Coles on the county drop-down menu and add the offender's status and type. The search result displays each offender's full name, alias, date of birth, address, and physical description. Users also have access to details of the offender's crimes and photo history.
How to Find Coles County Inmate Records
The Coles County Sheriff's Office maintains online lists of confined inmates in the county. Interested persons may find two lists for currently confined and recently confined inmates. Either list provides each offender's full name, gender, date of birth, the reason for confinement, and arrest details. The list also displays the offender's charge, court case number, bond information, and a release date where applicable.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Coles County Jail?
The Coles County Jail offers video visitations to friends and family of inmates. An interested visitor must be on the inmate's approved visitors list to be eligible for a visit. Inmates may not change names on their visitation lists for a minimum of six months. Each visitor must be at least 18 years old. Younger persons may visit with a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians are responsible for visiting minors and may be asked to leave if the minor is unruly.
An inmate is allowed one visit for each week, starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday. Visits are conducted in the jail facility and may last a maximum of 25 minutes each. A visitor cannot visit more than one inmate each week. Visitations take place every day, except Mondays and Sundays. Visitors must schedule visits by calling (217) 348-7332 a minimum of 24 hours before the visit and a maximum of six weeks in advance.
Visitors must present valid state photo IDs and may be searched before entry. Visitors may not bring in any food or drinks. Computers, cameras, and cellphones are also prohibited for visitations. Any visitor who violates the facility's rules may have their visit terminated and lose the privilege of future visits. Note that the Coles County Jail monitors and records all visits.
Court Records
The Coles County Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction, with authority over all criminal and civil matters. The court operates under Illinois' Fifth Judicial Circuit and issues copies of non-confidential court records to interested requestors. The Circuit Court is located at:
Coles County Circuit Court
Coles County Courthouse
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 128
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0516
Fax: (217) 348-7324
Are Coles County Court Records Public?
Most Coles County court records are considered public information. Residents may request copies of court records from the Coles County Circuit Court. However, some court records may be unavailable to the general public. For instance, access to sealed court records is restricted. Furthermore, the court may exempt records from public disclosure if releasing such records may interfere with a person's right to a fair trial or put lives in danger. In addition, juvenile court records are not open to the public.
How to Obtain Coles County Court Case Records
The Coles County Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of court cases heard in the Circuit Court. Interested persons may obtain desired Coles County court records by sending written requests to the Circuit Court Clerk or by visiting the courthouse in person. Requestors must also provide a description of the record and details that will help the clerk find the record. This might include the names of parties to the case, court dates, charge information, arrest details, attorney information, the final judgment, and other relevant case details. The Circuit Court Clerk may charge varying fees to make records available to interested requestors. Send the request to the court or visit in person using the details below:
Coles County Circuit Court Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 128
Charleston, IL 61920-0048
Phone: (217) 348-0516
Fax: (217) 348-7324
What are Coles County Vital Records?
Coles County vital records are documents generated by government entities, containing information on life events in the county. Coles vital records carry details of county marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Interested persons may obtain copies of vital records by sending requests to the Coles County Circuit Court or the Coles County Clerk.
Where and How to Obtain Coles County Divorce Records
The Coles County Circuit Court Clerk maintains records of all county divorces. To obtain a Coles County divorce decree, provide the clerk with details of the divorce either by sending a request or by visiting in person. Details should include the names of both parties and the date of the divorce. The requestor may also include relevant details of the court's final judgment, such as settlements and distribution of assets. Send the written request or visit at:
Coles County Circuit Court Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 128
Charleston, IL 61920-0048
Phone: (217) 348-0516
Fax: (217) 348-7324
An interested party may also obtain a Dissolution of Marriage Verification from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records. The document verifies the facts of a divorce, such as the divorced parties' names, dates of birth, location of the event, and the date of the event. Interested persons may request by mail, fax, or in person.
To request by mail, complete the dissolution of marriage verification application. Alternatively, write a request letter, including the names of both parties, their dates of births, and the date and place of divorce. Each request costs $5, payable by a check or money order made out to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Note that the IDPH may take up to six weeks to process mail requests. Send the request with payment and a copy of a valid government-issued ID to:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 East Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, IL 62702-2737
For in-person requests, persons may visit the above address between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. every weekday, excluding holidays. Alternatively, fax a completed dissolution of marriage verification application to (217) 523-2648. A fax order requires a credit card number and expiration date for payment. Note that there is a $12.95 credit card handling fee and a $19.50 UPS fee.
Where and How to Get Coles County Marriage Records
The Coles County Clerk maintains records of marriages since 1830 and issues copies to requestors. Coles County marriage records are not public records and are only accessible by either married party. The clerk may also grant access to persons who can prove a reasonable relationship to a named party or prove an interest in the record. Copies are requestable by mail or in person.
To obtain a Coles County marriage record by mail, requesters must send a completed marriage record application form to the County Clerk. Fill the form with the full names of both parties, the date and place of marriage, and the requestor's contact details. The requestor must also specify a relationship to one of the married parties. The first copy of a Coles County marriage certificate costs $18. Each additional copy costs $5 if requested at the same time as the first. Make payment with a check or money order payable to "Coles County Clerk." Send the form with payment, a driver's license or an Illinois-issued photo ID, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:
Coles County Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 122
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0501
Where and How to Find Coles County Birth Records
Records of births in Coles County are obtainable from the County Clerk. However, Coles County birth records are not considered public. Access to these records is restricted to the following persons:
- The person named on the record is at least 18 years old
- A parent listed on the record
- The person's legal representative or legal guardian
To request a Coles County birth certificate by mail, complete a birth record application with the subject's full name, date and place of birth, and the full name of both parents. Each Coles birth certificate costs $18 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Checks or money orders should be payable to "Coles County Clerk." Enclose the documents with a state-issued ID and a stamped and self-addressed envelope. Visit or send the request to:
Coles County Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 122
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0501
Where and How to Find Coles County Death Records
Coles County death records from 1878 to the present are obtainable from the Coles County Clerk. Death records are not open to the public and may only be obtained by a person that can prove a personal or property right interest with the deceased. The first copy of a Coles County death certificate costs $20. Each additional copy requested with the first one costs $10.
To obtain a death record by mail, download and complete the death record application form with the decedent's name, date of death, and the decedent's parents' names. Mail requests are payable by checks or money orders made out to "Coles County Clerk." Enclose the form with the check or money order and a state-issued photo ID. Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and send to:
Coles County Clerk
651 Jackson Avenue
Room 122
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: (217) 348-0501
