What are Fulton County Public Records?
Fulton County public records are records mandated by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act to be accessible to the public. The public records include criminal court records, civil court case records, arrest records, and criminal records. Access to these records typically requires submitting a completed request form, valid photo ID, and a fee.
Fulton County Crime Statistics
In 2018, The Fulton County Sheriff's Office reported a total index crime of 155 offenses. The reported offenses were categorized into the following: 5 rape offenses, no criminal homicides or robbery, 40 burglaries, eight aggravated assaults, 90 thefts, 11 motor vehicle thefts, and one arson case. There was no report on human trafficking.
Are Fulton County Criminal Records Public?
Illinois law provides public access to Fulton County criminal records. A request for criminal records begins with the submission of an FOIA Request Form. The form can be obtained online or from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office during office hours Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. A detailed description of the record requested is needed to locate the desired document. The first 50 pages of the record (black and white letter-sized copies) are free, while pages 51 and above cost 15 cents per page.
It is advised that a copy of the FOIA request form be retained should there be a need to file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor. Interested parties are required to indicate if the records requested are for commercial purposes as it is a violation of the law if this is not indicated. The request can be made in person at the Sheriff's Office or delivered by mail to:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Attention: Freedom of Information Officer
268 W. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 269
Lewistown, IL 61542
Researchers can also utilize the Criminal History Services provided by the Illinois State Police to obtain Fulton County criminal records.
How to Obtain Fulton County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties who wish to obtain Fulton County inmate records may submit completed FOIA Request forms to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. If the record is for commercial use, the requester is required by law to indicate this purpose. A description of the type of record (police report or Fulton County arrest record) requested should be provided in detail on the form as this will help to locate the record. Copies of the first 50 pages are free, while subsequent pages cost 15 cents each. Parties can submit the completed FOIA request forms in person at the Sheriff's Office or by post to:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
268 W. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 269
Lewistown, IL 61542
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Fulton County
The Illinois State Police allows the public to find sex offender information online. Using the ISP's sex offender registry, anyone may enter information such as the inmate's first name, last name, city, zip code, and status. Displayed information includes the offender's primary details, such as a full name, aliases, dates of birth, address, and physical description. The database also displays a photo history and includes crime information, including the specific crime, county of conviction, and the offender's classification. Residents may also use the provided Sex Offender Mapping on the registry page to type in an address and view sex offenders represented by yellow markers.
How to Find Fulton County Inmate Records
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the maintenance of Fulton County inmate records. These records typically contain personal information on the inmates. The inmate records also include the reason for incarceration, length of sentence, and bond amount if applicable. To receive inmate records, interested parties should reach out to the Sheriff's Office at the following address:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
268 W. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 269
Lewistown, IL 61542
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Fulton County Jail?
Visits to inmates at the Fulton County Jail occur on Wednesdays or Sundays for up to 30 minutes per week. Inmates are responsible for selecting their visitors and should include them in their authorized visitor's list. Women's visiting hours are 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Sundays. Visitors must sign in no later than 3:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and 11:00 A.M. on Sundays. For male inmates, visiting hours are 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sundays. Visits will only be permitted if visitors have signed in no later than 8:00 P.M. on Wednesdays and 3:00 P.M. on Sundays. Guidelines that govern visits at the Fulton County Jail are as follows:
- Individuals under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult with a photo ID
- A relative will be given preference over a friend if they both arrive at the same time
- Inmates sentenced to periodic imprisonments (work release or weekends) are not qualified for visitation privileges.
Interested visitors should reach out to the Sheriff's Office using the following details:
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
268 W. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 269
Lewistown, IL 61542
Court Records
Court records are records of cases heard at court. The maintenance and provision of Fulton County Court records are the responsibility of the Fulton County Circuit Clerk. Court records include criminal court records and civil case records. The contact information for the Fulton County Circuit Court is:
Fulton County Circuit Clerk
Fulton County Courthouse
P.O. Box 152
100 North Main Street, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 206
Fax: (309) 547-3674
Are Fulton County Court Records Public?
All Fulton County documents are public records except sealed by a court order or state law. To obtain these records, parties must submit a request form along with a valid ID and a stipulated fee. The request can be made by mail or in-person during office hours Monday to Friday, from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
How to Obtain Fulton County Civil Court Case Records
Fulton County Civil Court Case Records are obtained from the Fulton County Circuit Clerk. The civil case records include small claims, divorce, personal injury, and child support. Interested researchers are required to submit valid identification, applicable fees, and letters of request. Parties must include all known case details, such as names, charge information, dates, and judgment specifics. Inquiries on civil cases should be directed to:
Fulton County Circuit Clerk
Fulton County Courthouse
P.O. Box 152
100 North Main Street, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 206
Fax: (309) 547-3674
Phone: (309) 547-3041 Ext. 207
How to Obtain Fulton County Criminal Court Records
The Fulton County Circuit Clerk maintains records of all county criminal cases. All interested persons should contact the Clerk's Office by sending request letters or visiting in person. Requests should adequately describe desired criminal records and include all available case details. Parties should note that fees may apply for each record requested. Fulton County criminal records are available at the following address:
Fulton County Circuit Clerk
Fulton County Courthouse
P.O. Box 152
100 North Main Street, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 206
Fax: (309) 547-3674
What are Fulton County Vital Records?
Fulton County vital records are documents that record life events in the county. These records include death records, birth records, marriage records, and divorce records. The office of the Fulton County Clerk maintains vital records and issues copies to interested persons who submit requests. Contact information for the Fulton County Clerk is as follows:
Fulton County Clerk
100 North Main Street
Room 105
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 118 (Vital Records)
Fax: (309) 547-3326
Office Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Where and How to Obtain Fulton County Divorce Records
The office of the Fulton County Circuit Clerk maintains divorce records in the county. The Clerk's Office requires letters of request containing relevant details, valid identification, and required fees to obtain divorce records. The fee schedule for records maintained by the Circuit Clerk is stated below:
- A certified copy costs $5
- $2 for the first page, 50 cents for the second to the 19th page, and 25 cents for page 20 and above.
- $5 per year for a record search
Record seekers interested in Fulton County divorce records should send requests to the Clerk's Office at the following address:
Fulton County Clerk
100 North Main Street, Room 105
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 118 (Vital Records)
Fax: (309) 547-3326
Office Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Where and How to Get Public Fulton County Marriage Records
Public Fulton County marriage records are available for genealogical purposes at the office of the County Clerk. Every copy made for this purpose will be a certified copy. The first copy is $17, while additional copies of the same record cost $9 if ordered simultaneously. Fulton County marriage certificates available for genealogical purposes must be at least 50 years old. The Fulton County Clerk requires a completed genealogical request form, a photo ID, and a personal check or money order payable to the Fulton County Clerk. These should be mailed to the office of the clerk at:
Fulton County Clerk
P.O.Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Fulton County
The Fulton County Clerk only permits married couples and their relatives to obtain certified marriage records. It costs $17 for the first certified copy and $9 for an additional copy of the same marriage record. Obtaining a certified marriage record by mail requires submitting a completed Application for Request of Marriage Record or Civil Union, money order payable to the Fulton County Clerk, and a copy of a valid photo ID. These should be mailed to the office of the County Clerk using this address:
Fulton County Clerk
P.O.Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 118
The cost for the first certified copy includes a search fee if no date is provided. The agency will not return the search fee if the record is not found, and a 'No Record Found' certificate will be delivered. If complete date information is provided and no record is found, the Clerk's Office will refund the search fee.
Where and How to Find Fulton County Birth Records
Certified Fulton County birth records are confidential records and are therefore not available to the public. The Fulton County Clerk is responsible for its maintenance. An individual over 18 years of age is permitted to obtain their own birth record. Parents, legal guardians, or representatives are also allowed to obtain Fulton County birth certificates provided supporting documentation is submitted. Requests made by mail require the submission of an Application for Request of Birth Record, a copy of a photo ID, and a money order of $17 made payable to Fulton County Clerk. An additional copy of the same record costs $9. These documents should be mailed to:
Fulton County Clerk
P.O.Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542
The Clerk's Office will retain the $17 as a search fee if the requester does not provide a birth date and no record is found. Instead, the person will receive a "No Record Found" certificate. However, if the person includes birth date and no record is found, the Clerk's Office will return the search fee.
Where and How to Find Fulton County Death Records
Fulton County Death Records are obtained from the office of the Fulton County Clerk. Death records for Fulton County are not public and are only available to people who have family or legal relations with the deceased. Unrelated individuals who wish to obtain a death record can do so with a letter or document from an office or an agency that requires the record.
A certified copy of a death record costs $17 per record. An additional copy of the same record costs $13. Death records requested by mail require the submission of an Application for Request of Death Record form, a copy of the driver's license of the requester or spouse, and a money order for the required fee payable to the Fulton County Clerk. These should be mailed to:
Fulton County Clerk
P.O.Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542
The $17 fee will be retained as a search fee if the applicant does not submit a death date and no records match provided details. In this instance, the person will receive a "No Record Found" certificate. However, where a death date is provided, the Clerk's Office will refund the requester if no record is found.
