What are Lee County Public Records?
Lee County public records are reports and information gathered, stored, owned, used, or retained by any government body while performing official business. Public records in Lee County are available in different forms, including books, maps, papers, writings, recordings, photographs, letters, cards, memoranda, tapes, microfilms, and electronic formats. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act mandates government bodies to provide access to documents upon request. However, Lee County records may be restricted from the public if they:
- Contain drafts and notes by a government body
- Reveal private information such as social security numbers, biometric identifiers, and driver's license numbers
- Disclose confidential or privileged information
- Invade personal privacy
- Jeopardize the safety or security of any involved parties
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Lee County Crime Statistics
The Illinois State Police compiles and publishes reports of crimes in the state through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. According to the 2020 crimes report, Lee County recorded 41 violent crimes, 325 property crimes, and 7 arson incidents. Recorded violent crimes include 14 rape incidents, 1 robbery, and 26 aggravated assault cases. On the other hand, property crimes were 58 burglary cases, 259 larceny-theft incidents, and 8 motor vehicle thefts.
The Lee County 2019 crimes report showed 65 violent crimes, 386 property crimes, and 1 arson. Specific violent crimes include one criminal homicide, 27 rape cases, two robberies, and 35 aggravated assault incidents. Reported property crimes were 45 burglary cases, 326 larceny-thefts, and 15 motor vehicle theft incidents.
Are Lee County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Lee County criminal records are public records. In Illinois, criminal history records are obtainable by anyone upon request. However, only conviction records are made available to the general public.
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification is responsible for compiling and issuing copies of criminal records. Individuals interested in Lee County criminal records must provide relevant information and the appropriate fees. Lee criminal records are available online, by mail, or in person at:
Illinois State Police
9511 Harrison Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 294-4400
How to Obtain Lee County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Lee County arrest records and police reports are obtainable at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals interested in these records must submit requests that include names, dates, incident descriptions, and charge information. Requestors should note that the Sheriff’s Office may charge copy fees before making records available. All parties should submit requests for Lee arrest records and police reports in person or by mail to:
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
240 E Progress Drive
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5217
Fax: (815) 284-1146
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lee County
Requestors can obtain Lee County sex offender information from the Illinois Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Illinois State Police. Searchers can find records using the following queries:
- Name
- City
- County
- Zip Code
- Compliance status
- Offender type
Details available online include offender information, crime details, compliance status, photo history, and county of conviction.
How to Find Lee County Inmate Records
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate list that contains details of all persons currently held at the Lee County Jail. However, online information is limited to each inmate’s full name and booking number. Persons seeking more details should contact the Sheriff’s Office at:
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
240 E Progress Drive
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5217
Fax: (815) 284-1146
Lee County Court Records
Most Lee County court records are open to the general public as established under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Anyone interested in Lee court records must submit official requests containing record details to the Circuit Court located at:
Lee County Circuit Court
Lee County Courts Building
309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 320
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5234
Fax: (815) 288-5615
Are Lee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Lee County court records are public. Per the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, members of the general public can access non-confidential court files or documents. However, the court may restrict access to documents considered confidential due to sensitive information. Individuals interested in court records can submit requests to the Lee County Circuit Court.
How to Obtain Lee County Civil Court Case Records
Requestors can obtain Lee County civil court case records by submitting requests to the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office in person or by mail. Each requestor should provide valid photo identification and pay applicable request fees. All parties should submit known record details to the Clerk’s Office using the following details:
Lee County Circuit Clerk's Office
309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 320
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5234
Fax: (815) 288-5615
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays (excluding holidays)
How to Obtain Lee County Criminal Court Records
The Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office maintains criminal court records in the county. Requestors looking for criminal court records should submit requests detailing litigants’ names, charge information, court dates, case numbers, the court’s judgment, and other known details. Interested individuals can access court documents in person or by mail. Requestors should submit requests with fees and valid identification to:
Lee County Circuit Clerk's Office
309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 320
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5234
Fax: (815) 288-5615
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)
What are Lee County Vital Records?
Lee County vital records are documents generated or maintained by government agencies about life events in the county. Examples of Lee County vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All interested persons may submit official requests and pay fees to obtain desired records. However, parties should note that not all Lee vital records are public.
Divorce Records
Lee County divorce records are obtainable from the Lee County Clerk’s Office. Requestors interested in these records should provide the office with the names of parties to the divorce, divorce date, and divorce location. Interested persons should note that records containing confidential or sensitive information are not open to the general public. All parties seeking Lee County divorce decrees should submit requests to:
Physical Address:
112 E Second Street
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Fax: (815) 288-6492
Mailing Address:
Lee County Clerk
P.O. Box 329
Dixon, IL 61021
Marriage Records
The Lee County Clerk’s Office provides access to copies of marriage licenses issued in the county. Individuals interested in Lee County marriage records can visit the County Clerk’s Office or send mail requests. Each record seeker must provide relevant information, such as the bride and groom's names, marriage date, and the bride's maiden name. The Clerk's Office charges $20.00 for each certified copy of the marriage certificate and an additional $3.00 for each copy of the same document. Parties should submit requests for Lee County marriage certificates using the details below:
Physical Address:
112 E Second Street
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Fax: (815) 288-6492
Mailing Address:
Lee County Clerk
P.O. Box 329
Dixon, IL 61021
Birth Records
Requestors can find Lee County birth records at the Lee County Clerk’s office. However, birth records are only accessible by the subject named on the record (if at least 18 years old) and the subject’s parent, legal guardian, or legal representative. Individuals interested in these documents can obtain them in person or by mail. The Clerk’s Office charges $20.00 for the first copy of a Lee County birth certificate and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record. In addition, requestors must provide the full name on the birth record, mother's maiden name, father's name, and date of birth. All parties should apply using the details below:
Physical Address:
112 E Second Street
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Fax: (815) 288-6492
Mailing Address:
Lee County Clerk
P.O. Box 329
Dixon, IL 61021
Death Records
Death records recorded since 1877 are available at the Lee County Clerk’s office. Requestors can inspect or obtain Lee County death certificates in person or by mail. Each party must also provide relevant information such as the name of the deceased and the date of death. Lee County death records cost $32.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for each additional copy. Interested persons should submit requests using the following information:
Physical Address:
112 E Second Street
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309
Fax: (815) 288-6492
Mailing Address:
Lee County Clerk
P.O. Box 329
Dixon, IL 61021
