Criminal records in Vermilion County, Illinois, are available through several channels. VermilionCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and ordering criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Vermilion
Start by determining what specific information you need: details about a particular court case, a criminal history check, or inmate status. This will determine where to direct your inquiry.
Online Search
- VermilionCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- Illinois Courts Portal — Office of the Illinois Courts provides general information about the court system and links to county court resources. Use the Circuit Court Clerks directory to find your county's clerk.
- Criminal History through Illinois State Police — The Bureau of Identification maintains a database of convictions. Requests for criminal history checks can be made online or by mail with fingerprints.
- Offender Registry — The Illinois Sex Offender Registry contains data on registered sex offenders and individuals convicted of murder or violence against minors.
- Inmate Search — The Department of Corrections offers an Individual in Custody Search and a list of wanted fugitives.
- Federal Cases — Vermilion falls under the jurisdiction of the Central District of Illinois. Access to federal cases is through the PACER system.
In-Person Inquiry
The Circuit Clerk's office at the Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse welcomes visitors who wish to view case materials or order copies.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office at the court's address. Include the full name of the individual, date of birth (if known), and case number. Attach payment in the form of a money order. For a complete state criminal history, send a request with fingerprints to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Vermilion Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Illinois, a criminal case number typically consists of several elements: the year of filing, the case type code, and the sequential number. For example, the format might look like this: 2024-CF-000123, where:
- 2024 — year the case was opened
- CF — category code (CF means "Criminal Felony"; CM — misdemeanor, DT — driving offenses, TR — traffic, etc.)
- 000123 — sequential case number
If you know the number, enter it in the search field on VermilionCourt.us — this is the fastest way to find a specific case. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the year and internal rules of the clerk's office, so contact the court clerk for clarification.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Vermilion
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Illinois Compiled Statutes under which the charge is filed (e.g., 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05 — aggravated battery) |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, classes X, 1–4), Misdemeanor (offense, classes A–C), Petty Offense (minor violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or drop certain charges during the case — this is reflected in the docket |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and no decision has been made yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court session where charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss plea agreements or procedural issues
- Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty plea or jury verdict
- Review Hearing — a control hearing regarding compliance with probation or other orders
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty — by court decision or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found the individual not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor has declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after a full trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Vermilion
Certified copies of court documents are issued by the Vermilion County Circuit Clerk's office. These copies bear an official seal and are accepted by government agencies, employers, and attorneys.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office at the Rita B. Garman Courthouse. Bring valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), and type of document needed. Include a money order for the appropriate amount and a self-addressed envelope.
- Through e-filing System — for some procedural requests, use eFileIL, the official electronic filing system for Illinois courts.
For a complete state-level criminal history (not just an individual court case), contact the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. This process requires fingerprint submission and may take longer.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Vermilion
Fees are set according to Illinois law (705 ILCS 105/27.2) and the internal rules of the clerk's office. The amounts below are typical for county courts in the state; confirm exact rates directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00 |
| Document certification fee | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Criminal history check through ISP (fingerprint-based) | $20.00 – $30.00 |
| Electronic criminal history check (conviction-only, through ISP) | Depends on the type of request |
Processing Times
- In-person request at the office — copies are usually issued the same day or the next business day
- Mail request — 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume
- Criminal history through Illinois State Police — processing can take from several days to several weeks after receiving fingerprints
Payment is accepted in the form of money orders or cashier's checks; check in advance for credit card payment availability by calling (217) 554-7830. All fees are non-refundable.