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Lake County, Illinois Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Lake County, Illinois?

Warrant records are public documents in Lake County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that warrant information is classified as public record and must be made available for inspection by members of the public. The Lake County judicial system maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements to ensure citizens have access to information about legal proceedings that may affect them or their communities.

The public nature of warrant records serves multiple functions within Lake County's legal framework. These records enable citizens to verify their own legal status, assist attorneys in representing clients effectively, and allow journalists to report on matters of public interest. The Lake County Sheriff's Office and the 19th Judicial Circuit Court maintain these records in compliance with Illinois state law regarding public access to government documents.

Individuals seeking warrant information may access these records through the Lake County Courthouse or the Sheriff's Office. The transparency of warrant records supports the principles of open government while balancing privacy considerations as specified under Illinois statute.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Lake County?

Warrant records maintained by Lake County authorities contain specific information as required by Illinois law. Standard elements included in these documents are:

  • Full legal name and known aliases of the subject
  • Date of birth and/or age of the individual
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Last known address or location information
  • Case number and court of issuance
  • Date of warrant issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
  • Nature of the alleged offense and statutory citation
  • Bond amount, if applicable
  • Name of the issuing judge or judicial officer
  • Special instructions for executing officers

These records are maintained in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court recordkeeping requirements and Lake County administrative procedures. The level of detail contained in warrant records ensures proper identification of subjects while providing necessary information for law enforcement personnel executing the warrants.

How to Check For Warrants in Lake County For Free

Lake County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following options are available to members of the public:

  • Visit the Lake County Courthouse Records Division at 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
  • Access the public records terminal located in the courthouse lobby
  • Review the active warrants list published on the Lake County Sheriff's website
  • Contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (847) 377-4200 for verbal confirmation

Pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240.50, these services are provided without charge for basic warrant status inquiries. Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research requests as permitted under 705 ILCS 105/27.2.

Lake County Courthouse
18 N County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-3600
19th Judicial Circuit Court

Lake County Sheriff Warrants

The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes warrants issued by the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in accordance with 725 ILCS 5/107-2. Sheriff's warrants in Lake County fall into several categories, each with specific procedural requirements:

  • Arrest warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense
  • Bench warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
  • Civil warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters such as child support enforcement
  • Search warrants: Authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations

The Sheriff's Warrants Division processes approximately 12,000 warrants annually. Priority execution is given to warrants involving violent offenses, domestic violence, and child endangerment cases. The division operates under the authority granted in 55 ILCS 5/3-6019 regarding the sheriff's duty to execute all warrants legally directed to that office.

Lake County Sheriff's Office
25 S Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-4000
Lake County Sheriff's Office

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Lake County in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Lake County in 2025 have multiple verification methods established by county authorities. The following procedures are available:

  • Access the Lake County Sheriff's online warrant search portal, which is updated daily
  • Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Lake County Courthouse to request a records check
  • Contact the Lake County Sheriff's Warrants Division at (847) 377-4200 during business hours
  • Consult with a licensed attorney who can access the court's electronic filing system
  • Utilize the public access terminals at the courthouse to search court records

Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368 regarding remote access to court records, Lake County maintains these services to ensure public access while protecting sensitive information. Individuals with active warrants are advised that appearing at government offices may result in immediate arrest as required by 725 ILCS 5/107-9.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Lake County

Lake County maintains several mechanisms for verifying outstanding warrant status in compliance with Illinois public records laws. Authorized search methods include:

  • Reviewing the Sheriff's Active Warrant Report, which is updated weekly
  • Submitting a records request through the Circuit Clerk's Office using form LC-4001
  • Visiting the Records Division at the Lake County Courthouse during regular business hours
  • Contacting the Sheriff's Warrants Division at (847) 377-4200 for verbal verification
  • Utilizing the public access computer terminals at the courthouse for self-service searches

These services are provided in accordance with 705 ILCS 105/16, which governs public access to court records. Individuals conducting searches should be prepared to provide proper identification and specific information about the subject of the search to facilitate accurate results.

Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office
18 N County Street, Room C-103
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-3380
Lake County Circuit Clerk

Search Warrant Records in Lake County