Yes, warrant records are public in Washington County, Illinois. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/) ensures that such records are accessible to the public, promoting transparency within the judicial system. This act mandates that government records, including warrants, are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law under § 7 of the Act.
In Washington County, warrants are considered public records because they are part of the judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities. These records provide the public with insight into the legal actions taken by authorities, thereby fostering accountability and transparency within the community. Pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 725 (Criminal Procedure), warrant information is maintained as part of the public court record.
Members of the public may access warrant information through the Washington County Judicial Center, located at:
Washington County Judicial Center
125 E. Elm Street
Nashville, IL 62263
(618) 327-4800
Washington County Court Information
Warrant records in Washington County typically include the following information as prescribed by Illinois law:
The content of warrant records is standardized according to Illinois Supreme Court rules and state statutes governing criminal procedure. Pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/107-9, warrants must contain sufficient particularity regarding the person to be arrested and the offense charged.
Free searches for warrant records in Washington County are available through several methods established under Illinois public records laws:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, certain basic warrant information must be made available to the public without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified records.
Sheriff Warrants in Washington County are issued by the county sheriff's office and are a type of legal document that authorizes law enforcement to perform specific actions, such as arrests. These warrants are executed by the:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
245 N. Kaskaskia Street
Nashville, IL 62263
(618) 327-8264
Sheriff warrants typically contain:
The Washington County Sheriff maintains records of all warrants issued within the jurisdiction and coordinates with the Illinois State Police for warrants that extend beyond county lines.
To determine if you have a warrant in Washington County in 2025, several official channels are available pursuant to Illinois public records laws. Warrant status information may be verified through:
Individuals may also verify warrant status through the Individual in Custody Search if the warrant has resulted in an arrest and detention.
It is important to note that pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/110-7.5, individuals with outstanding warrants may be subject to immediate arrest. Therefore, verification of warrant status should be conducted promptly to address any legal obligations.
Searches for Outstanding Warrants in Washington County are available through various methods established under Illinois law:
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Public Access to Electronic Court Records, certain warrant information may be available through electronic means. The Washington County Circuit Clerk maintains the official record of all warrants issued by the courts within the county.
For third-party inquiries, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate specific records. Under § 6253(b) of the Illinois Government Code, agencies may require written requests for certain types of warrant information.
Washington County issues several types of warrants pursuant to Illinois law, each serving different legal purposes:
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Illinois law. For example, arrest warrants must comply with 725 ILCS 5/107-9, while search warrants must meet the standards set forth in 725 ILCS 5/108-3.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court maintain records of all warrants issued within their jurisdiction. These records are categorized by type and status (active, served, or recalled) in accordance with Illinois recordkeeping requirements.