Macon County, Illinois State Court Records
According to 705 ILCS 105/13, clerks of the court in Illinois are required to maintain complete records and documents created in connection with court proceedings and their disposition. In Macon County, these records are maintained by the trial courts as court records.
Like other local public records, such as arrest warrants and vital records, the creation, maintenance, disposition, and destruction of Macon County court records are governed by law (e.g., the provisions of the Local Records Act).
Are Macon County Court Records Public?
Yes, pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/16-6, all books and records maintained by the Macon County Clerk of the Court are public and open for inspection. Additionally, 705 ILCS 86/10 requires courts to adopt legally authorized procedures for public access to court records.
However, public access is limited by law. Under 705 ILCS 86, court clerks may restrict access to records or information that are exempt under a statute or court order. Consequently, some information contained in a case record may not be publicly available, and certain records, such as expunged case records, may be inaccessible altogether.
Information that is generally exempt from public access includes driver's license numbers, financial records, and records related to ongoing investigations. In some cases, the court may limit access to an entire Macon County case file if releasing the information could interfere with the case.
What Information is Available in Macon County Court Records?
Macon County court records consist of two components: the basic record and the record sheets. Each component contains specific case information, some of which may be available to the public, while other information may be redacted depending on the record type.
The basic record generally includes the date of filing, the initial plea, the findings, the offense/claim, and the judgment.
Meanwhile, the record sheet provides more detailed case information, such as the case number, names of the plaintiff and defendant, and the nature of the case. It also lists filed documents, including the type and filing date, as well as details of court proceedings, such as the date, the presiding judge, court reporter (if applicable), and a record of proceedings.
Macon County Court Records Search
The channels the Macon County court provides to the public are
Online Access
Online access to Macon County court records is governed by the Illinois Electronic Access Policy. The policy states the degree of access, who has access, and the restrictions on accessing court records through this channel. Individuals may access court records through the case management system on the state's judiciary-approved, privately managed website. Basic searches can be conducted on the database without registration. However, users must register to access premium services. Search parameters include a name or case number.
In-Person Access
Those who want a direct option can stop by the courthouse or the clerk's office where the case was handled. An inquirer may use the computer terminal provided at the courthouse. Alternatively, researchers may request to inspect hard copies of records.
Searches require the inquirer to provide a name or case number. Individuals can also request copies of records, certified copies, or case documents. Copies incur a fee.
Individuals who wish to send a request by mail may forward a written request to the court that adjudicated the case. The request must contain all identifying details needed to locate the record. The court will return the result in the self-addressed envelope provided by the requester. Inquirers may also include a contact number in case they need to be contacted.
Obtaining records incurs a copying fee. This fee may be paid by card, money order, or check.
Fees for Court Records in Macon County
Under 705 ILCS 105/27.1b, courts may charge fees for services, record searches, and reproducing court records. The following fees apply for requesting Macon County court records:
- $10 for mailing documents, including postage
- $10 for certified copies of judgments
- Up to $6 for certification and authentication
- Copies: Up to $2 for the initial (first) page, 50 cents per page for the next 19 pages, and 25 cents for each additional page thereafter
- Hard-Copy Printouts: Up to $10 in counties with a population of approximately three million people
Single-index inquiries and certain record searches are provided at no cost.
Macon County Courthouse Locations
Macon County hosts the Circuit Court and the Decatur Administrative Court.
The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction that hears criminal and civil cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, major civil disputes, traffic offenses, probate matters, guardianship, small claims, and family law cases.
The Decatur Administrative Court handles violations of the Decatur Code, including trespassing, neighborhood nuisance, and boating violations.
These courts are located at:
Macon County Courthouse
253 East Wood Street
Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 425-7098
Fax: (217) 424-1350
1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza
Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 424-2807
Criminal Records Access in Macon County
Macon County criminal records exist in two forms: criminal history records and criminal case records. These records are maintained by different agencies and at different levels.
State Criminal Records
The Illinois State Police maintains statewide criminal history records. Access to these records is governed by 20 ILCS 2635. Statewide criminal records document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system throughout Illinois, not just Macon County. As a result, a state-level background check may reveal criminal history from jurisdictions outside Macon County. Interested persons may contact the Illinois State Police to obtain these records.
Criminal Case Records
At the county level, Macon County criminal court case records. These records document proceedings of criminal cases heard by courts. Like most court records, they are generally open to the public and may be viewed or obtained by interested persons.
Individuals may visit the clerk's office or courthouse, submit a request by mail, or use the court's case management system to search for records. Searches can typically be conducted by name or case number.
The Sheriff's Office also offers local background checks for a fee.
Macon County Probate Records
Macon County probate matters include estate administration, wills, and guardianships. These cases and related proceedings are filed and maintained by the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over probate matters and other civil cases.
Probate records are accessible to the public in accordance with the Illinois Court Record and Document Accessibility Act. However, not all probate records or documents are open to public inspection or copying.
A Macon County probate record provides researchers with a full account of a probate proceeding.
Macon County Family Court Records
Macon County family law records may be inspected and copied by interested persons. However, some records contain information that is exempt from public disclosure under state law, including 705 ILCS 86, and other applicable statutes.
Publicly accessible family court records may be available through the court's case management system, although access to certain documents may be limited. Persons seeking records that are unavailable online or who require certified copies may need to go to the Circuit Court in person.
The Macon County Circuit Court handles family law matters. Family law cases include dissolution of marriage, parental rights, protective orders, child-related disputes, adoption, and juvenile matters.
Federal Court Records in Macon County
Cases stemming in Macon County that fall under federal jurisdiction are handled by the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, rather than the county or state courts. Records of these proceedings are maintained by the federal court where the case was heard.
Interested persons may request records by mail, visit the courthouse in person, or access case information through the Public Access Court Electronic Records (PACER) database. Examples of federal cases include disputes between citizens of different states involving more than $75,000 in damages, bankruptcy, treason, and human rights violations.
