Criminal records in Will County, Illinois, are available through several channels. WillCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official court systems of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, law enforcement agencies — including the sheriff's office — and the circuit court clerk's office. Below are specific search methods, types of available data, and procedures for obtaining certified copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Will
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county.
Through WillCourt.us
Start with WillCourt.us — the service allows you to search publicly available information about court cases by the person's name or case number. You will need the defendant's full name (last name and first name) or the case number to search.
Online through Official Portals
- Illinois Courts Portal — Office of the Illinois Courts provides general information about the court system and links to online records of county courts. The Will County Courthouse page has a link to the clerk's office's Online Records.
- CHIRP (Criminal History Information Response Process) — the Illinois State Police CHIRP system allows you to obtain information about criminal conviction history collected by the Bureau of Identification. A State of Illinois digital account is required.
- IDOC Inmate Search — if the person is in custody of the Department of Corrections, use the Individual in Custody Search. You can search by last name, IDOC number, or date of birth.
- Sheriff's Office — Will County Sheriff's Office may have information about individuals detained in the county jail.
In Person
Visit the circuit court clerk's office at the Will County Courthouse. The court is located in downtown Joliet at the intersection of Jefferson St. and Ottawa St. Business hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday. Public terminals are available on-site for searching court cases.
By Mail or Written Request
A written request for a criminal history can be sent to:
- Will County Circuit Clerk — for copies of court documents of a specific case.
- Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification — for an official report on state-level criminal conviction history. The request requires a completed form and fingerprinting.
To start a search, prepare: the person's full name, date of birth (if known), or case number.
Search Will Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Illinois, court case numbers have a standardized format. Since 2023, courts have switched to a unified numbering system, which consists of the following elements:
- Year of Filing — four digits (e.g., 2024).
- Case Type Code — a letter designation of the category: CF (criminal felony), CM (criminal misdemeanor), DT (driving under the influence), TR (traffic), etc.
- Sequential Number — a consecutive number within the year and category.
Older cases may have a different format with a two-digit year. If you know the case number, enter it on the clerk's office's online records portal or on WillCourt.us — this is the fastest way to find a specific case, bypassing the need to specify a name or date.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Will
Each criminal case contains several key data categories. Below is what each element means.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Illinois Compiled Statutes under which the charge is brought (e.g., 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05 — Aggravated Battery). |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, classes X, 1–4), Misdemeanor (offense, classes A–C), or Petty Offense. |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges during the proceedings. The updated list is reflected in the case. |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and proceedings are ongoing.
- Active — the case is in the active review stage.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision; the case is resolved.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution.
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Will County:
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (usually for felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial.
- Sentencing — after a guilty plea, the court imposes a penalty.
- Review Hearing — checks compliance with probation conditions or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty — by court verdict or plea agreement. |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant. |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict; the prosecutor dropped the charges, or the court dismissed the case. |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor decided not to pursue prosecution. |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive consideration. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Will
Certified copies of criminal court records are issued by the circuit court clerk's office. These are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office at the Will County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number, if known.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the defendant's full name, case number (if available), type of document needed, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
To obtain an official state-level criminal history report, contact the Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification. This process requires fingerprinting at an authorized location.
Contact Information
Will County Circuit Clerk
Will County Clerk (for vital records, not court criminal records):
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Will
The fee amount depends on the type of document and the issuing authority. Below are approximate rates according to current tariffs.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00 | Depends on the type of document; check with the clerk. |
| Document certification | $6.00 – $10.00 | Per certified copy; rate set according to 705 ILCS 105/27.2. |
| Criminal history check (ISP — public request) | $16.00+ | Through CHIRP or by mail request to Illinois State Police. |
| Criminal history check with fingerprints | $20.00 – $60.00+ | Includes state and federal (FBI) levels; cost depends on the purpose of the request. |
Processing Times
- Copies of court documents (in person) — usually issued the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- Mail requests to the court clerk — from 5 to 15 business days.
- ISP report via CHIRP — electronic results may arrive within a few business days; fingerprint requests take longer.
Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or credit card (in person). For mail requests, personal checks may not be accepted — check with the office in advance.