Madison County felony records are official court files that show felony cases filed in Madison County, Illinois. These records include charges, court dates, pleas, verdicts, and sentences.
Anyone can look at most of these records because Illinois law keeps court files open to the public. You can search online through the Circuit Court portal or visit the Clerk’s office in person. This page explains how to find these records, what they contain, and where to get certified copies.
Madison County Circuit Court System
The Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Madison County, Illinois. Felonies are serious crimes that can lead to prison time of one year or more. The court hears cases at the main courthouse in Edwardsville and at branch locations. Every felony case starts when the State files a charge and ends with a final judgment. All steps in between become part of the public court record.
What the Circuit Court Does
The Circuit Court in Madison County handles every felony case from arrest to final sentence. Judges hear motions, accept pleas, and run trials. The court also handles sentencing, probation reviews, and post-conviction petitions. All papers filed in these cases become part of the public record. This means the public can see most documents filed in a felony case.
Where Felony Cases Are Filed
Felony cases in Madison County start in the Circuit Court, not in a lower court. The State’s Attorney files the charges directly with the Circuit Clerk. Once filed, each case gets a unique case number. This number stays with the case from start to finish. The case number helps staff find the file quickly when you search.
Court Locations in Madison County
The main courthouse sits in Edwardsville at 155 N. Main Street. Madison County also has satellite courthouses in other cities. Each location handles different types of hearings. The Edwardsville main location handles most felony case filings and major motions. Branch courts handle routine matters like arraignments and status calls.
How to Search Madison County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Madison County using several methods. The most common ways are online searches through the court portal, in-person visits to the Clerk’s office, and written record requests. Each method works well for different needs. Online searches work best for quick lookups. In-person visits help when you need help from staff.
Search by Name
Name searches are the most common way to find felony records. You need the full legal name of the person. Adding a date of birth helps narrow results for common names. The court portal lets you search by name and view matching cases. You will see a list of cases with basic details like filing date and case type.
Search by Case Number
A case number search gives you the fastest results. Every felony case has a unique number that looks like 2024-CF-001234. If you know the case number, you can pull up the full file right away. The case number stays the same through all court hearings. Use this method when you already have the number from another source.
Search by Defendant
Defendant searches work the same as name searches. You type in the defendant’s name and view the results. The portal shows you all cases where that person is listed as the defendant. You can click on each case to see charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. This search works for both current and closed cases.
In-Person Record Requests
You can also search records in person at the Clerk’s office. Staff at the counter help you look up files by name or case number. Bring a photo ID with you. Staff will ask you to fill out a search request form. They will pull the file and let you view it on a computer terminal or make copies for a fee.
Madison County Clerk of Court Felony Records
The Madison County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all felony case records. This office is the official record keeper for the court system. The Clerk’s office stores paper files and electronic records. They handle record requests, copy fees, and certified documents. The office is open Monday through Friday during business hours.
Office Location and Hours
The Madison County Clerk’s office sits at 155 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, Illinois 62025. Office hours run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. You can reach the office by phone at (618) 692-6200. Parking is available near the courthouse for visitors.
Online Portal Access
The Clerk’s office runs an online portal called Odyssey. You can access it any time of day. The portal shows case information, hearing dates, and document images. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number. Most public records are free to view through the portal. You only pay if you want to download or print documents.
Fees and Copy Requests
Standard copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they carry the official court seal. You need certified copies for most legal filings, immigration cases, and background checks. The Clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. You can also order copies by mail with a written request and payment.
Madison County State’s Attorney Records
The Madison County State’s Attorney office prosecutes felony cases. This office files charges and handles trials. They keep their own set of case files before and during trial. These records can show you the charges, plea offers, and trial outcomes. Some records from the State’s Attorney office become public after the case closes.
Case Information Requests
You can contact the State’s Attorney office for basic case status. They will tell you if a case is pending, dismissed, or closed with a conviction. The office is located in Edwardsville near the courthouse. You can also call during business hours for quick status checks. Detailed case files often stay with the court system.
Felony Case Filings
Every felony case starts with a filing from the State’s Attorney. The filing document lists the charges, the law broken, and basic facts. Once filed with the court, this document becomes a public record. You can view the original charge document through the court portal or at the Clerk’s office.
Online Felony Records Database
Several online tools let you search felony records in Madison County. The official court portal is the best source for current data. State-level databases also cover Madison County cases. Third-party sites pull data from official sources but may charge fees. Always check the date on any record you find online to make sure it is current.
Odyssey Portal
The Odyssey portal is the official online system for Madison County Circuit Court. You can search for free and view case summaries. The portal updates daily with new filings and hearing results. You can access it through the Illinois Courts website. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers with any web browser.
Illinois State Police Records
The Illinois State Police runs a statewide criminal history database. This database covers felony convictions from all Illinois counties, including Madison. You can request a criminal history check for a fee. The check shows arrests, charges, and convictions. Employers often use this database for background checks.
Third-Party Search Tools
Many third-party websites offer criminal record searches. These sites pull data from public sources and combine it into easy-to-read reports. Some sites charge a fee for full reports. Be careful with these sites because data can be outdated. Always verify important records with the official court system.
Types of Felony Records Available
Madison County felony records include many types of documents. Each type shows a different part of the case. Some records show the start of the case. Others show the end result. Knowing what each record contains helps you find what you need.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody. They include the arrest date, arresting agency, and location. Felony arrest records in Madison County come from local police, county sheriff, and state police. The Clerk’s office does not store arrest records directly. You get arrest records from the police agency that made the arrest.
Court Documents
Court documents include charging papers, motions, orders, and judgments. These papers show what happened in the case. The indictment or information lists the formal charges. Motions show requests made by either side. Orders show what the judge decided. Judgments show the final outcome of the case.
Conviction Records
Conviction records show the final result of a felony case. They include the crime, the verdict, and the sentence. A conviction happens when a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial. The record also shows any fines, restitution, or probation terms. These records stay on file for many years.
Sentencing Information
Sentencing records show what the judge ordered after a conviction. This includes prison time, fines, probation, and other conditions. For prison sentences, the record shows where the person serves time. For probation, the record shows the length and terms. Sentencing records stay public unless sealed by court order.
Madison County Felony Court Calendar
The court calendar shows when each case has hearings. You can view the calendar online or at the courthouse. The calendar lists case numbers, parties, hearing types, and courtrooms. This helps lawyers, parties, and the public know when to show up. Calendar information updates daily.
Public Court Schedules
You can view public court schedules through the Odyssey portal. The schedule shows daily and weekly hearings. Each entry lists the time, courtroom, and case number. You can search by judge or case type. Some hearings are private and will not appear on the public schedule.
Hearing Dates and Times
Hearing dates change often in felony cases. Continuances happen for many reasons, including attorney schedule issues and new evidence. Always check the calendar the day before a hearing. The court also sends notices to attorneys. Self-represented parties should check the calendar often to avoid missing court dates.
How to Request Certified Felony Records
Certified felony records carry the official court seal. Courts, employers, and government agencies often require certified copies. You can request them in person, by mail, or online. The process takes a few days. Some records need extra time if they are old or stored off-site.
Required Documents
You need to fill out a certified copy request form. Bring a photo ID if you visit in person. Include the case number or full name and date of birth. State the type of document you need. Pay the certified copy fee when you submit the request. The office will let you know when the copy is ready.
Processing Time
Most certified copy requests take 3 to 5 business days. Old cases may take longer because staff need to pull files from storage. Rush requests cost more but finish in 1 to 2 days. You can pick up certified copies in person or have them mailed. The office tracks all requests in their system.
Cost of Certified Copies
Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The fee covers the seal and staff time. Prices change, so check the current fee schedule. The Clerk’s office lists fees on their website. You can also call to confirm the price before placing your request.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Some felony records get sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay hidden from the public. Expunged records get destroyed in some cases. Illinois law sets rules for who can seal or expunge records. Not everyone qualifies. The rules depend on the crime, the sentence, and how much time has passed.
Illinois Expungement Law
Illinois expungement law lets some people clear their criminal records. The law changed in recent years to cover more offenses. You may qualify if you were found not guilty, charges were dropped, or you completed your sentence. Some violent felonies cannot be expunged. The law lists which crimes qualify and which do not.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the type of crime and your criminal history. Most people must wait a set number of years after their case ends. You cannot have other pending cases. Some felony classes cannot be expunged at all. The Illinois State Police can check your eligibility before you file a petition.
How to Seal Records
You file a petition to seal records with the court that handled your case. The petition lists your case numbers and asks the court to seal them. The State’s Attorney can object. A judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the petition. If granted, the records become private.
Common Felony Charges in Madison County
Madison County handles many types of felony cases each year. Some crimes happen more often than others. Knowing the common charges helps you understand what you might find in a record search. The most common felonies include drug crimes, violent crimes, property crimes, and felony DUI.
Drug Offenses
Drug felonies include selling drugs, making drugs, and large-scale possession. Illinois classifies drug crimes by the drug type and amount. Methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl cases often carry felony charges. The State’s Attorney handles these cases. Records show the drug type, amount, and sentence.
Violent Crimes
Violent felonies include assault, robbery, and homicide. These cases draw serious sentences. Battery with a weapon and aggravated assault also fall in this group. Records show the injuries, weapons, and facts of the case. Courts treat these cases with high priority.
Property Crimes
Property felonies include burglary, theft over a set dollar amount, and arson. These crimes involve taking or damaging property. The value of the property affects the felony class. Records show the property type, value, and damage. Repeat property offenders face harsher penalties.
Felony DUI
Felony DUI happens after multiple DUI convictions or when a DUI causes injury or death. These cases carry prison time and long license suspensions. Records show prior DUI convictions and the facts of the current case. The Secretary of State also tracks DUI cases for license actions.
Madison County Felony Court Record Lookup Details
The court record lookup system lets you find detailed case files. You can see the full list of documents in a case. You can also view hearing transcripts in some cases. The system runs on the Odyssey platform, which Illinois courts adopted statewide. The platform works the same way across all counties.
Case File Contents
A felony case file contains many documents. You can see the charging documents, bond orders, motions, and judgments. Each document has a filing date and a description. You can click on a document to view it as an image. The system stores documents as PDF files for easy viewing.
Electronic Felony Court Records
Most felony records in Madison County are electronic. The court scanned older paper files into the system. New cases start as electronic files. You can view both old and new records through the same portal. Some very old records may only exist on microfilm at the courthouse.
Madison County Felony Case Management
The court uses a case management system to track every case. The system shows upcoming hearings, past hearings, and deadlines. Court staff use it to schedule cases and send notices. Lawyers also use the system to file papers and check calendars. The public can view most case data through the same system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison County Felony Records
People ask many questions about Madison County felony records. These questions cover how to find records, what they contain, and how to use them. The answers below help you solve common problems. Each answer gives you clear steps and direct facts about the local court system.
How do I find felony records in Madison County, Illinois?
You can find felony records in Madison County by using the Odyssey online portal or by visiting the Clerk’s office in Edwardsville. The portal lets you search by name or case number from any device. The Clerk’s office at 155 N. Main Street helps you search in person during business hours. Staff at the counter can pull files for you to view or copy. Most records are open to the public under Illinois law.
Are all felony records public in Madison County?
Most felony records are public, but some are sealed by court order. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public. Juvenile felony records also stay private in most cases. Expunged records may be hidden or destroyed. You can check if a record is sealed by calling the Clerk’s office. Public records include charges, court dates, pleas, and sentences for most adult felony cases.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a felony record in Madison County?
Standard copies cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they include the court seal. Prices change over time, so check the current fee schedule on the Clerk’s website. You can also call the office at (618) 692-6200 to confirm prices. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for copy fees.
Can I view felony court documents online?
Yes, you can view most felony court documents online through the Odyssey portal. The portal shows case summaries, hearing dates, and document images. You can search by name or case number. Some private records do not appear online. For private records, you must visit the Clerk’s office in person and ask staff for help.
How long does Madison County keep felony records?
Madison County keeps felony records permanently for most serious crimes. Felony convictions stay on file for life. Some lower-level felonies may be eligible for expungement after a set time. Expunged records can be destroyed in some cases. The Clerk’s office stores both paper and electronic records going back many decades.
Can I search Madison County felony records by case number?
Yes, case number searches work in the Odyssey portal. Type the full case number into the search box. The number format looks like 2024-CF-001234. The portal pulls up the case file right away. Case number searches give you the fastest and most accurate results. Use this method when you already have the number.
What information do I need to search felony records by name?
You need the full legal name of the person. A date of birth helps narrow results for common names. The more details you provide, the better the search results. The portal can search names with middle names and aliases. You can also call the Clerk’s office for help with name searches if you have trouble online.
Contact Information for Madison County Felony Records
You can reach the Madison County Circuit Clerk for felony record requests. The main office sits in Edwardsville. The office handles all public record requests and certified copy orders. Call during business hours for help with searches and fees.
Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office
155 N. Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6200
Website: madisoncounty.illinois.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM