Mercer County Felony Records Search

Mercer County felony records are held by the Circuit Clerk in Aledo, Illinois. With about 15,000 residents, Mercer County is a small, rural county in the 14th Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office on Southeast 3rd Street manages all felony filings, bond records, docket entries, sentencing orders, and court documents. You can search case data online for free through Judici, visit the courthouse, or send a written request by mail. This page explains how to search Mercer County felony records, the fees that apply, and the state laws that control public access.

Mercer County Circuit Clerk Office

Kristin Relander is the Circuit Clerk for Mercer County. Her office handles all criminal case records, including felony charges, bond paperwork, docket entries, and court orders. The courthouse sits at 100 Southeast 3rd Street in Aledo. Call 309/582-7122 to ask about a specific case or check what documents you need for a records request.

Mercer County belongs to the 14th Judicial Circuit along with Henry, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties. Rock Island County is the most populated in the circuit. Each county keeps its own files and has its own clerk. Aledo is a small community that serves as the county seat, and the courthouse there handles a lighter felony caseload than its bigger neighbors in the circuit.

Online Search for Mercer County Felony Records

Mercer County participates in Judici, a free public case search tool. Select Mercer County from the list, type in a name or case number, and the system shows docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and case status. No sign-up or payment is needed.

You can also check the statewide re:SearchIL repository, managed by Tyler Technologies. It collects court documents from many Illinois courts. Some Mercer County filings may appear there. Neither tool gives the complete paper case file. Under the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy, certain filings can only be viewed at the courthouse.

Tip: always use four-digit years on Judici. Enter 2024CF0008 instead of 24CF0008 for best results.

Mercer County Record Copy Fees

Mercer County follows the statewide fee schedule. First page: $2.00. Pages two through nineteen: $0.50 each. Page twenty and beyond: $0.25 per page. A certified copy adds $6.00 per certification seal. Name searches are $6.00 per year searched.

For mail requests, send a check or money order to the Mercer County Circuit Clerk. Include the case number or the defendant's full name. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail. Walk-in requests are handled at the counter during business hours.

State Law and Mercer County Felonies

All felony arrests in Mercer County are reported to the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification in Joliet. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630) requires this of every law enforcement agency in Illinois. Arrest data and fingerprints go into a central database with millions of records statewide.

Sentencing for Mercer County felonies follows the Unified Code of Corrections (730 ILCS 5). Class X felonies carry 6 to 30 years. Class 1 is 4 to 15 years. Class 2 brings 3 to 7 years. Class 3 is 2 to 5 years. Class 4 runs 1 to 3 years. These ranges show up in Mercer County felony records alongside the charges and final disposition.

Under the Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635), anyone can request a statewide conviction search from the ISP. The fee is $10 online or $16 by paper. Only convictions appear. Consent from the subject is not required.

The ISP Bureau of Identification homepage shows available criminal record services, including those tied to Mercer County felony cases.

Expungement and Sealing in Mercer County

Some Mercer County felony records may be eligible for sealing or expungement. Sealing takes a record out of public view, though law enforcement keeps access. Expungement destroys the record entirely. Not every felony qualifies. Certain Class 3 and Class 4 convictions may be eligible after a waiting period.

File a petition with the Mercer County Circuit Court to start. No filing fee is charged. If the court grants the order, the ISP charges $60 to process it. The Illinois expungement and sealing page has eligibility details and the required forms. Email ISP.Expungement.Unit@illinois.gov with questions.

The ISP live scan vendor locator can help you find nearby fingerprinting locations, useful when completing expungement or other criminal records processes in Mercer County.

FOIA and Mercer County Felony Cases

Illinois courts are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). Court records follow separate judicial rules. However, the Mercer County Sheriff and local police departments are subject to FOIA. You can submit a written request for arrest reports, incident logs, and similar law enforcement documents.

For free help with criminal records questions, Illinois Legal Aid has guides on getting copies and understanding your rights.

Counties Near Mercer County

Mercer County is in western Illinois near the Iowa border. These neighboring counties each handle felony cases through their own circuit clerks.