Criminal records in Kendall County, Illinois, are accessible through several channels. KendallCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the office of the circuit court clerk — both online and in person or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kendall
Start your search with KendallCourt.us — enter the full name of the individual or case number to view publicly available information about criminal proceedings in the county.
Online Search
- Illinois Courts Portal. The Kendall County Courthouse website provides court contact information and links to county electronic resources.
- State Inmate Search. The Illinois Department of Corrections offers an inmate search. You can search by last name, IDOC number, or date of birth.
- Offender Registry. The Illinois State Police Registry contains data on individuals convicted of sex offenses, murders, and violent crimes against minors.
- Wanted Persons. The list of wanted IDOC fugitives is updated regularly.
In-Person Visit
The Kendall County courthouse has public terminals for viewing court cases. The court clerk can assist with the search if you know at least the defendant's name or case number.
Kendall County Circuit Clerk
Written Request
A state-level criminal background check request is submitted to the Illinois State Police. You need to complete a form and send it by mail along with fingerprints and payment. The circuit court clerk also accepts written requests for copies of court documents.
To start your search, you will need:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Kendall Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Illinois, a case number typically consists of several elements separated by dashes. Here's how to read it:
- Year of Filing — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — a letter abbreviation defines the category: CF stands for criminal felony, CM — misdemeanor, TR — traffic violation, DT — drugs.
- Sequential Number — a numerical sequence that distinguishes one case from another within the year and category.
For example, the number 2024-CF-000123 indicates a felony case filed in 2024 with a sequential number of 123. Knowing the exact number will yield results much faster than searching by name — especially when the last name is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kendall
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific paragraph of the Illinois Compiled Statutes under which the charge is brought |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Petty Offense |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — the new wording is reflected in the case materials |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, no decision yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, a hearing is scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution.
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before a judge, where charges are announced. Preliminary Hearing determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Pre-Trial — parties discuss a plea deal or prepare for trial. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or verdict. Review — the judge checks compliance with sentencing conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the charge |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal by court or jury |
If the case was closed or the person was acquitted, in Illinois, you can file a petition for expungement or sealing of the record.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kendall
Certified copies of criminal court documents are issued by the circuit court clerk. For an official state-level criminal background check, contact the Illinois State Police.
Through the Court Clerk
- Visit the office in person or send a written request by mail.
- Provide the full name of the party and the case number.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay the copying and certification fee.
Through Illinois State Police
For a comprehensive criminal background check, submit a request to the Illinois State Police. You need to provide:
- Completed request form
- Fingerprints (for authorized checks)
- Payment of the prescribed fee
Forms and instructions are available on the Types of Records page on the state police website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kendall
Below are the approximate fees set according to Illinois law and local county regulations. We recommend verifying the exact amounts directly with the court clerk's office.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 | Depends on document type |
| Certification of copy | $5.00–$10.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal background check (ISP, without fingerprints) | $16.00 | Through Illinois State Police |
| Fingerprint-based check (ISP) | $20.00+ | May include federal FBI fee |
Processing Times
- Copies at the clerk's office: usually issued the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- Written requests by mail: 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume.
- Checks through ISP: electronic requests — up to 3 business days; paper — up to 4–6 weeks.
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to Kendall County Circuit Clerk. Confirm acceptable payment forms in advance, as not all offices accept bank cards.