Coles County

Coles County is located in east-central Illinois, approximately 175 miles south of Chicago and 120 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Established on December 25, 1830, Coles County was named after Edward Coles, the second Governor of Illinois and a noted abolitionist. Coles County seat is Charleston, home to Eastern Illinois University, which is a major educational and cultural hub for Coles County. Coles County includes approximately 508 square miles and had a population of approximately 46,863 according to recent census estimates. Coles County's scene is characterized by flfor gently rolling prairies typical of central Illinois, with the Embarras River flowing through the southern portion. Major communities include Charleston, Mattoon (Coles County's largest city), Oakland, Ashmore, and Humboldt. Coles County is served by several key agencies: Coles County Recorder's Office located at 651 Jackson Avenue, Room 122, Charleston, IL 61920; Coles County Clerk at the same courthouse address; and Coles County Assessor's Office, also housed in Coles County Courthouse. Coles County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, though manufacturing, healthcare, and education have become increasingly important sectors. Eastern Illinois University, founded in 1895, remains one of Coles County's most significant institutions, contributing substantially to the local economy and culture. Notable landmarks include Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, which preserves the last home of Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother, and Fox Ridge State Park, offering recreational opportunities across 2,064 acres of forested hills and ravines along the Embarras River.

Residents in Coles County can access a wide array of public records through the Coles County Circuit Court, which adjudicates civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office or respective municipal police departments in writing, specifying the records sought.
• Response time is typically five business days, with possible extensions for voluminous requests.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the detention center, though there may be fees for copies.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process in Illinois allows for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate, with details available through the jail administration.

• The Circuit Clerk handles case filings, maintains court records, and processes fees.
• Fees for copying court documents typically include $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees if needed.
• Marriage licenses are issued through the County Clerk's office in the same building, while civil unions are also processed through the same office.

• Recording fees vary by document type and number of pages, typically starting around $56 for the first four pages of standard documents, with additional page fees.
• The office currently offers limited online searching capabilities; many searches require in-person visits or written requests.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's office for a fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy when ordered from Coles County; state fees are $15 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy.
• Death certificates have similar fee structures.
• Processing time varies from same-day service for in-person requests at Coles County level to 4-6 weeks for mail requests to the state office.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Coles County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee (typically around $40-$50).
• Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Coles County and require a court records request.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Their online business entity search is available at www.ilsos.gov and allows free searching of all registered business entities in Illinois, including those based in Coles County.
• The database includes entity name, registration date, status, registered agent, and filing history.