Fulton County

Fulton County, Illinois is located in the west-central portion of the state along the Illinois River. Established on January 28, 1823, Fulton County was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. Fulton County seat is Lewistown, situated in the geographic center of Fulton County. Fulton County includes approximately 870 square miles and has a population of around 33,259 residents according to recent census estimates. Fulton County is bordered by Knox County to the north, Peoria County to the east, Mason and Schuyler counties to the south, and McDonough County to the west. Major communities include Canton, the largest city in Fulton County with approximately 33,000 residents, as well as Lewistown, Farmington, Cuba, and Astoria. Fulton County is renowned for its rich coal mining history and agricultural heritage, with corn and soybean farming dominating the rural scene. Dickson Mounds Museum, a world-class Native American archaeological site, is a major cultural landmark. Fulton County Courthouse in Lewistown, built in 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Key county offices include Fulton County Recorder at 100 North Main Street in Lewistown, the County Clerk at the same address, and the Supervisor of Assessments also located in the courthouse complex. The Illinois River provides recreational opportunities and historically served as a vital transportation corridor for Fulton County's agricultural and mining products.

• Fulton County Courthouse in Lewistown, built in 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Illinois River provides recreational opportunities and historically served as a vital transportation corridor for Fulton County's agricultural and mining products.

The Fulton County Circuit Court serves Fulton County and is located at 1004 Market Street in Lewistown. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Illinois online court portal.

The Fulton County Circuit Court, located at 1004 Market Street in Lewistown, handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, serving as a key resource for legal matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arrest records in Fulton County are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which governs public access to government records.
• Citizens may submit FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments to obtain arrest records, booking reports, and incident documentation.
• Processing times and fees vary by agency, but requests must be responded to within five business days under state law.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are typically maintained by the arresting agency and Fulton County jail; these may be accessible through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Illinois allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.

• The Illinois state court system provides an online case search portal through individual circuit websites, though availability and fullness vary by county.
• Copy fees are typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
• Some records may be requested in writing or by appearing in person with proper identification.
• The Circuit Court also handles traffic violations, small claims matters under $10,000, and is the appellate level for administrative agency decisions at Fulton County level.

• Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, with standard documents typically costing $50 for the first four pages and $1 per additional page.
• Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
• The Assessor's office provides property assessment data, parcel identification numbers, and ownership information.

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

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily available, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
• Valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting vital records in person.
• Online ordering may be available through the state's vendor, VitalChek, for an additional convenience fee.

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

• For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, businesses must register with the Illinois Secretary of State Business Services Department.
• The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://www.ilsos.gov where the public can look up registered business entities, view formation dates, registered agents, and current status.
• This database is free and accessible 24/7.