Union County

Union County is located in the southernmost region of Illinois, often referred to as "Little Egypt." Established on January 2, 1818, Union County was one of the first counties organized in Illinois and includes approximately 416 square miles. Union County seat is Jonesboro, a historic town that has served as the administrative center since Union County's inception. As of recent census estimates, Union County has a population of approximately 16,500 residents. Union County is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west and includes portions of the Shawnee National Forest, making it a region of exceptional natural beauty. Notable landmarks include the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a 111-foot-tall illuminated cross visible for miles, and Trail of Tears State Forest, commemorating the forced relocation of Native Americans. The LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area is renowned for its ecological significance, particularly the seasonal snake migrations across LaRue Road. Union County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, timber, and stone quarrying. Key governmental offices include Union County Recorder of Deeds, located at Union County Courthouse at 309 W Market St, Jonesboro, IL 62952, the County Clerk's office at the same address, and the County Assessor's office also housed in the courthouse complex. Union County's unique position along the Mississippi River and its proximity to both Missouri and Kentucky have shaped its cultural and economic development over two centuries.

The Union County Circuit Court serves Union County and is located at 100 East Main Street in Jonesboro. 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 Union County Circuit Court, located at 100 East Main Street in Jonesboro, handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, with their phone number being 618-833-8585 for inquiries.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Inmate lookup information is available by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Union County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster.
• Booking information, including mugshots, may be obtained through in-person requests or by calling the jail division.
• The Jonesboro Police Department also provides law enforcement services within Union County Seat.
• Arrest records in Union County are subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which generally makes arrest records publicly accessible.
• Processing times for FOIA requests vary but agencies must respond within five business days, with possible extensions for voluminous requests.

Jail & Inmate Records

• Bail and bond processes follow Illinois state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial.

• Online case access for Union County is available through the Illinois eFile & Serve system for registered users, though public case search capabilities are limited compared to larger Illinois counties.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Illinois statute at $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
• Record searches can be conducted by case number, party name, or attorney name, though online search functionality for historical cases may require in-person research at the courthouse.

• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, generally $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
• Illinois compiled statutes govern the recording process and establish priority of interests based on recording date and time.

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

• Death certificates for deaths occurring in Union County are similarly available from the County Clerk's office at comparable fees.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are readily available, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
• VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, offers online and phone ordering of Illinois vital records at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing for additional fees.
• The marriage license fee in Illinois is county-specific but typically ranges from $30-$60.

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

• This database is regularly updated and provides full information on business entities statewide, including those operating in Union County.