McLean County
McLean County, established on December 25, 1830, is the largest county in the state by land area, spanning 1,186 square miles, including 1,183 square miles of land and 2.9 square miles of water. It was formed from Tazewell County and named after U.S. Senator John McLean, who passed away that same year. The first settlers arrived around 1821, establishing Blooming Grove in 1822 near present-day Bloomington. As of 2023, the county's population is estimated at 170,441, with Bloomington as the county seat and largest city.
Administrative Adjudication addresses ordinance violations, including traffic tickets, zoning issues, and property maintenance violations. These cases are civil, not criminal, and lack jury trials. Hearing Officers or Administrative Law Judges preside, and decisions may be appealed to Circuit Courts. Unique municipal adjudication systems, like Rock Island County's Code Enforcement, handle specific violations, such as alcohol and tobacco offenses or derelict vehicles. In certain municipalities, adjudication courts process state law violations, including minor theft or assault cases, alongside municipal ordinance violations. For example, Fox Lake addresses motor vehicle infractions, while Madison City processes shoplifting and drug paraphernalia cases. Administrative decisions from these courts can also be contested in Circuit Courts, ensuring accessible legal recourse.
Public court records in McLean County, Illinois, include documents generated during court proceedings such as filings, motions, rulings, and orders. These records are managed by the McLean County Circuit Court Clerk and are generally accessible to the public, except for those classified as confidential under Illinois law. Confidential records may include information that could interfere with law enforcement, violate privacy, or affect a fair trial.
The types of court records available to the public in McLean County include:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Traffic Records
- Domestic Relations Records
- Probate Records
Residents can access these records by visiting the McLean County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 104 West Front Street, Bloomington, IL, or using the county's Public Access Record System to search by case number or party names. Requests can also be submitted in writing to the Clerk's office. McLean County also provides online resources for searching court records, filing cases, and accessing additional court services, making it easier for residents to obtain information without visiting in person. For traffic violations, there is an option to pay fines or attend traffic safety school through designated online portals
