Quincy, IL Crime Report 2026

Quincy has a safety score of 4.8/10 on the IllinoisCrime.com index, ranking #63 out of 102 Illinois counties. With 45.5 reported incidents per 1,000 residents, Quincy has a higher crime rate than the Illinois state average. Residents and visitors should be aware of elevated risk, particularly for theft and assault.

The most common crimes reported in Quincy are theft, assault, burglary. Overall crime is trending up +4.2% compared to the prior year, driven largely by increases in theft.

Quincy is the seat of Adams County in western Illinois, situated on the Mississippi River with approximately 40,000 residents. The city has a moderate safety score of 4.8/10 and a crime rate of 45.5 incidents per 1,000 residents — elevated for a city of its size. Quincy's economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, but the city has faced economic challenges that have contributed to elevated property and drug crime. The North Quincy neighborhoods are considerably safer than the downtown core and South Side.

Quincy is served by the Quincy Police Department with approximately 90 sworn officers. Major employers include Blessing Hospital, Quincy University, and several manufacturing companies. The 8th Judicial Circuit Court handles Adams County criminal matters at the Adams County Courthouse, 521 Vermont St., Quincy.

Quincy's crime is driven by drug trafficking — particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl — which fuels both property crime and assault. The downtown core and South Side have the highest concentration of drug activity and associated violence. Theft from vehicles is common near the riverfront and downtown areas. The city's location on the Mississippi River makes it a transit point for drug trafficking between Missouri and Illinois.

Crime in Quincy is not evenly distributed — where you live or visit within the city matters enormously for your personal safety. Here is how Quincy's neighborhoods compare:

Based on Quincy's specific crime patterns and geography, here is what local law enforcement and safety experts recommend for residents and visitors:

• 1.

  North Quincy and the East Quincy neighborhoods are the safest areas in the city — crime rates here are significantly lower than the city average

• 2.

  The downtown Maine Street area and South Quincy carry elevated risk — be aware of your surroundings in these areas after dark

• 3.

  Quincy's riverfront area is generally safe during daylight hours but sees elevated risk after dark

• 4.

  Vehicle break-ins are common near the Quincy Mall area — never leave valuables visible in your car

• 5.

  Quincy has a Crime Stoppers program — report drug activity anonymously at 217-228-3535

If you or a family member is arrested in Quincy (Adams County), here is what to expect under Illinois law. The first 24 hours are critical — statements made before an attorney is present can be used against you.

1. 1.
   Arrest & Booking

   You will be taken to the Quincy Police Department for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a background check. You have the right to remain silent — exercise it immediately and ask for an attorney.

2. 2.
   Bond Hearing

   Under the Illinois SAFE-T Act (effective September 2023), cash bail has been eliminated for most offenses. Within 48 hours, a judge will determine whether you are detained or released with conditions. Electronic monitoring is commonly used as an alternative to detention in Adams County.

3. 3.
   Arraignment

   You will be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. This is where having a private defense attorney — rather than relying on an overloaded public defender — makes the biggest difference in your case outcome.

4. 4.
   Pretrial & Discovery

   Your attorney can challenge evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the Adams County State's Attorney. Many cases are resolved at this stage without going to trial. Evidence challenges are most effective when raised early.

5. 5.
   Trial or Plea Agreement

   If no plea agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. Illinois is a jury trial state for felonies. Misdemeanors may be bench trials. A skilled Adams County defense attorney can often negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing even for serious offenses.

DUI in Quincy: Illinois First Offense Penalties

Illinois has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A first-offense DUI in Quincy can result in:

• Up to 364 days in jail (Class A misdemeanor)
• Fines up to $2,500 plus court costs and fees (total cost often exceeds $10,000)
• Minimum 1-year driver's license revocation
• Mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment program
• Possible BAIID (breathalyzer ignition interlock) requirement for reinstatement
• Permanent criminal record — DUI cannot be expunged or sealed in Illinois
• Potential job loss, professional license suspension, and immigration consequences

A DUI conviction in Illinois is permanent — it cannot be expunged or sealed. An experienced Adams County DUI attorney may be able to challenge the traffic stop, breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety test administration, or blood draw procedures to get charges reduced or dismissed. Even a first-time DUI is worth fighting.

Find a Quincy DUI attorney →

Quincy criminal cases are handled by the 8th Judicial Circuit Court at the Adams County Courthouse, 521 Vermont St., Quincy, IL 62301. The court operates under the SAFE-T Act. Adams County has a Drug Court program. The Adams County Jail is located at 330 Vermont St. The State's Attorney's Office prioritizes drug trafficking prosecution given the city's role as a regional transit point.

Search Adams County court records on IllinoisCrime.com →

Illinois arrest records are public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Here are the fastest ways to find arrest information in Adams County:

• Quincy Police Department Arrest Log

  Most Illinois police departments publish a public arrest log online or will provide one via FOIA request within 5 business days. Contact the Quincy Police Department directly at 911 / QPD Non-Emergency: 217-228-4470.

• Adams County Circuit Court Records

  Criminal court filings are public record in Illinois. Search the Illinois Circuit Court Electronic Filing System (eFileIL) at efilingil.gov, or visit the Adams County courthouse in person. Court records include charges, case status, and hearing dates.

• IllinoisCrime.com Court Tracker

  Our court tracker aggregates Illinois criminal court filings from CourtListener and other public sources. Search by defendant name or case number to find Adams County criminal cases.

• Illinois State Police Background Check

  The ISP offers a Statewide Sex Offender Database and a Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, both searchable online for free at isp.illinois.gov. For a full criminal history, submit a fingerprint-based background check request.

Search Illinois court records →

Crime Victim Rights in Quincy, Illinois

If you were the victim of a crime in Quincy, Illinois law gives you significant rights — and you may be entitled to civil compensation entirely separate from any criminal prosecution. Under the Illinois Crime Victims' Rights Act (725 ILCS 120), victims have the right to:

• Be notified of all court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and sentencing
• Be present at trial, sentencing, and parole hearings
• Submit a victim impact statement that the judge must consider at sentencing
• Request restitution from the offender as part of any sentence
• Apply for compensation from the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program (up to $27,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and counseling)
• Be treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the process

Beyond criminal restitution, a civil attorney can pursue a separate lawsuit against the perpetrator for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death damages. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, meaning a civil suit can succeed even if the criminal case results in acquittal. Many Adams County victims' rights attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you recover.

Expungement and Record Sealing in Adams County

Illinois has one of the most expansive expungement laws in the country. Many arrests and convictions in Adams County can be expunged or sealed, removing them from public background checks and giving you a fresh start.

You may be eligible to expunge or seal your record if:

• Your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or charges were never filed
• You completed court supervision or qualified probation (waiting period applies)
• Your conviction is for a Class 4 felony or misdemeanor (waiting period and restrictions apply)
• You received a pardon from the Illinois Governor with a specific expungement authorization
• Your conviction was for a cannabis-related offense that is now legal under Illinois law

DUI convictions, sex offenses, domestic violence convictions, and most Class 1–3 felonies generally cannot be expunged in Illinois. An experienced Adams County expungement attorney can review your specific record and advise on your options — many offer free initial consultations.

Check your expungement eligibility →