Missouri Court Records

Missouri Court Records hold a wealth of information on various legal proceedings that have taken place in the state's courts.

The information in these records can be crucial in making informed decisions and forming opinions on various legal matters. These records can provide insight into court decisions, criminal and civil cases, and the legal history of a particular individual or entity.

Court records allow people to access justice by allowing them to see the outcome of legal proceedings. It can be significant for those who cannot afford a lawyer or who represent themselves in court.

Additionally, it can be necessary for individuals who need to access their legal records for personal legal matters, such as applying for a job or obtaining a loan.

A court record in Missouri may contain a wide range of information, depending on the type of case and the level of detail recorded. Here are some examples of the information that this record can have:

Case details, including the names of the parties involved, the type of case (criminal or civil), and the date and location of the court proceedings
Court orders and judgments, including any penalties or fines imposed
Transcripts of witness testimony given in court
The evidence presented in court, such as physical evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions
Case history, including previous convictions, lawsuits, and court orders

State laws govern access to court records in Missouri. The Missouri Public Records Law and the Missouri Sunshine Law guarantee public access to most government records, including court records, with certain exceptions, such as juvenile and adoption records.

It means anyone can access these records, regardless of their status or background, except in cases where the law specifically prohibits it.

Which Missouri Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?

To effectively locate and obtain necessary Missouri Court Records, it is essential to understand how the state court system operates. It requires becoming familiar with the various levels of courts within Missouri and understanding their jurisdiction.

The Missouri court system includes the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Trial Courts. The Trial Courts below maintain the most publicly accessible records in Missouri.

Missouri Circuit Courts

The Circuit Courts in Missouri are Missouri's primary trial courts and have general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. These courts are organized into divisions based on the type of case being heard.

Here are the divisions of Circuit Courts in Missouri:

Associate Circuit

The Missouri Circuit Court system includes an Associate Circuit presided over by Associate Judges responsible for hearing and adjudicating cases within their respective Circuit Courts.

The Associate Circuit Court has jurisdiction over the following types of cases:

Civil cases involving amounts in controversy of less than $25,000
Misdemeanor criminal cases, including traffic violations
Preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases

Family Court

The Family Court exercises exclusive jurisdiction over certain types of cases, such as the following:

Adoption
Annulment
Dissolution of marriage or divorce
Alimony
Adult abuse prevention
Child Custody
Juvenile proceedings

Without a Family Court division within a specific Circuit Court, the court automatically transfers such cases to a Juvenile Court.

Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court division has jurisdiction over the following cases:

Adoption
Juvenile delinquency
Child care and treatment
Guardianship
Truancy
Unruly youngsters

A Judge typically conducts Juvenile Court proceedings rather than a Jury.

Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court division of every Circuit Court offers a streamlined process for most civil claims under $3,000, excluding expenses and interest. While a defendant may file a counterclaim for more than $3,000, a part or the whole case may be moved to a different court division.

Probate Court

The Probate Court division of each Circuit Court holds general equitable jurisdiction over all probate matters, including but not limited to the following:

Administration of trusts
Probate of wills
Guardianship
Determination of heirs

Municipal Court or Traffic Court

The Municipal Court or Traffic Court division of the Circuit Court oversees violations of municipal ordinances. Additionally, administrative tribunals that handle traffic and parking violation cases may be present in some Circuit Courts.

Missouri Municipal Courts

Although a Circuit Court may contain a Municipal Court division, Municipal Courts are typically the second level of Trial Courts in Missouri. Missouri Municipal Courts have limited jurisdiction to hear cases related to violations of municipal ordinances.

Most Municipal Courts in Missouri have one Municipal Court and one presiding Circuit Court Judge, but no strict laws govern this arrangement.

Some municipalities may contract their court services to neighboring cities. In some instances, counties in Missouri may establish a County Municipal Court that handles violations of county ordinances and ordinances of municipalities that have a contract to resolve such cases.

Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission

The Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC) is an independent state agency that conducts administrative hearings on behalf of numerous state agencies in Missouri. The commission provides an impartial forum for resolving disputes between state agencies and individuals or businesses affected by agency decisions.

The AHC conducts hearings on a variety of matters, including but not limited to the following:

Motor vehicle franchises
Professional licensing
State taxes
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)-related cases
Medicaid provider issues
Environmental matters
Medical marijuana license appeals

What are the Common Public Court Records in Missouri?

The general public can access various court records in Missouri that provide valuable insights into legal proceedings. Below are some of the most common public Missouri Court Records, along with a brief overview of the type of information they contain.

Missouri Civil and Small Claims Records

Missouri Civil Records from courts are public records that provide information on civil legal proceedings within the state. On the other hand, the Small Claims Court Records, a specific type of Missouri Civil Court Records, deal with cases involving small monetary disputes.

The main difference between Missouri Civil Records and Small Claims Records from courts is the legal matter they cover. Civil Court Records cover a wide range of civil disputes amounting to less or more than $25,000. Some cases under these records include personal injury cases, property disputes, and contract disputes,

Conversely, Small Claims Court Records only cover minor monetary disputes, typically under $3,000.

The court that heard and recorded the case is another difference. Civil Court Records may come from Associate Circuit Civil Court (less than $25,000) and Circuit Court (more than $25,000). Small Claims Court Records, as the name suggests, come from the Small Claims Court division of the Circuit Court.

Finally, there may be differences in the process and procedures for these two types of court records. For example, Small Claims Court may have specific rules regarding the value of damages someone can claim or the kinds of cases they can hear. These courts provide a quick, low-cost way for individuals to resolve disputes even without a lawyer.

On the other hand, a Civil Court may have different procedures for filing, discovery, and presenting evidence.

What Information Do Missouri Civil and Small Claims Records Contain?

Regardless of the differences, Missouri Civil and Small Claims Records from courts typically include a range of information related to a case, including:

The case number
The court that filed the lawsuit
The names of the parties involved
The filing date
Case status
Case outcome
Docket entries, such as the filed motions, held hearings, and issued orders
Financial information, such as the value of damages claimed or awarded and any other financial information related to the case

Missouri Criminal Records

Missouri Criminal Records are official documentation detailing the criminal behaviors of those convicted in the state.

Criminal records serve as vital documents for employers, landlords, and law enforcement agencies, providing valuable insights into an individual's background. It has information that can help decision-makers assess the potential risks and liabilities a person may pose to their organization or community.

A criminal record in Missouri provides critical details, including:

The subject's name, date of birth, race, aliases, and other personal identifying information
Fingerprints and mugshot
Details of the criminal charges, including the offense type, date of offense, place of the crime, and disposition of the case
Information on the individual's arrests, including the date, place, and reason for the arrest
Information on the individual's convictions, including the date, place, and nature of the offense and the sentence imposed
Information on outstanding warrants

Although local law enforcement, police departments, and courts preserve copies of Missouri Criminal Records, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is the central repository of these records.

You can access a criminal record through its Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) or the Criminal Record Check of the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division.

There are two primary formats for conducting background checks when requesting criminal records in Missouri. The first is a name-based search that utilizes an individual's name, social security number, and date of birth. While this search provides basic information, it may not provide a comprehensive history of an individual's criminal background.

On the other hand, a fingerprint search offers a more thorough check of an individual's criminal record by cross-referencing their fingerprints with a database of criminal records.

Aside from statewide criminal histories, the CJIS Division processes FBI federal criminal history requests.

Missouri Traffic Records

Missouri Traffic Records refer to the official documents and information related to traffic violations, accidents, and incidents on Missouri roads and highways. The Missouri Department of Revenue (MDR) and the state courts (specifically the Traffic or Municipal Courts) collect and maintain these records.

These records can be helpful for individuals involved in accidents, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and researchers interested in analyzing traffic patterns and trends.

Traffic records in Missouri are generally public. However, the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits access to the personal information included in these records.

You can request two primary types of Missouri Traffic Records from the MDR: records with personal information and those without personal information.

As personal information in driver's records is restricted, only those exempted under the DPPA or who have obtained consent from the record holder can access it. This personal information includes an individual's driver's license and social security numbers.

For driver's records with personal information, you can request it in person. To obtain your driver's record, submit your photo ID and pay the record fee at any Motor Vehicle and Driver License Office (MVDLO) of the MDR.

Alternatively, you can make these requests by mail, email, or fax by submitting a completed Driver License Record Holder Request form and paying the fee to the Driver License Record Center.

If you wish to request another person's driver's record with personal information, follow the same process. However, you must obtain the signature of the record holder on the form.

To request records without personal information, you can visit any MVDLO, pay the applicable fee, or obtain it online at the MDR Individual Services page.

Missouri Probate Records

Missouri Probate Records are legal documents for managing a person's estate after death. Probate records are generated through the Probate Court system and are available to the public in Missouri.

The probate process begins when an individual dies, and their estate is subject to probate. In Missouri, the Probate Court oversees the distribution of assets, payment of debts, and resolution of any legal disputes that may arise.

This court also appoints an executor or administrator to manage the estate and ensure the terms of the deceased's will are carried out.

In addition to genealogical research, Missouri Probate Records can also be helpful for individuals who are involved in legal disputes related to the administration of an estate. For example, if there is a dispute over the distribution of assets or the appointment of an executor, probate records can provide substantial evidence for both sides.

These records can provide information about the deceased, their family members, and the distribution of their assets. Probate records may include wills, inventories of the deceased's property, and court orders related to estate administration.

Accessing Missouri Probate Records is relatively easy. You can visit the local Probate Court in the county where the deceased lived or request records by mail. Some probate records may be available online through the Missouri State Archives or other genealogical websites.

Missouri Family Records

Missouri Family Records are a valuable court resource for those seeking information on legal cases involving family matters. These records can provide insight into a family's legal history, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and other legal issues.

They document family court proceedings in detail, helping parties, researchers, policymakers, and the public understand and analyze family law issues.

You can visit the Family Court or Juvenile Court that heard the case to request a copy of the record. Knowing the case number or the names of the parties involved is necessary to locate the document.

Another option is to request it by mail. You will need to submit a written request, including the case number or the names of the parties involved, along with a fee for copying and mailing the record. The cost varies depending on the record's length and the delivery method.

When accessing family records from Missouri courts, it's essential to remember that some family court records may be sealed, meaning they are not available to the public. It typically occurs in cases involving juveniles, adoption, or sensitive family matters.

Missouri Bankruptcy Records

Missouri Court Records are often examined for bankruptcy records, despite not being a part of the state's trial court system. The federal court system maintains these records, specifically the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that permits financially distressed people or businesses to have their debts discharged or restructured. Filing for bankruptcy may be a difficult and stressful undertaking, but it can give individuals in need a new start.

The two most common types of bankruptcy filings in Missouri are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.

Under Chapter 7 bankruptcy, people can have their obligations discharged. In this filing, the court-appointed trustee distributes the profits from the sale of the debtor's nonexempt assets to creditors.

On the other hand, Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables individuals to restructure their obligations and establish a three to five-year repayment plan.

Regardless of the type, Missouri Bankruptcy Records may contain information about the bankruptcy case, including the debtor's name and address, the case filing date, a list of creditors and their claims, and the case status. They may also contain information about the debtor's assets, income, and expenses.

To obtain copies, you can visit the courthouse where the case occurred or search for them online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

To search for bankruptcy records online through PACER, you must create an account and pay a small fee for each search or document accessed. If you prefer to visit the court in person, you can request access to the records at the clerk's office.

Does Missouri Have a Case Search?

Missouri has a case search called Case.net, where you can obtain Missouri Court Records from the state trial court system.

This portal allows you to search for court documents by case number, litigant name, filing date, scheduled hearings, and judgment index. Each search method requires you to submit pertinent and precise case-related information.

The search results include a summary of the case, including the case type and disposition status, the court that heart the matter, the parties and their counsel, and docket entries, such as exhibits, motions, subpoenas, summonses, notifications, etc.

Case.Net is a free database search service, but you can also use it to pay filing costs and other court-related expenses.

You may need to visit the courthouse in person if you cannot find the records you are looking for on Missouri Case.net.

When visiting the courthouse in person, you must fill out a request form and provide identification. You may also be required to pay a fee for copies of the records. The cost varies depending on the court and the type of record you are requesting.

Additionally, you can contact the court clerk by phone, email, or mail to request court records. The court clerk can provide information on how to obtain records and may be able to process requests over the phone or by mail.

You can use the Missouri Courts Online Directory to obtain the contact information, such as the physical location, phone number, postal address, and email of the appropriate court or the court that heard the case. You can find a court in this directory by giving the court's county or city and zip code.

Counties in Missouri

Courts in Missouri

Jackson County Circuit Court415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO

Greene County Circuit Court1010 Boonville, Springfield, MO

Clay County Circuit Court11 South Water Street, Liberty, MO

Jefferson County Circuit Court300 Main Street, Hillsboro, MO

Boone County Circuit Court705 E. Walnut Street, Columbia, MO

Jasper County Circuit Court302 S Main St., Carthage, MO

Franklin County Circuit Court401 East Main Street, Union, MO

Cass County Circuit Court2501 W. Mechanic St., Harrisonville, MO

Platte County Circuit Court415 Third Street, Platte City, MO

Buchanan County Circuit Court411 Jules Street, Saint Joseph, MO

List of Content

Which Missouri Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?
What are the Common Public Court Records in Missouri?
Does Missouri Have a Case Search?