Missouri Criminal Records

Are criminal records available to the public in Missouri?

Missouri's "Sunshine Law" allows for citizens of the United States to be able to search for criminal records of themselves or other individuals unless the record has been sealed or expunged. Any government agency in Missouri that holds these records is able to provide them to you.

How do I search for criminal records in Missouri?

The Criminal Justice and Information Services also has a dedicated service for online background checks: Missouri's Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Registered users of MACHS are allowed to perform name-based background checks. The users are required to provide the first and last name of the subject of their research, as well as the date of birth or the social security number. When signing up to the page, the user will be asked to give some personal information for billing purposes.

Are mugshots public in Missouri?

Mugshots are public information in Missouri. Once an individual has been arrested and taken into the police station, officers will take the mugshots of the individual and put them in the arrest record. Mugshots will also appear on inmate records and sex offender registries.

Can I hide my criminal record in Missouri?

Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions are able to be removed from one's criminal record in Missouri through a process called expungement. Misdemeanors three years of waiting from the end of your sentence to become eligible, and felonies take seven years.

What counts as a felony in Missouri?

Felonies in Missouri are any crime that is punishable at a minimum of a year in prison. Missouri divides types of felonies into classes, from A (most severe) to E (least severe). Certain crimes that would usually be treated as misdemeanors can be upgraded to a felony depending on your past and certain circumstances. Examples of felonies include manslaughter, first-degree burglary, rape, and murder.

What is a misdemeanor in Missouri?

Missouri misdemeanors are crimes that don't necessarily result in jail time and can also only be punished by up to a year in jail. There are four classes, ranging from Class A misdemeanors to Class D misdemeanors, which have the smallest sentences. Examples of misdemeanors in Missouri can be DUI, harassment, vandalism, and shoplifting.

How do I get my criminal record expunged in Missouri?

The very first thing you should do when attempting to expunge your criminal record in Missouri is at least call an attorney. They can help guide you through the process and fill out the paperwork for you so that you are best represented. After that, you must retrieve a petition to expunge form from the Missouri Courts website. After submitting, the court will hear your case and decide to grant the expungement or not.

How do I search for court records in St. Louis County?

Court records in St. Louis County can be found through their search service on their website. You can search by litigant name, the filing date, or the case number. The link on the St. Louis County website will redirect you to this search service called case.net.

How far back can employers check criminal background in Missouri?

There are no state laws preventing employers from acquiring Missouri background checks for job applicants. There are certain federal limitations, however. Employers cannot inquire or retrieve information about arrests that happened more than seven years ago. Additionally, job applicants can request a copy of all information the employers retrieve about them.

How do I find inmates in Missouri?

You can find inmates in Missouri using the online Missouri inmate locator, managed by the Missouri Department of Corrections. Searching will give an inmate's record, including mugshots, convictions, personal information. You can also find police reports on individuals by contacting your local police department.

What is Megan's Law in Missouri?

Megan's Law in Missouri is a law designed to keep the public informed about sex offenders. Their information is put on a sex offender registry which can be accessed by anyone. Tier 1 sex offenders must register their information for 15 years. Tier 2 sex offenders must register for 25 years, and Tier 3 offenders register for life.

How do I search for sex offenders in Missouri?

The State Highway Patrol is in charge of managing Missouri's sex offender registry. On their website, it's possible to search by name or by geographical area. The results are really accurate and detailed, listing previous felonies and specific descriptions of the offenders, as well as known addresses and relevant personal information. The website is opened by an animated list of absconders as a way of raising awareness and asking for the citizenship' help in locating them. It also features a very clear sign, indicating that if anyone knows the records to be wrong for any reason, they should contact the State Highway Patrol as soon as possible and help fix the error.

How do I find arrest records in Missouri?

Arrest records in Missouri can be accessed through a criminal background check, third-party websites, and the courts. Arrest records in Missouri contain information such as when and where the arrest occurred, the name of the arresting officer, and a brief description relating to the incident.

How do you check for arrest warrants in Missouri?

You can find active arrest warrants in Missouri through either the courts or the local police departments. This is because the court is the one that issues the warrant, which gives the police to seek out and arrest the person that has it.

How do I find someone's parole status in Missouri?

You can inquire about someone's parole status to the Missouri Department of Correction's Probation and Parole Board. Parole is the option of letting someone out of prison before their sentence is over. Parole will be granted to inmates who have a history of good behavior and can prove they have a low chance of reoffending.

Is DUI a felony in Missouri?

A DUI in Missouri will be considered a felony after three or more DUI offenses. Typically a DUI will be treated as a misdemeanor unless the serious injury was caused to another person. A felony DUI will be a Class D offense.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in Missouri?

Juvenile criminal records in Missouri are able usually automatically sealed. However, certain offenses will require expungement. If someone under 21 is convicted of MIP, then they can expunge that offense after they turn 21.