Missouri Arrest Records

Missouri arrest records contain information about an individual's incident and criminal activity within the state. Law enforcement agencies in Missouri generate these records after the arrest of an individual and make them available to the public per state law.

A typical arrest record in Missouri provides information about the subject, including their full name, date of birth, sex, race, hair, color, height, and weight. The record also includes:

• The arrest location.
• Date and time.
• Description of the incident.
• Mugshot.
• The arresting law enforcement agency.

Arrest records may feature the subject's current and previous indictments, filed arrest charges, bail amount, and case summary. It is worth noting that arrest records are not a sufficient means of establishing the guilt or criminal involvement of the record holder. Not all arrests lead to convictions.

Are Arrest Records Public in Missouri?

Yes, Missouri arrest records are public. According to the Missouri Sunshine Law, all state and local law enforcement agencies must make arrest records available upon request. However, selected records may be withheld from public access. Per Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.021, law enforcement agencies can withhold information if disclosure may violate a person's privacy rights or security. More so, if any person is arrested and not charged within 30 days of arrest, the arrest record may not be accessible to the public. Similarly, juvenile arrest records in Missouri are automatically sealed.

How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in Missouri?

Interested persons can look up arrest records in Missouri in person or through online databases maintained by the record custodians. Some state and local law enforcement agencies that maintain and provide access to arrest records in Missouri are as follows.

• County Sheriff Offices: Interested persons may obtain Missouri arrest records by visiting the Sheriff's Office in the jurisdiction where the arrest was made. Alternatively, they may search online databases maintained by these record custodians. Either way, the requestor must know enough details to facilitate a search—usually the subject's full name and birth date. For example, the Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster for offenders in its custody.
• The Missouri Department of Corrections: The Department of Corrections provides an Offender Search site that allows individuals to access arrest information. However, the information obtained from this source is limited to arrest information of persons incarcerated in a state correctional facility.
• The Missouri State Highway Patrol: The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division is responsible for gathering and maintaining complete and accurate criminal history records, arrest reports, and statistics. This information is available to members of the public via an online arrest report search. All arrests performed by law enforcement agencies are automatically updated on this page and remain on the site for five days. Requesters will be required to provide certain information to complete a search. This includes the subject's first and last name, arrest county, troop, subject's city or state, and arrest date.
• The Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS): The MACHS is an online site that allows the public to perform criminal background checks. It simply provides public access to criminal history information. Interested persons may perform a name-based search for arrest records and related criminal history information. Each search on MACHS costs a $15.00 fee plus an additional payment processing fee.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI can provide individuals with an Identity History Summary or rap sheet. This allows individuals to access information related to arrests nationwide. However, the FBI only processes search requests from individuals who are the subjects of the requested records.

Free Arrest Record Search in Missouri

Interested persons can access free arrest records through online search portals maintained by local law enforcement agencies in Missouri. Inquirers may also visit the record custodian's office during business hours to view arrest records for free using public terminals. However, the information obtained from these portals is restricted to arrests made in the agency's jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, some third-party repositories and resources also provide free arrest record searches. However, because these organizations are not affiliated with the government, there is no guarantee of the results' validity, accuracy, or completeness.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Missouri?

It depends. In Missouri, the arrest record may be retained in perpetuity. Per MO Rev Stat § 610.122, expungement of Missouri arrest records is allowed under very specific circumstances—when not automatically expunged by the courts.

**How to Seal Arrest Record in Missouri **

The sealing or expungement of an arrest record ensures that the record is not publicly accessible. However, Missouri law enforcement agencies, judges, and authorized employers may be able to see a sealed record. Third parties who wish to view sealed records must be authorized or obtain a court order.

Per MO Rev Stat § 610.140, an individual must meet eligibility requirements to seal or expunge arrest records in Missouri. Then, they may file a petition in the court in the county where the arrest happened. The eligibility requirements for an expungement depend on the type of petition.

A person is eligible to get an arrest record removed or destroyed if:

• Charges were dismissed;
• The arrestee is found not guilty;
• The arrest was for a motor-vehicle offense, and the individual does not hold a commercial driver's license.

The following crimes listed below are not eligible for expungement:

• Serious felonies
• Violent crimes
• Motor-vehicle violations
• Sex crimes
• Intoxication-related crimes.

In any case, to be eligible for both types of expungement, the individual must:

• Not have other convictions other than traffic violations;
• Ensure all fines and restitution are paid;
• Not be a threat to public safety;
• Ensure that the record expungement is in the interest of the public and the justice system.

Missouri Arrest Record Expungement Procedure

The following are the procedures for filing for an arrest record expungement:

• Fill the petition for expungement form;
• Make copies of all documents for future reference;
• File the form and other related documents with the court clerk in the county where the arrest occurred;
• Pay the applicable fee of up to $250. Some petitions are free, but if the individual cannot pay the $250 fee, they may request a fee waiver at the Clerk of Court's Office;
• Attend the hearing on the expungement petition: Once the petition is filed, the state court has 30 days to object. If the state objects to the petition, the court is required to schedule a hearing within 60 days. If there is no objection, the court will schedule a hearing within 30 days after filing.

Once a Missouri court grants the expungement petition, the court shall order all record custodians to close or destroy the records. Depending on the type of expungement, the individual may legally deny the existence of such arrest or conviction.