Criminal records in Laclede County, Missouri, are available through several channels. LacledeCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. According to RSMo § 610.100, arrest and incident reports are open records in Missouri.
How to Search Criminal Records in Laclede
Searching for criminal records begins with several basic data points: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. Here are all the available methods.
Online Search
- LacledeCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information on court criminal cases in Laclede County.
- Missouri Courts (Case.net) — a centralized state court system portal. Allows searches by name, case number, or date. Covers circuit and appellate courts.
- MSHP Arrest Reports — the Missouri State Highway Patrol publishes preliminary arrest information. Can be filtered by Laclede County.
- MODOC Offender Search — Missouri Department of Corrections database. Shows individuals under supervision or serving sentences.
- Sex Offender Registry — search by name, date of birth, or address.
In-Person Visit
The Laclede County Circuit Court Clerk's Office provides access to public court records. Contact the court clerk at the courthouse in Lebanon, the county seat. Public access terminals typically allow viewing of case indexes and basic information.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the circuit court clerk's office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and type of record. For an official state-level criminal history check, submit a request through the Missouri State Highway Patrol's CJIS Division or use the MACHS portal for fingerprint-based checks.
Search Laclede Criminal Cases by Case Number
A Missouri case number has a standard format consisting of several parts:
- County Code — a two-digit numeric code identifying the county (for Laclede County, it's the 26th judicial circuit code).
- Two-Letter Case Type Code — defines the category: CR (criminal felony), CRM (criminal misdemeanor), TR (traffic violation), etc.
- Filing Year — a two or four-digit number.
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year and type.
Example: 26CR2024-000123 indicates a criminal felony case filed in 2024 in the 26th judicial circuit. If you have this number, enter it on Case.net or LacledeCourt.us for quick access to case details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Laclede
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the RSMo section under which charges are brought (e.g., RSMo § 570.030 — theft) |
| Severity Level | Felony (classes A–E), Misdemeanor (classes A–D), Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, case closed.
Hearings
Types of hearings in Laclede County criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the first court session where charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (applies to felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss procedural matters before trial.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review Hearing — monitoring compliance with probation or other court orders.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) | Sentence deferred; charges may be dismissed upon successful probation |
| Suspended Execution of Sentence (SES) | Sentence imposed but execution suspended during probation |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Laclede
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for employment, licensing, or legal purposes. There are several ways to obtain them.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Laclede County Circuit Court Clerk issues certified copies of court documents. Submit a request in person or by mail. You will need:
- The person's full name and case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
- Payment of the prescribed fee
State-Level Criminal History Check
For a comprehensive criminal history check, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol's CJIS Division. Two options:
- Name-Based Check — submitted through the Criminal Record Check page. Requires form completion and fee payment.
- Fingerprint-Based Check — via the MACHS portal. The total cost for state and FBI checks is $44.00.
Sheriff's Office
Laclede County Sheriff's Office can provide information on arrests and incidents recorded by this agency. Requests for such records are governed by Missouri's Sunshine Law.
Archived Records
Historical court records for Laclede County are stored at the Missouri State Archives. For older cases not in electronic databases, contact the archives directly.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Laclede
Fees depend on the type of request and the institution. Below are approximate rates based on current Missouri regulations.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (Uncertified) | $0.10–$1.00 per page | Exact rate set by the court clerk's office |
| Certification of Copy | Additional fee for certification (usually $2.00–$5.00) | Check with the court clerk |
| Name-Based Criminal History Check (MSHP) | Varies by type of check | Submitted through CJIS |
| Fingerprint-Based Check (State + FBI) | $44.00 | Via MACHS portal |
Processing Times
- Online Search (Case.net, LacledeCourt.us) — results available instantly.
- Court Clerk Request — typically 3 to 10 business days when submitted by mail.
- MACHS Check — results usually received within 3–5 business days after fingerprint submission.
- Archived Requests — may take several weeks depending on the search scope.
For current information on fees and processing times, contact the Laclede County Circuit Court Clerk's Office directly at (417) 532-2471. Access to records is governed by the Missouri Sunshine Law.