Court records for Laclede County, Missouri, can be accessed through several channels. LacledeCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the state's official judicial system resources, including the Missouri Courts portal, the Circuit Clerk's office, and public terminals located directly in the courthouse.
Laclede Court System & Jurisdictions
Laclede County is part of the 26th Judicial Circuit of Missouri. The main court is the Circuit Court, which handles the majority of cases at the county level.
The Circuit Court is divided into several divisions, each responsible for specific categories of cases:
- Criminal Division — felonies, misdemeanors, violations of local ordinances.
- Civil Division — claims over $25,000, as well as real estate and contract cases.
- Associate Division — small claims (up to $5,000), traffic violations, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, search warrants under RSMo § 542.276.
- Family Court — divorces, child custody, protective orders, adoptions.
- Probate Division — estate cases, adult guardianships, incompetency determinations.
If you are unsure which division is handling your case, call the court office — the clerk will guide you on where to find the necessary record.
Laclede County Circuit Court
Laclede Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be checked through the centralized Missouri Courts portal. This resource publishes calendars for all county courts in the state, including the 26th Judicial Circuit.
To find the schedule:
- Go to the Missouri Courts website.
- Select the "Case.net" or "Court Calendar" section.
- Specify "Laclede County" and the desired date range.
- The results will show the case number, party name, judge's name, time, and courtroom.
Information about arrests that may have preceded court hearings can be found through the online arrest reports of the Missouri Highway Patrol — just select "Laclede" in the county field. This data is preliminary and does not replace the official court record.
The public terminal in the courthouse in Lebanon also provides access to the current hearing schedule.
How to Get a Copy of a Laclede Court Document
The Circuit Clerk's office issues both certified and regular copies of court documents. The difference is significant: a certified copy has the court's seal and the clerk's signature, making it suitable for submission to other government agencies or courts. A regular copy is only suitable for personal review.
Ways to Obtain Copies
- In Person — visit the office at 200 N Adams Ave, Lebanon. Bring identification and the case number, if known.
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name of the party, type of document, approximate date, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — through the Case.net system on the Missouri Courts portal, you can view case information, but downloading a certified copy online is generally not possible — it must be ordered through the clerk.
Note: Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed, and expunged cases are typically not released to third parties. According to RSMo § 610.100, arrest and incident reports are open records, but closed criminal investigations may be restricted.
Laclede Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Missouri state law and local administrative orders. Below is an approximate fee schedule — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the court office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular document copy (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Certified document copy | $2.50 for the first 2 pages + $0.50 for each additional page |
| Court record search (by name) | Free through Case.net; request through the clerk may incur a fee |
| State criminal history check | $20.00 (via MACHS) |
| State + FBI criminal history check | $44.00 (via MACHS) |
The court office accepts payment by cash, money orders, and checks made payable to "Laclede County Circuit Clerk." The possibility of credit card payment should be confirmed in advance by phone.
For a criminal history check through the Criminal Records Division of the Highway Patrol, fingerprints must be submitted and the appropriate fee paid online. Historical court records, including archival materials of county and municipal courts, are stored in the Missouri State Archives — access is free for researchers.