Criminal records in St. Louis, Missouri, are accessible through several channels. StLouisCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through state court online systems, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Below are specific steps, systems, and requirements for each search method.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Louis
Start by determining what specific information you need: case data, arrest, or custody status. You will need at least one of the following for the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- StLouisCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information on criminal proceedings.
- Missouri Courts (CaseNet) — the official portal of the Missouri state court system. Through CaseNet, you can search district and municipal court cases by party name or case number.
- St. Louis Municipal Court — search for municipal court cases in the city is now conducted through CaseNet.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Reports — database of arrests made by the state patrol.
- St. Louis City Inmate Search — the city's Division of Corrections online database allows you to find individuals in custody at city facilities.
- MODOC Offender Search — search for individuals under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Corrections.
To check criminal history at the state level, use the Missouri Automated Criminal History (MACHS) portal. There, you can search by name and also conduct a fingerprint check.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in St. Louis provides access to court records through public access terminals in the courthouse. Contact the court clerk with valid identification.
Sheriff's Office, City of St. Louis
Mail Request
A written request for a criminal history check can be sent to the CJIS Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Send the completed fingerprint card along with the appropriate fee to the address listed on the Criminal Record Check page. Public document requests to St. Louis County can also be submitted through the Sunshine Requests portal.
Search St. Louis Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Missouri, a case number follows a standard format that includes several elements:
- County or City Code — a two-digit letter or numeric identifier of the jurisdiction (for example, the City of St. Louis uses a separate code as an independent city).
- Case Type — a two-letter abbreviation indicating the category: CR (criminal), TR (traffic), or others.
- Year Filed — four digits corresponding to the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within that type and year.
For example, a number might look like this: 2122-CR00012345. The first part identifies the jurisdiction, "CR" indicates a criminal case, followed by the year and sequential number. If you have the exact number, enter it into CaseNet to go directly to the case details without needing to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in St. Louis
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) under which the charge is filed |
| Severity | Felony (classes A–E), misdemeanor (classes A–D), infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend charges — reduce the class or change the statute during plea bargaining |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting further court action
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, the case is closed
Hearings
Types of hearings in St. Louis criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss procedural issues before the main trial
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — issuing a sentence after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — monitoring compliance with probation or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court did not establish guilt |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — usually at the prosecutor's initiative or due to procedural reasons |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after a full trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in St. Louis
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with the court's official seal, accepted by other institutions as legally valid. Here's how to obtain them.
Through the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Circuit Court Clerk issues certified copies of court decisions, hearing transcripts, and other case documents. Visit in person with valid identification (driver's license or passport). Provide the defendant's full name and case number — this will significantly speed up the process.
State Criminal History Check
To obtain an official criminal history certificate, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol through the MACHS portal. There are two options:
- Name-based search — available online through the MACHS portal
- Fingerprint check — fingerprints must be taken at an authorized location and the card mailed to the CJIS Division or use electronic scanning
Address for mail requests:
Federal Cases
Federal-level criminal cases heard in St. Louis fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Records are available through the PACER system.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in St. Louis
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check (state + federal) | $43.50 | As of January 1, 2025, through MACHS |
| Name-based search through MACHS | Depends on request type | Check on the MACHS portal |
| Certified copy of court document (Circuit Court) | Depends on the number of pages | Contact the court clerk for current rates |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | Depends on jurisdiction | A fixed fee per page is usually charged |
Processing Times
- Online search through CaseNet or MACHS — results appear almost instantly
- Fingerprint mail request — processing can take several weeks depending on CJIS Division workload
- Certified copies at the court clerk's office — usually issued the same business day for in-person requests; mail requests take longer
For requests through the Sunshine Requests St. Louis County portal, response time is governed by the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo), which requires a response within three business days of receiving the request, although complex requests may require additional time.