Lafayette County Criminal Records

What Is Lafayette County Criminal Records

Lafayette County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Lafayette County jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various county agencies pursuant to state law.

Criminal records in Lafayette County encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when law enforcement takes a person into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a specific offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.

• Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses typically punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes generally punishable by less than one year of incarceration. Both categories are maintained in Lafayette County's criminal record systems.

• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Missouri Revised Statutes § 211.321, which protects the privacy of minors involved in the juvenile justice system.

• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Lafayette County:

Lafayette County Sheriff's Office
1001 Main Street
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-3622
Lafayette County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.

Lafayette County Circuit Court
1001 Main Street, Suite 9
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-6101
Lafayette County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court maintains case files, court proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing records.

Missouri State Highway Patrol
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 526-6153
Missouri State Highway Patrol

The State Highway Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history information in Missouri.

Lafayette County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information as prescribed by Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.100, which governs the creation and maintenance of criminal justice records.

Are Criminal Records Public In Lafayette County

Criminal records in Lafayette County are generally public documents pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law, codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.011. This statute establishes that "it is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law."

The law specifically states: "Except as otherwise provided by law, all public records of public governmental bodies shall be open to the public for inspection and copying as set forth in sections 610.023 to 610.026."

However, important exceptions and restrictions apply to criminal records access:

• Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are generally accessible to the public.

• Restricted Records: Several categories of criminal records have limited accessibility:

  • Ongoing investigations are typically confidential under § 610.100.2
  • Records ordered sealed by a court
  • Juvenile records (protected under § 211.321)
  • Records expunged pursuant to § 610.140
  • Records related to sexual assault victims
  • Records containing personal identifying information that could compromise privacy

The Missouri Supreme Court has interpreted the Sunshine Law to favor disclosure when possible, noting in Guyer v. City of Kirkwood that "the Sunshine Law is to be construed liberally in favor of open government."

Law enforcement agencies in Lafayette County may withhold certain investigative reports until an investigation becomes inactive. After an investigation concludes, incident reports and arrest reports generally become open records, though investigative reports may remain closed if they contain sensitive information that could compromise future law enforcement activities or individual privacy rights.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Lafayette County must follow established procedures for records requests, which may vary by agency. The custodian of records for each agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with state law regarding public access while protecting confidential information.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lafayette County in 2026

Lafayette County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures outline the current methods for obtaining these documents:

In-Person Requests at the Lafayette County Circuit Clerk's Office

Lafayette County Circuit Clerk
1001 Main Street, Suite 9
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-6101
Lafayette County Circuit Clerk

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

To request records in person:

1. Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form, providing case number if known
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page for copies)
5. For certified copies, an additional fee of $1.00 per document applies

Written Requests by Mail

1. Prepare a written request including:
   • Requestor's full name and contact information
   • Subject's full name and date of birth
   • Case number (if known)
   • Specific records being requested
   • Purpose of request
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
3. Include payment by check or money order made payable to "Lafayette County Circuit Clerk"
4. Mail request to the Circuit Clerk's address listed above

Sheriff's Office Records Requests

Lafayette County Sheriff's Office
1001 Main Street
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-3622
Lafayette County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

For arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports:

1. Complete the Sheriff's Office records request form
2. Submit the form in person or by mail with required identification
3. Pay applicable fees ($5.00 for incident reports, $10.00 for booking photos)

Statewide Criminal History Checks

For comprehensive background checks:

Missouri State Highway Patrol
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 526-6153
Missouri State Highway Patrol

1. Submit a Criminal Record Check Request Form (SHP-158)
2. Include $14.00 fee per record check
3. Provide subject's full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if available)
4. Results typically provided within 2-3 business days

Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 43.532, individuals may request their own criminal history information or authorize others to receive it through proper channels.

How To Find Criminal Records in Lafayette County Online?

Lafayette County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of available information may vary by system.

Missouri Case.net
Missouri Case.net

Case.net serves as the primary online portal for accessing court records throughout Missouri, including Lafayette County. This system provides:

• Case information for civil, criminal, traffic, and probate matters
• Docket entries, parties, judgments, and charges
• Filing dates and scheduled hearing information

To use Case.net:

1. Navigate to the Case.net website
2. Select "Litigant Name Search" or "Case Number Search"
3. For name searches, enter last and first name (middle initial optional)
4. Select Lafayette County from the jurisdiction dropdown
5. Specify case type (select "Criminal" for criminal records)
6. Review search results and select cases for detailed information

No registration is required for basic searches, though some document images may be restricted.

Lafayette County Jail Roster
Lafayette County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody:

• Provides booking information and current charges
• Lists bond amounts and court dates
• Updates daily
• Searchable by name

Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS)
Missouri State Highway Patrol MACHS

For official statewide criminal history information:

1. Create a MACHS account
2. Select "Name-Based Criminal Record Check"
3. Complete the required fields
4. Pay the $14.00 fee online
5. Receive results electronically

This system requires registration and provides more comprehensive criminal history information than court-based searches.

Missouri Sex Offender Registry
Missouri Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry

For information on registered sex offenders in Lafayette County:

1. Visit the registry website
2. Search by name, location, or non-compliant offenders
3. Review detailed offender information and registration status

The online registry is maintained pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 589.400 and provides public notification of registered offenders.

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Certain records, particularly older cases or sealed/expunged matters, may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

Can You Search Lafayette County Criminal Records for Free?

Lafayette County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Missouri's Sunshine Law. Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.011 establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection, though reasonable fees may be charged for copies or extensive searches.

Free In-Person Inspection Options:

Lafayette County Circuit Clerk's Office
1001 Main Street, Suite 9
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-6101
Lafayette County Circuit Clerk

• Public terminals are available for searching court cases
• No charge for viewing public records on-site
• Staff assistance available for locating records
• Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lafayette County Sheriff's Office
1001 Main Street
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-3622
Lafayette County Sheriff's Office

• Limited public records available for in-person inspection
• Incident reports may be viewed on-site at no charge
• Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:

1. Missouri Case.net - https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do

   • Free access to court case information
   • Searchable by name or case number
   • Provides case types, filing dates, charges, and dispositions
   • No registration required for basic searches

2. Lafayette County Jail Roster - https://lafayettecountymo.com/sheriff/inmate-search/

   • Free access to current inmate information
   • Updated daily
   • Provides booking information and charges

3. Missouri Sex Offender Registry - https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/CJ38/search.jsp

   • Free searchable database of registered sex offenders
   • Includes offender photos, addresses, and offense information

While inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:

• Photocopies (typically $0.25 per page)
• Certified copies ($1.00 per certification)
• Staff research time for extensive searches
• Specialized reports or background checks

The Missouri Supreme Court has held that agencies may charge for the actual cost of providing copies but cannot charge for time spent determining whether records are open or closed to the public, as established in Gross v. Parson.

What's Included in a Lafayette County Criminal Record?

Lafayette County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
• Mugshot/booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification (SID) number
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest
• Probable cause statement
• Bail/bond amount and status
• Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or Associate Circuit)
• Judge assigned to the case
• Charges filed by prosecutor with statute citations
• Classification of offenses (felony class A-E or misdemeanor class A-C)
• Plea information
• Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
• Court appearances and hearing dates
• Motions filed and rulings

Disposition Information:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length and facility
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
  • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants or pending charges
• Protective orders or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Probation/parole violations
• Modification of sentences
• Completion of diversion programs

The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the maintaining agency. Records are created and maintained in accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes § 43.503, which establishes requirements for criminal history information reporting.

Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest and booking information, while the Circuit Clerk's Office maintains court proceedings and case dispositions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol serves as the central repository for comprehensive criminal history information statewide.

How Long Does Lafayette County Keep Criminal Records?

Lafayette County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Missouri Secretary of State's Office and the Missouri Supreme Court. These schedules dictate the minimum period records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.

Court Records Retention:

The Circuit Court of Lafayette County follows the retention schedule established by the Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rules, specifically Court Operating Rule 8, which prescribes the following retention periods:

• Felony Case Files:

  • Capital cases: Permanent retention
  • Non-capital felonies: 20 years after disposition
  • Cases resulting in incarceration: Until release plus 3 years

• Misdemeanor Case Files:

  • 10 years after final disposition

• Traffic Case Files:

  • DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after disposition
  • Other traffic violations: 3 years after disposition

• Search Warrants and Related Documents:

  • 3 years after execution or expiration

• Grand Jury Records:

  • Permanent retention

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Lafayette County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the Local Government Records Retention Schedule established by the Missouri Secretary of State:

• Arrest Records:

  • Adult arrests: 5 years after date of arrest
  • Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 18, then sealed

• Incident Reports:

  • Felony investigations: 5 years after case closure
  • Misdemeanor investigations: 3 years after case closure
  • Homicide investigations: Permanent retention

• Booking Photos and Fingerprints:

  • 5 years after date of arrest
  • Transmitted to Missouri State Highway Patrol for permanent retention

• Jail Records:

  • Inmate files: 5 years after release
  • Jail logs and incident reports: 3 years

State Repository Records:

The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history information pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 43.506. These records are typically maintained indefinitely unless:

• A court orders expungement under § 610.140
• Records are sealed by court order
• Records are subject to automatic expungement under new "Clean Slate" provisions

It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, many agencies maintain records longer than the minimum requirements, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, even when physical records are destroyed, electronic indices or summary information may be retained permanently.

Individuals seeking to remove eligible criminal records from public access should consult the expungement provisions in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.140, which outlines the process for petitioning the court to expunge records of certain offenses after specified waiting periods.

Lookup Criminal Records in Lafayette County