Criminal History data for individuals in St Louis County, Missouri, is compiled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Criminal Justice Information Services division, which serves as the state’s central repository for arrest events, filed charges, court outcomes, and sentencing information. A St Louis County MO criminal history search can be performed online using the state’s name‑based portal, where the subject’s full name, date of birth, and, when available, social security number are entered to retrieve relevant records. Results may include St Louis County MO criminal record lookup details such as arrest dates, arresting agency, location of booking, and any subsequent convictions or dismissals. Users also have access to St Louis County MO court records that show case numbers, filing dates, and final dispositions. Because the repository updates daily from law‑enforcement submissions, the information reflects the most recent activity, helping citizens, employers, and agencies verify identity and assess legal background. The system also flags pending cases and indicates whether a record is open or closed.
Criminal History information retrieved from the St Louis County MO database includes arrest history, charge details, conviction records, and case dispositions that are essential for background checks and identity verification. A St Louis County MO criminal history records request returns a printable report that lists each incident by date, agency, and charge code, along with the current status of the case. Through a St Louis County MO criminal case search users can examine pending criminal cases, see sentencing information, and view any appeals or dismissals. The report also shows St Louis County MO conviction records, indicating whether the offense was a felony or misdemeanor and the resulting penalty. For employers and licensing boards, criminal record verification offers a reliable way to confirm that an applicant’s self‑reported background matches official data. When a St Louis County MO criminal case lookup reveals a closed case, the system notes the disposition, such as guilty, not guilty, nolle prosse, or expunged, providing a clear picture of the individual’s criminal background history.
How to Search Criminal History
You can search criminal history records in St Louis County, Missouri using the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s online system. This system collects data from police agencies and courts across the state. Residents can also access official probate court records to verify current details. You get results that show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and other case details. The records help employers, landlords, and other groups check a person’s legal background. Most searches finish in a few minutes when you have the right data.
Official Search Portal: https://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/crimRecChk.html
Steps to Search
- Go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check page.
- Enter the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and any other requested data.
- Type in a Social Security Number if you have one for better results.
- Pick the search type (name-based or other option).
- Pay the required fee using a credit or debit card.
- Review the results page that lists any matching records.
- Print or save the report for your files.
Search by Full Name
A full name search uses the person’s first name, middle name, and last name. You should spell each name the same way it shows on their ID. Common misspellings can cause you to miss records. The system checks the name against arrest and court records across Missouri.
Search by Date of Birth
The date of birth helps the system find the right person when names are common. You enter the month, day, and year in the correct format. Two people can share a name, but a birth date makes matches more exact. Always check the birth date against official papers before you trust the results.
Search by Case Number
A case number is a unique code the court gives to each legal case. You can search by this number when you already know it from a court paper. This method gives you one exact case file. It works well when you want data about a single court action.
Search by Location
You can also search by location to find cases from a specific area like St Louis County. The system lets you pick the county or city where the arrest or court action happened. This helps when you only know where an event took place.
Information Needed for a Criminal History Search
You need a few key details to run a search. The person’s full legal name comes first. The date of birth is next. A Social Security Number, if you have it, helps confirm the right person. Knowing the state or county of the event also narrows the search.
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth (month/day/year)
- Social Security Number (optional but helpful)
- Gender and race (some searches ask for this)
- County or city where the event happened
St Louis County MO Criminal History Data
The criminal history records held for St Louis County include many types of legal data. These records come from local police, the county jail, and the courts. Each record shows the full path of a case from arrest to final outcome. You can use this data to verify a person’s past legal issues. The state keeps these records to support background checks and public safety.
Identity Data
The first part of any criminal history report lists the person’s identity details. This shows their full name, date of birth, gender, and race. Some reports also show a photo or fingerprint ID number. These details help you confirm you have the right person.
Arrest History
The arrest history section lists every time police took the person into custody. Each arrest shows the date, the agency that made the arrest, and the reason. You can see if the arrest led to charges or was released without charge. This gives you a clear view of past police contact.
Criminal Charges
The charges section lists the exact laws the person is accused of breaking. Each charge has a code and a short title. You can see if the charge was a felony, misdemeanor, or local ordinance. The level of charge affects the possible penalty.
Court Cases
The court cases section links each charge to its court file. You can see the court name, case number, and filing date. The case status tells you if the case is open, closed, or pending. This helps you track the legal process over time.
Convictions
The convictions section shows where the person was found guilty in court. It lists the charge, the conviction date, and the court that made the ruling. You can see if the person pled guilty or was found guilty at trial. This is a key part of any background check.
Case Dispositions
The disposition section shows the final outcome of each case. Common outcomes include guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or nolle prossed. Each outcome tells you how the court resolved the charge. Some cases end with a conviction, while others end without a conviction.
Sentencing Data
The sentencing section lists the punishment the court gave after a conviction. This can include jail time, probation, fines, or community service. You can see how long the sentence lasts and if the person completed it. This data is useful for legal and job checks.
Criminal History Record Components
A criminal history record has several parts that work together to tell the full story. Each part covers a different stage of the legal process. You should read all parts to get a full view of the person’s past. Missing parts can lead to wrong conclusions about someone’s background.
Arrest Events
An arrest event shows the date, time, and place where police took the person into custody. It also lists the arresting agency and officer. You can see why the arrest happened and what happened next. Some arrests end with a release, while others lead to charges.
Filed Charges
Filed charges are the formal accusations the prosecutor brings against a person. Each charge has a statute number and a short description. The filing date shows when the prosecutor started the legal action. You can compare filed charges to the original arrest reason.
Court Proceedings
Court proceedings cover all the hearings and motions in a case. This includes arraignments, pretrial hearings, and trials. Each court action has a date and a result. You can see how the case moved through the court system.
Case Outcomes
The case outcome is the court’s final word on the charges. Outcomes can be guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or other results. Some cases end with a plea deal. The outcome decides if the person has a conviction on their record.
Sentences and Court Orders
Sentences and court orders show what the person must do after a conviction. This can include jail, probation, fines, or treatment programs. The court can also issue orders like no-contact rules. These orders stay active until the court lifts them.
Case Closure Data
Case closure data shows when and how a case was closed. A case can close with a conviction, dismissal, or other final action. The closure date helps you know if the case is still open or finished. Closed cases rarely change unless a court reopens them.
Types of Criminal History Records
Missouri keeps several types of criminal history records based on the level and type of offense. Each type has its own rules for how long it stays on file. You can use these types to sort the records you find. The table below shows the main record types you will see.
| Record Type | Description | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Felony History | Serious crimes with prison time over one year | Burglary, robbery, drug trafficking |
| Misdemeanor History | Less serious crimes with jail time under one year | Petty theft, simple assault, drunk driving |
| Arrest Records | All arrests, even without a conviction | Arrests for any charge |
| Conviction Records | Only cases that ended in a guilty verdict or plea | Guilty pleas, trial convictions |
| Pending Cases | Open cases still waiting for a final outcome | Unresolved charges |
| Historical Records | Older records kept for archive and legal use | Cases from many years ago |
Felony History
Felony history shows all felony charges and convictions for the person. Felonies are the most serious crimes under Missouri law. They can lead to prison time of more than one year. You will see felony charges for violent crimes, major drug crimes, and other serious acts.
Misdemeanor History
Misdemeanor history shows lesser crimes that carry up to one year in jail. These include things like petty theft, simple assault, and minor traffic crimes. Misdemeanors still appear on a criminal record. They can affect jobs and housing even when they are old.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show every time police took a person into custody. The arrest can happen with or without a conviction later. Some arrests lead to no charges at all. You should read arrest records with care because an arrest is not proof of guilt.
Conviction Records
Conviction records only show cases where the court found the person guilty. This can happen through a plea or a trial. Conviction records are the most important part of a background check. They show the legal crimes the person committed.
Pending Criminal Cases
Pending criminal cases are open cases still waiting for a final outcome. The court has not yet decided if the person is guilty or not. These cases can change at any time. You should check the case status often when a case is pending.
Historical Criminal Records
Historical criminal records cover older cases kept in the state archives. These records may go back many years. They are useful for legal and research work. Some old records may be sealed or expunged by court order.
Criminal History by Case Status
Each criminal case has a status that shows where it is in the legal process. The status tells you if a case is open, closed, or still moving through court. You should always check the status before you draw any conclusions. A pending case is very different from a closed case.
Active Cases
Active cases are open and still moving through the court system. The person may be waiting for a hearing, trial, or plea deal. You should check the status often because it can change fast. Active cases have no final outcome yet.
Pending Cases
Pending cases are open cases with no final outcome. The court has not yet ruled on the charges. The person may be out on bail or still in jail. Pending cases can end in a conviction, dismissal, or other result.
Dismissed Cases
Dismissed cases were thrown out by the court or prosecutor. The person was not convicted. Residents can also access official court calendar to verify current details. The dismissal can happen for many reasons, like lack of evidence. Dismissed cases still appear on records, but they show a non-conviction.
Convicted Cases
Convicted cases ended with the person found guilty. The court issued a sentence after the conviction. Convicted cases stay on the record unless sealed or expunged. They are the most common records checked in background reports.
Acquitted Cases
Acquitted cases ended with a not guilty verdict at trial. The court found the person not responsible for the crime. An acquittal does not erase the arrest but shows no conviction. You should treat acquitted cases like dismissed cases for most checks.
Closed Cases
Closed cases have a final outcome and no more court action planned. The court has finished its work on the case. Closed cases can still be reopened in rare situations. Most closed cases stay closed unless new facts come up.
Expunged or Sealed Records
Expunged or sealed records are hidden from public view by court order. The person can legally say they do not have that record. Only certain agencies can see sealed or expunged records. These records will not show up in normal search results.
Criminal History and Court Records
Criminal history records and court records work together to show the full story of a case. The criminal history gives a summary from the state system. Court records give the full court file with every paper and order. You can use both to get a complete picture.
Criminal Court Case Data
Criminal court case data shows the basic details of each court case. This includes the case number, court name, and judge. You also see the charges and the parties in the case. This data helps you find the right court file.
Case Filing History
The case filing history lists every paper filed in the case from start to end. You can see motions, orders, and other key documents. The filing dates show how the case moved over time. This helps lawyers and researchers track the case path.
Court Dispositions
Court dispositions are the final outcomes the court enters on the case. Common dispositions include guilty, not guilty, and dismissed. The disposition date shows when the court made its final ruling. You should always check the disposition before trusting the case summary.
Judgment Data
Judgment data shows the court’s final ruling on the case. This includes the conviction, sentence, and any orders. The judgment is the official end of the case. You can use it to confirm the final outcome.
Sentencing Data
Sentencing data shows the punishment the court gave after a conviction. This can include prison time, probation, fines, or community service. You can see how long the sentence lasts and the terms. Sentencing data is part of the court record.
Court Record Verification
Court record verification lets you confirm that a court record is real and current. You can check the record against the official court system. This stops you from using fake or old records. Always verify court records before you rely on them for legal or job decisions.
Criminal History and Arrest Records
Arrest records are one part of a criminal history report. They show what police did, not what the court decided. An arrest alone does not mean the person is guilty. You should read arrest records with care and check the court outcome too.
Arrest Dates
Arrest dates show the day and time police took the person into custody. Each arrest has its own date in the report. You can use these dates to sort arrests from oldest to newest. The dates also help match the arrest to the right court case.
Arresting Agency
The arresting agency is the police department or sheriff’s office that made the arrest. Local police, county sheriff, and state troopers can all make arrests. The agency name appears on the arrest record. This helps you know who took the person into custody.
Arrest Location
The arrest location shows where the arrest happened. This can be a street address, a business, or a jail. The location helps you verify the event with police reports. You may need the location for legal or insurance reasons.
Booking Data
Booking data shows what happened when the person arrived at the jail. This includes fingerprints, photos, and personal property lists. The booking record also lists the charges at the time of arrest. Booking data is part of the arrest file.
Charges at Arrest
Charges at arrest are the crimes the police listed when they booked the person. These charges can change before the prosecutor files the case. Some charges get dropped or changed to lesser charges. Always check the final filed charges in court records.
Difference Between Arrests and Convictions
An arrest means police took the person into custody. A conviction means a court found them guilty. Many arrests never lead to a conviction. Some people are arrested and later found not guilty. You should not treat an arrest the same as a conviction.
Criminal History Public Access
Missouri makes most criminal history records open to the public. You can search these records using the state portal or by asking the right agency. Some records are restricted by law. You should know what you can and cannot see before you search.
Publicly Available Criminal History
Most adult criminal history records are open to the public. You can see arrests, charges, convictions, and dispositions. The state charges a small fee for each search. You do not need a reason to search public records in most cases.
Online Criminal Records
You can access many criminal records online through the state portal. The portal lets you search by name and date of birth. Online access is the fastest way to get a criminal record. Some records may require an in-person request.
Restricted Criminal Data
Some criminal data is restricted by Missouri law. This includes sealed records, expunged records, and juvenile records. Only certain agencies can see restricted data. Most people cannot get restricted data through a normal search.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records are hidden from the public by court order. Expunged records are erased or destroyed by court order. The person can legally say the record does not exist. Only law enforcement and courts can see these records in most cases.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile records cover crimes committed by people under 18. These records are not open to the public in most cases. Only courts, police, and some agencies can see juvenile records. Juvenile records also follow different rules for sealing and expungement.
Records Available by Request
Some records are not online but you can get them by request. You can ask the State Highway Patrol or the local court for these records. The request usually needs a form and a fee. You may need to show ID to pick up the records.
- Records older than what the portal shows
- Certified copies for legal use
- Records for people who are deceased
- Court records not part of the state criminal history
Obtaining Official Criminal History Records
You can get official criminal history records in several ways. The best method depends on why you need the record. Most people use the online portal for fast results. Some jobs and legal actions need certified copies you can only get from the state.
Online Record Requests
Online requests are the fastest way to get a criminal history record. You use the State Highway Patrol portal and pay the fee by card. The portal gives you a printable report right away. This method works for most background checks.
Agency Record Requests
You can also ask a law enforcement agency for criminal records. Local police and sheriff offices keep arrest records for their area. They can share records with you for a fee. This method works well when you need records from a specific place.
Court Record Requests
Court record requests go to the clerk of the court that handled the case. You can ask for the full court file or just the judgment. The clerk charges a fee per page. Court records have more detail than the state criminal history.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the State Highway Patrol office in Jefferson City to make a request in person. The staff can help you fill out the form and answer questions. You get the record the same day in most cases. Bring your ID and payment.
Certified Criminal History Copies
Certified copies are official records with a state seal. Courts, employers, and licensing boards often ask for certified copies. You can only get certified copies from the State Highway Patrol or the court. The fee is higher than for a normal search.
Request Fees and Processing Times
The fees and processing times change based on the request type. The table below shows the main options you have.
| Request Type | Fee | Processing Time | Result Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online name-based search | Small per-search fee | Immediate | Online report, printable |
| Mail-in request | Standard fee | Several business days | Mailed paper report |
| In-person request | Standard fee | Same day | Paper report on site |
| Certified copy | Higher fee | Several business days | Sealed paper record |
Criminal History Accuracy and Limitations
Criminal history records are only as good as the data in them. Mistakes can happen when agencies send data late or in the wrong format. You should always check the records for errors. A wrong record can hurt jobs, housing, and other parts of life.
Confirming the Correct Person
The first step is to make sure you have the right person. Names and birth dates can match more than one person. You should compare the report to an ID or other papers. A wrong match can lead to bad decisions.
Name Matches
Common names lead to many matches in the system. You may see several people with the same name. Residents can also access official court records to verify current details. The date of birth helps narrow the results. You should review every match before you pick one.
Date of Birth Verification
The date of birth is a key fact for matching records. You should check that the birth date on the report matches the ID. A small mistake can lead you to the wrong person. Always verify the birth date before you trust the result.
Duplicate Records
Duplicate records can show up when the same case is listed more than once. This can happen when agencies send the same data twice. You should report duplicates to the State Highway Patrol. They can fix the record for future searches.
Outdated Data
Some records may be old or out of date. Courts may have updated a case, but the state system has not yet. You should check the court records too for the most current data. Outdated records can give you the wrong picture of a person.
Missing Records
Some records may be missing from the state system. This can happen when agencies have not sent the data yet. You can ask the court or the police agency for missing data. Missing records do not mean a person has no criminal history.
Differences Between Criminal History Sources
Different sources can show different data for the same case. The state system shows one view. The court system shows another view. Police agencies show a third view. You should compare sources to get the full picture.
Search Problems
Search problems happen often with criminal history checks. Most problems have simple fixes you can try. You should not give up after one failed search. The tips below cover the most common search issues.
No Criminal History Found
A “no record found” result means the system did not match the person to any case. This can happen when the name is spelled wrong or the birth date is off. You should try again with a different spelling. You can also try a Social Security Number if you have one.
Incorrect Name
An incorrect name is the top reason searches fail. You should check the spelling on the ID or court papers. Nicknames and shortened names can cause problems. Try the legal name from an official paper.
Too Many Matching Records
Too many matches can happen with common names. You should add more details like a middle name or birth date. You can also narrow the search by county or year. Review each match to find the right one.
Missing Case Data
Missing case data means the system has no file for a case you know about. This can happen when the court has not sent the data yet. You can ask the court clerk for the file directly. The state system updates daily, so data can show up later.
Sealed or Restricted Records
Sealed or restricted records will not show up in a normal search. You cannot get these records without a court order. Only certain agencies can see them. If you need sealed records, you must ask the court that sealed them.
Delayed Record Updates
Record updates can take time to show up in the state system. Courts send data after they finish a case. Police send data after they close an arrest. You should wait a few days and try the search again.
Conflicting Criminal History Data
Conflicting data happens when two sources show different outcomes. The state system and the court system can disagree for a short time. You should trust the court system as the final word. The state system will catch up over time.
Criminal History and Related Searches
Criminal history is one of many search types you can run. Other searches cover courts, arrests, and public records. Each search gives you a different view. The table below shows how criminal history compares to other search types.
| Search Type | What It Shows | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal History | Arrests, charges, convictions, dispositions | Full background checks |
| Criminal Records | Police and arrest files | Quick arrest checks |
| Criminal Court Records | Court files and orders | Legal case details |
| Arrest Records | Police booking and arrest data | Arrest-only checks |
| Background Checks | Criminal, work, and credit data | Job and rental screening |
| Inmate Records | Current and past jail or prison stays | Finding people in custody |
| Public Records | Birth, death, marriage, and court data | General person checks |
Criminal History vs. Criminal Records
Criminal history is a full summary of arrests, charges, and outcomes. Criminal records focus on police files and arrest data. Criminal history covers more ground. You should use criminal history for most background checks.
Criminal History vs. Criminal Court Records
Criminal history shows the state summary of a case. Criminal court records show the full court file. Court records have every paper and order. Use court records when you need deep case details.
Criminal History vs. Arrest Records
Criminal history covers arrests and court outcomes. Arrest records cover only the police side. An arrest record does not show the court result. You should check criminal history for a full view.
Criminal History vs. Background Checks
Criminal history is one part of a full background check. A background check also covers jobs, credit, and other data. Criminal history is the legal part. Use criminal history when you only need legal data.
Criminal History vs. Inmate Records
Criminal history covers all past legal cases. Inmate records show current and past jail stays. A person can have a criminal history with no inmate record. Use inmate records to find people in custody.
Criminal History vs. Public Records
Criminal history is part of the public records system. Public records also cover birth, death, marriage, and other data. Criminal history is the legal part of public records. Use public records when you need a full person search.
Contact Details
You can reach the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services division for help with criminal history searches. The office is in Jefferson City, Missouri. You can call, email, or visit the office during business hours. The staff can answer questions about search methods, fees, and record requests.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Missouri State Highway Patrol — Criminal Justice Information Services |
| Phone | 573-526-6153 |
| ucr@mshp.dps.mo.gov | |
| Address | 1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 |
| Official Website | https://apps.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/index.html |
| Direct Search Portal | https://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/crimRecChk.html |
| Office Hours | See current MSHP CJIS service hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a clear view of a person’s legal background can help landlords, employers, and community members make safe choices. Missouri’s State Highway Patrol runs the online system that stores St Louis County MO criminal history records. The site shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and more. Searches are fast, cost‑effective, and open to anyone who follows the rules.
How can I search St Louis County MO criminal history online?
First, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services page. Next, click the link labeled “Criminal History Search.” Then, enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and, if available, social security number. Also, choose the St Louis County MO option from the county list. Finally, submit the form and the system will generate a PDF report within minutes for most queries.
How long does a St Louis County MO criminal history search?
Most name‑based searches finish within a few minutes after you submit the request. First, the system checks the central repository for matching records. Next, it compiles the data into a PDF. Then, the file becomes available for download. Only rare cases that need extra verification may take up to 24 hours.
What are the fees for a St Louis County MO criminal background check?
The standard charge for a name‑based St Louis County MO criminal history search is $15.00 per individual. First, you pay the fee online through the state’s payment portal. Then, the system adds a small processing surcharge. Finally, you receive a receipt and the search results without any hidden costs.
Can I get a St Louis County MO criminal case history for a closed case?
Closed case details require a fingerprint‑based search. First, schedule an appointment with IDEMIA, the state fingerprint vendor. Next, submit the completed FD‑258 fingerprint card with a $20.00 fee. Then, the system returns a full report that includes both open and closed case information for St Louis County MO.
Who can request a St Louis County MO arrest records search and why?
Anyone with a legitimate need may request the records. Employers use the data to verify job applicants. landlords check potential tenants for safety. Schools may review volunteers. First, the requester must create an account on the CJIS portal. Then, they submit the required personal identifiers and pay the fee. Finally, the system provides the arrest history for St Louis County MO.