Felony Records in Missouri describe serious criminal offenses punishable by more than one year of confinement, ranging from violent crimes to large‑scale drug offenses. In St Louis County MO, these records are filed with the 21st Judicial Circuit and include details such as the defendant’s name, case number, filing date, and specific felony charges. Users can perform a St Louis County MO felony records search by entering a name or case number into the state’s online portal, which returns the full docket, indictment documents, court filings, and the final disposition. The system also enables a St Louis County MO felony record lookup by case number, revealing whether the outcome was a conviction, plea, dismissal, or deferred disposition. Understanding the structure of a St Louis County MO felony case record helps investigators, employers, and citizens verify legal status while respecting privacy rules that protect sealed or juvenile information. Each entry links to the associated St Louis County MO felony court records, providing a transparent view of the judicial process.
Felony Records accessed through the St Louis County MO felony case search provide a snapshot of legal outcomes that can influence housing, employment, and licensing decisions. The online database displays St Louis County MO felony case number, charges, and the court where the matter was heard, whether it be the Circuit Court or a municipal clerk’s office. When a St Louis County MO felony records online query returns a result, users can download the indictment papers, hearing transcripts, and sentencing details such as incarceration length, fines, and community supervision requirements. For those needing a certified copy, the clerk’s office processes a St Louis County MO felony record request, though fees may apply unless a fee waiver is granted. Privacy safeguards ensure that St Louis County MO felony records that are sealed, expunged, or pertain to juveniles are excluded from public view. By reviewing the St Louis County MO criminal court records, individuals gain insight into the case status, disposition, and any pending appeals, fostering informed community awareness.
How to Search Felony Records
You can search St Louis County MO felony records through the Missouri state court online portal, which holds case data from the 21st Judicial Circuit. The portal lets you pull docket entries, filing dates, charges, and final outcomes for felony cases filed in this county. Residents can also access official released inmates to verify current details. You do not need an account to view basic case data, but creating a free login gives you access to saved searches and document downloads.
Official Search Portal: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
Steps to Search
- Open the Missouri CaseNet portal using the link above.
- Click the “Search by Name” or “Search by Case Number” button on the home screen.
- Enter the defendant’s full legal name or case number in the search field.
- Select “St. Louis County” from the county dropdown list.
- Choose “Felony” under the case type filter when prompted.
- Review the results list and click the matching case to open the full docket.
- Download or print any filings, orders, or disposition documents you need.
Search by Defendant Name
A name-based search works best when you know the full legal name of the defendant as it appears on court filings. The system looks at last name, first name, and middle initial to narrow down results. You can enter partial spellings if you are unsure of the exact name. Results will show all matching cases in St Louis County, sorted by filing date.
Search by Case Number
If you already have the case number, this method gives you the fastest and most exact results. Case numbers for the 21st Judicial Circuit follow a set format that includes the year and a sequence code. Enter the full number, including any prefix letters, to avoid missing the record.
Search by Filing Date
A date-based search helps when you know roughly when the case was opened. You can set a date range using the calendar tool on the portal. This filter pairs well with a name search to confirm you found the right case from the right year.
Search by Court
You can limit your search to a specific court within St Louis County. Some felony cases are heard at the main courthouse in Clayton, while others go to associate circuit courts. Selecting the right court speeds up your search and cuts down on extra results.
Information Needed for a Search
You will need at least one of the following to start a felony records search in St Louis County: a full legal name, a case number, or a filing date range. Knowing the court location also helps narrow down results. The more details you have, the fewer false matches you will see.
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Felony case number
- Filing date or year of the case
- Court division where the case was heard
Information in Felony Records
A felony record in St Louis County includes structured details that tell the full story of the case from start to finish. Each entry links to the indictment, court filings, hearings, and final outcome. Knowing what each field means helps you read a docket quickly and pull only the documents you need.
Defendant Information
The defendant’s full name, date of birth, and last known address appear at the top of every case file. You will also see identifying details like a state identification number when listed. This section confirms you are viewing the right person before you read the charges or outcome.
Case Number
The case number is the unique identifier assigned by the clerk when the felony charge is filed. It stays with the case through every stage, from arraignment to sentencing. Use this number when ordering certified copies or following up with the clerk’s office.
Filing Date
The filing date shows the day the prosecutor formally charged the defendant. It marks the start of the public court record. Older filings may take longer to appear online due to digitization timelines.
Court Information
This field lists the specific court that handled the case, such as the St Louis County Circuit Court or a division within it. It also shows the assigned judge’s name. Knowing the court helps you request records from the right clerk’s office.
Offense Information
The offense section names the specific felony charged under Missouri law, along with the statute number. You will see the charge class (A, B, C, or D felony) and any enhancements. Multiple charges can appear in one case file.
Case Status
The status field tells you where the case stands right now, such as open, pending, or closed. Active cases show recent hearing dates. Closed cases display the final outcome and any post-conviction activity.
Case Disposition
Disposition shows the end result of the felony case. Common dispositions include conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or deferred prosecution. The date of disposition is also listed for reference.
| Record Field | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Defendant Name | Confirms the identity of the person charged |
| Case Number | Unique ID for tracking the case |
| Filing Date | Date the felony charge was filed |
| Court Division | Which court heard the case |
| Charge Details | Statute number and felony class |
| Disposition | Final outcome of the case |
Felony Case Records
Felony case records include every document filed with the court from charging to sentencing. The Missouri CaseNet system stores these records and makes them viewable online. You can open individual documents as PDF files once you locate the right case.
Indictments and Charging Documents
An indictment is the formal charging document issued by a grand jury for most felony cases in St Louis County. It lists each count and the law the defendant is accused of breaking. The information or complaint serves the same role for cases that bypass the grand jury.
Court Filings
Filings include every motion, response, and brief submitted by either side during the case. They give you a clear timeline of legal arguments and procedural steps. Most filings are public unless sealed by court order.
Motions and Responses
Motions ask the court to take action, such as suppressing evidence or dismissing a charge. Responses are the opposing side’s written reply. Together, they show how the defense and prosecution shaped the case before trial.
Hearing Records
Hearing records capture the date, type, and outcome of each court appearance. They include arraignments, pretrial conferences, and motion hearings. You can use these records to track how often the case appeared before a judge.
Court Orders
Court orders are official rulings issued by the judge on specific requests or motions. They cover decisions on bond, evidence, continuances, and other procedural matters. Signed orders carry the full weight of the court.
Judgment and Sentencing Records
The judgment document shows the court’s final decision after trial or plea. Sentencing records list the exact punishment, including prison time, probation, fines, and restitution. These documents close the case file.
Felony Case Outcomes
Every felony case ends with one of several standard outcomes, each recorded in the court file. The outcome you see depends on the facts, the plea deal, and the judge’s ruling. Reading the disposition section gives you the full picture of how the case resolved.
Convictions
A conviction happens when the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial. The conviction becomes part of the public record and triggers sentencing. Convicted felons face the penalties outlined under Missouri law for the specific offense class.
Acquittals
An acquittal means the court found the defendant not guilty after trial. The case is closed, and the defendant cannot be retried for the same charge. Acquittal records remain public but show no conviction on the defendant’s history.
Dismissals
A dismissal happens when the prosecutor drops the case or the court rules the charge cannot proceed. Common reasons include lack of evidence or procedural errors. Dismissed cases still appear in the record unless sealed.
Plea-Based Outcomes
Many felony cases end with a guilty plea or a no contest plea in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. The plea agreement becomes part of the public record. You can view the terms by opening the plea hearing transcript.
Deferred Dispositions
A deferred disposition places the defendant on supervised probation instead of a conviction. If the defendant completes the terms, the charge may be dismissed. Residents can also access official arrest records to verify current details. This outcome is common for first-time felony offenders in Missouri.
Probation Outcomes
Probation sentences release the defendant into the community under court supervision instead of prison. Probation terms include reporting rules, fines, and treatment programs. Violations can lead to revoked probation and active incarceration.
Felony Sentencing Information
Felony sentencing in St Louis County follows Missouri’s sentencing guidelines, which set minimum and maximum terms for each offense class. The judge has discretion within those limits based on the facts of the case. Sentencing records list every penalty ordered by the court.
Incarceration Sentences
Incarceration sentences range from one year to life in prison, depending on the felony class. The Department of Corrections manages placement after sentencing. The court order specifies whether time is served concurrently or consecutively with other sentences.
Community Supervision
Community supervision, often called parole or probation, releases the defendant under set conditions after serving part of the sentence. The Board of Probation and Parole oversees the supervision. Violations can return the offender to prison.
Fines and Court Costs
Fines punish the defendant financially and compensate the state for court costs. The amount depends on the offense and any statutory surcharges. Failure to pay can lead to additional penalties or a civil judgment.
Restitution Orders
Restitution orders require the defendant to pay back victims for financial losses tied to the crime. The amount is set at sentencing and tracked by the court. Restitution continues even after other sentences end.
Other Sentencing Conditions
Additional conditions may include drug treatment, counseling, no-contact orders, or community service hours. The judge sets these based on the offense and the defendant’s history. Compliance is monitored by the probation officer assigned to the case.
| Felony Class | Maximum Prison Term | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Life or 10–30 years | First-degree murder, armed robbery |
| Class B | 5–15 years | Second-degree robbery, drug distribution |
| Class C | 3–10 years | Forgery, burglary |
| Class D | Up to 7 years | Assault, certain drug possession |
| Class E | Up to 4 years | Tampering, some fraud offenses |
St Louis County MO Felony Records Access
Most felony records in St Louis County are public under Missouri’s open records law. You can view them online, at the courthouse, or through the clerk’s office. Some records are sealed or restricted by law, especially those involving juveniles or expunged cases.
Public Case Information
Public case data includes the defendant’s name, charges, court dates, and final outcome. You can access this information through the Missouri CaseNet portal without paying a fee. Document copies may require a small fee per page.
Online Court Records
The online portal gives you 24-hour access to dockets, filings, and orders from the 21st Judicial Circuit. Records are updated regularly, but there can be a short delay between filing and online posting. You can save searches and set up alerts for case activity.
Clerk’s Office Records
The St Louis County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the official physical and digital files for every felony case. Office staff can help you locate records, certify copies, and answer questions about access. Visit during regular business hours for in-person service.
Restricted Information
Restricted records include personal details like Social Security numbers, financial account data, and certain witness identities. The court seals this information to protect privacy and safety. You must request a court order to view restricted documents.
Sealed Records
Sealed records are removed from public view by a judge’s order. Common reasons include expungement, juvenile cases, and completed diversion programs. Even online searches will not return sealed case data.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Felony records involving minors are treated differently under Missouri law. Most juvenile records are sealed and not visible on the public portal. Access requires a court order or a request through the juvenile division.
Obtaining Felony Records
You can get felony records from St Louis County through online, mail, or in-person requests. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the documents and whether you need certified copies. The clerk’s office processes all official record requests.
Online Requests
Online requests through the Missouri CaseNet portal let you download non-certified documents for free or at low cost. You will need the case number or defendant details to start. Online access is the fastest option for basic docket information.
Clerk Office Requests
You can submit a written request to the clerk’s office by mail or email. Include the case number, defendant’s full name, and a list of documents you need. The office will send back copies along with any applicable fees.
In-Person Requests
Visit the St Louis County Courthouse at 105 South Central Avenue in Clayton to request records in person. Staff will help you locate the files and process certified copy requests on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID for identification.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the official court seal and are accepted by employers, licensing boards, and government agencies. You can request them from the clerk’s office in person or by mail. Each certified copy comes with a set fee.
Identification Requirements
You must show a valid government-issued photo ID when requesting records in person. The clerk may also ask for the case number and your relationship to the case. Third-party requests may require written authorization from the defendant.
Copy Fees and Processing Times
Standard copies cost a small fee per page under Missouri law. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. Processing times range from same-day service for in-person requests to several business days for mailed requests.
- Standard copy fee per page
- Certified copy certification fee
- Search fee when the case number is unknown
- Postage fee for mailed copies
Felony Record Accuracy and Availability
St Louis County felony records are maintained by the clerk and updated after every court action. Even so, you may find delays, missing entries, or outdated details. Always verify the information before relying on it for legal, employment, or personal decisions.
Confirming the Correct Defendant
Two people can share a name, so always confirm date of birth and address details before drawing conclusions. The online portal includes identifiers that help you match the right person. If you are unsure, contact the clerk’s office for help verifying the record.
Matching the Case Number
A single typo in the case number can lead to a “no record found” result. Double-check the number against any paperwork you have. The format follows a specific pattern, so look for missing letters or extra digits.
Verifying the Court
Make sure the case was heard in St Louis County and not another jurisdiction. Cases in nearby St. Louis City use a separate court system. Filtering by the correct county helps you avoid mismatches.
Recently Filed Cases
New felony filings can take a few days to appear online. If your search returns nothing for a recent case, wait and try again. The clerk’s office will have the most current information during business hours.
Delayed Record Updates
Court events are recorded after they happen, which can cause a short delay between the event and the online update. Major filings like dispositions may take longer to post. Check the docket date stamp for the most recent activity.
Missing Documents
Some documents may not appear online even if they exist in the physical file. You can request copies directly from the clerk’s office. Residents can also access official inmate search to verify current details. Sealed or restricted records will not show up at all in public searches.
Records Held by Another Court
Federal felony cases and out-of-state charges are not held in St Louis County records. You will need to contact the federal court or the relevant state agency for those records. The Missouri CaseNet portal only shows Missouri state court cases.
Search Problems
Search problems usually come down to small errors in spelling, filtering, or jurisdiction. Knowing the common issues helps you solve them faster. Below are the most frequent problems users face when searching St Louis County felony records.
No Record Found
A “no record found” message means your search did not match any active or closed cases. Try different spellings, remove middle initials, or expand the date range. You can also search by case number if you have one.
Incorrect Defendant Name
Nicknames, married names, and typos can prevent records from showing up. Use the defendant’s full legal name as listed on court documents. If you are unsure, check related records like marriage or driver records for name variations.
Incorrect Case Number
Even one wrong digit will block a case from appearing. Verify the number on any notice, summons, or prior paperwork. Case numbers also include a year prefix, so confirm the year matches the case you want.
Wrong Court or County
If the case was heard in a different county or in federal court, it will not appear in St Louis County results. Check the original charging paperwork to confirm the jurisdiction before searching.
Missing Case Documents
Not every document is uploaded online, especially older cases. Some filings are kept only in the physical file. You can request paper copies from the clerk’s office for a small fee.
Restricted Record
Sealed or restricted records do not show up in standard searches. You will need a court order to view them. Some expunged records are removed entirely from the public system.
Delayed Case Information
Recent activity may not be posted yet due to processing times. Try again after a few days or contact the clerk’s office for the latest status. Major updates like sentencing can take a week or more to appear online.
Felony Records and Related Records
Felony records are one piece of a larger set of criminal justice data. They differ from arrest records, criminal history, and background checks in important ways. Knowing the differences helps you find the right record for your needs.
Felony Records vs. Criminal Records
Felony records cover only the most serious charges punishable by more than one year in prison. Criminal records include both felonies and less serious offenses like misdemeanors. Felony records carry greater legal weight for background checks.
Felony Records vs. Criminal History
A criminal history compiles every conviction, arrest, and disposition for one person across all courts. A felony record is just the felony portion of that history. Employers often request criminal history, which includes both felony and misdemeanor entries.
Felony Records vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records show the police took someone into custody but do not prove a conviction. Felony records show the charges and the court’s final decision. An arrest without charges will not appear in the felony case file.
Felony Records vs. Court Records
Court records include every type of case, from traffic tickets to civil disputes. Felony records are a subset of court records limited to serious criminal cases. Searching by case type narrows your results to felony entries.
Felony Records vs. Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor records cover minor offenses punishable by less than one year in jail. Felony records cover serious offenses with longer potential sentences. Both types appear in CaseNet but are listed under separate case classifications.
Felony Records vs. Background Checks
Background checks are private reports compiled by screening companies for employers or landlords. They may pull from court records, credit reports, and other sources. Felony records alone do not give the full picture of a background check.
- Felony records come from state court filings
- Background checks may include credit, employment, and civil data
- Felony records are public; background checks are private
- Background checks may cost money; online felony searches are often free
Contact Information for St Louis County Courts
You can reach the St Louis County Courts through the 21st Judicial Circuit for help with felony record searches, certified copies, and case questions. The main courthouse is located in Clayton, and office staff are available during business hours.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | St. Louis County Courts — 21st Judicial Circuit |
| Phone | 314-615-8029 |
| Address | 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105 |
| Office Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM |
| Official Website | https://stlcountycourts.com/ |
| Records Search Portal | https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do |
| Not listed for general court records | |
| 311 Service | No countywide 311 number verified; use the listed department phone |
Frequently Asked Questions
St Louis County MO felony records help residents, employers, and legal professionals confirm court outcomes. The public portal shows charges, filing dates, case numbers, and final dispositions for felonies filed in the 21st Judicial Circuit. Accessing this data clarifies legal status, supports background checks, and assists in personal record keeping.
How can I search St Louis County MO felony records online?
Visit the Missouri case.net website, select the 21st Judicial Circuit, and enter the defendant’s name or case number. The system displays docket entries, charge details, filing dates, and disposition status. Users can create a free account to save searches and download PDFs of court documents. Results appear instantly for most recent filings, while older entries may take a few minutes to load.
What information does a St Louis County MO felony case lookup?
A case lookup returns the full docket, including the felony charge code, statutory reference, date the case was filed, and any court orders issued. It also lists hearing dates, plea information, and the final judgment such as guilty, dismissed, or acquitted. When available, the portal shows sentencing details like imprisonment length, fines, or probation conditions. This overview lets users understand the case’s progress without contacting the clerk’s office.
Can I find a specific St Louis County MO felony case number?
Yes, the search tool accepts case numbers directly. Type the number in the case‑number field and press Search. The portal returns the exact record, displaying the defendant’s name, charge description, and current status. If the case is still open, the system also shows upcoming court dates and any pending motions. This feature saves time compared with manual file reviews.
Why might a St Louis County MO felony record not appear?
Several reasons can cause a missing record. The case may be sealed or expunged under Missouri law, preventing public access. Some municipal courts have not yet uploaded their data to case.net, so recent filings might be absent. Additionally, misspellings or incorrect middle initials can lead to a failed search; using the phonetic option helps capture variant spellings. Finally, records older than the system’s archive limit may require a request to the clerk’s office.
Are there fees or time limits for obtaining certified copies?
Certified copies incur a small processing fee that the clerk’s office collects at the time of request. After payment, the office prepares the document within a few business days, although high demand can extend the wait. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person during regular office hours. The fee and processing time are posted on the court’s website, ensuring transparency for all applicants.