Warrant Search

Missouri Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Missouri

Pursuant to Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly known as the Missouri Sunshine Law, warrants are considered public records in the state of Missouri. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to judicial proceedings and law enforcement actions. The public nature of warrant records serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system while also promoting public safety.

The Missouri Sunshine Law specifically designates court records, including warrants, as open to public inspection unless specifically closed by statute or court order. According to § 610.011, public records shall be presumed open unless otherwise provided by law. This presumption of openness applies to warrant records maintained by courts and law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Members of the public may access warrant information through various channels, including Missouri Case.net, the state's online court records system. However, certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed under § 542.276 if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or present a clear risk to public safety.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Missouri?

Warrant records in Missouri typically contain comprehensive information as prescribed by § 542.276 for search warrants and § 455.085 for arrest warrants. Standard components of Missouri warrant records include:

  • Subject identification information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and known aliases of the individual
  • Warrant classification: Designation as an arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other specialized type
  • Case number: The unique identifier assigned by the issuing court
  • Issuing authority: Name of the judge or magistrate who approved the warrant
  • Date of issuance: When the warrant was officially signed and entered into effect
  • Statutory violations: Specific Missouri statutes allegedly violated, with reference to applicable code sections
  • Probable cause statement: Summary of facts establishing reasonable grounds for the warrant
  • Bond information: Amount and conditions of bail, if applicable
  • Service status: Whether the warrant remains active or has been executed

The Missouri Revisor of Statutes provides the legal framework governing warrant content requirements under § 542.276, which mandates that search warrants particularly describe the person, place, or thing to be searched and the property to be seized.

How to Check For Warrants in Missouri For Free

Missouri residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by state and local authorities:

  1. County Sheriff's Offices: Most county sheriff departments maintain public terminals for warrant searches. For example:

    Boone County Sheriff's Department
    2121 County Drive
    Columbia, MO 65202
    (573) 875-1111
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Active Warrants Database

  2. Municipal Court Websites: Many city courts provide online warrant verification services, such as:

    Springfield Municipal Court
    625 N. Boonville Avenue
    Springfield, MO 65802
    (417) 864-1890
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Municipal Warrants Search

  3. Missouri Case.net: The state's centralized court information system allows free searches of court records, including many warrant entries. Users may search by name through the Missouri Case.net portal.

  4. Missouri State Highway Patrol: The MSHP provides limited public access to warrant information through their headquarters:

    Missouri State Highway Patrol Headquarters
    1510 East Elm Street
    Jefferson City, MO 65101
    (573) 751-3313
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Missouri State Highway Patrol

Pursuant to § 610.011, these resources are maintained as a public service and do not require payment for basic warrant verification.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Missouri in 2025

As of 2025, Missouri residents seeking to determine their warrant status have access to several official verification methods established by state authorities:

  1. Direct Court Inquiry: Individuals may contact the Circuit Clerk's office in any county where they believe a warrant might have been issued. Court staff can provide warrant status information upon verification of identity. For example:

    St. Louis County Circuit Court
    105 South Central Avenue
    Clayton, MO 63105
    (314) 615-8029
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    St. Louis County Courts

  2. Enhanced Case.net Access: The Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator has expanded the Case.net system to include comprehensive warrant information across all jurisdictions.

  3. Automated Warrant Notification System: The Missouri Department of Public Safety now offers an opt-in notification service that alerts registrants to warrant status changes through the Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services.

  4. Legal Representation Inquiry: Attorneys licensed in Missouri can access warrant information on behalf of clients through secure judicial portals. The Missouri Bar Association maintains a referral service for individuals seeking legal assistance with warrant matters.

Pursuant to § 542.276 and § 455.085, warrant information is maintained as a matter of public record unless specifically sealed by judicial order.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Missouri

The verification of outstanding warrants in Missouri follows established protocols under state law. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:

  1. County Sheriff Warrant Divisions: Each county sheriff's department maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction. For example:

    Jackson County Sheriff's Office
    4001 NE Lakewood Court
    Lee's Summit, MO 64064
    (816) 541-8017
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
    Jackson County Sheriff

  2. Statewide Law Enforcement Database: The Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) contains warrant information accessible through:

    Missouri State Highway Patrol - Criminal Justice Information Services
    1510 East Elm Street
    Jefferson City, MO 65101
    (573) 526-6153
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Criminal Record Check Services

  3. Automated Court Information: The Missouri Case.net system provides searchable access to court records, including warrant information from participating jurisdictions.

  4. Municipal Court Records: City courts maintain independent warrant databases, such as:

    St. Louis Municipal Court
    1520 Market Street, Suite 1120
    St. Louis, MO 63103
    (314) 622-3231
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    St. Louis Municipal Court Search

Pursuant to § 610.011 of the Missouri Sunshine Law, these records are maintained as public information with certain statutory exceptions for sealed or confidential matters.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants issued in Missouri fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Courts and federal law enforcement agencies. The process for verifying federal warrants differs from state procedures and involves the following authorized channels:

  1. U.S. District Courts: The federal court system maintains records of warrants issued within their jurisdiction:

    U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Missouri
    Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
    111 South 10th Street
    St. Louis, MO 63102
    (314) 244-7900
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Eastern District of Missouri

    U.S. District Court - Western District of Missouri
    Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse
    400 East 9th Street
    Kansas City, MO 64106
    (816) 512-5000
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Western District of Missouri

  2. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies with jurisdiction in Missouri can provide limited information regarding federal warrants:

    Federal Bureau of Investigation - St. Louis Division
    2222 Market Street
    St. Louis, MO 63103
    (314) 589-2500
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM
    FBI St. Louis

  3. U.S. Marshals Service: This agency is responsible for executing federal warrants and maintains warrant information:

    U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Missouri
    Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
    111 South 10th Street, Suite 8.208
    St. Louis, MO 63102
    (314) 539-2212
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    U.S. Marshals Service

Federal warrant searches are governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1651 and related federal statutes. Unlike state warrants, federal warrant information may be subject to additional restrictions under federal privacy laws and Department of Justice policies.

Search Warrant Records in Missouri