St. Louis Public Records / St. Louis County Arrest Records

St. Louis County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in St. Louis County

Arrest records in St. Louis County are considered public information under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified in Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Pursuant to § 610.011, all governmental records are presumed to be open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This statute establishes that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in St. Louis County are generally accessible to members of the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, as mandated by § 43.500 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Under this authority, arrest records from St. Louis County law enforcement agencies are compiled and maintained at the state level.

It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process

The St. Louis County Police Department maintains records of arrests made within its jurisdiction in accordance with the Missouri Criminal Records Repository guidelines. While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would:

Interfere with an ongoing investigation
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Reveal the identity of confidential sources
Endanger the life or physical safety of any individual

What's in St. Louis County Arrest Records

St. Louis County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed
Property inventory
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions
Whether bond was posted
Date of release if bond was posted

Court Information:

Court case number
Assigned court
Scheduled court appearances
Name of judge assigned to case
Prosecutor information

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date (if applicable)
Parole or probation information (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Immigration status
Victim information (often redacted in public records)

The St. Louis County Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Missouri's Criminal Records Repository requirements.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Louis County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in St. Louis County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a request to the St. Louis County Police Department Records Division

Individuals may submit a written request for arrest records in person, by mail, or via email to:

St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-5360
St. Louis County Police Department

Requesters must provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
- Valid government-issued photo identification
Request records from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services Division

The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest records from St. Louis County. Requests can be submitted:

Missouri State Highway Patrol - CJIS Division
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-526-6153
Missouri Criminal Records Repository
Visit the St. Louis County Circuit Court

Court records related to arrests may be accessed at:

St. Louis County Circuit Court
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-8029
St. Louis County Circuit Court

Requesters should:
- Provide the case number if available
- Know the full name of the individual
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies
Submit a Sunshine Law request

Pursuant to Missouri's Sunshine Law (§ 610.023), citizens may submit a formal records request to any law enforcement agency in St. Louis County that may maintain arrest records. Requests should:
- Be made in writing
- Clearly identify the records sought
- Include contact information for response
- Acknowledge willingness to pay reasonable fees for search and duplication

Fees for arrest record searches typically range from $5-$20 per name search, with additional charges for certified copies. Processing times vary from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and the agency's workload.

How To Find St. Louis County Arrest Records Online

St. Louis County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

St. Louis County Jail Inmate Lookup

The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released:
- Navigate to the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services website
- Select "Inmate Lookup" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and custody status
This system is updated regularly but may not include complete arrest record information.
Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers online access to criminal history information, including arrest records from St. Louis County:
- Visit the MACHS website
- Create a user account or log in
- Select "Name-Based Criminal Record Check"
- Enter the required information and pay the applicable fee ($14.00 per search)
- Receive results electronically, typically within 24 hours
This system provides official criminal history information maintained by the state's central repository.
Missouri Case.net

The Missouri Judiciary maintains an online case information system that includes criminal cases resulting from arrests in St. Louis County:
- Access Missouri Case.net
- Select "Litigant Search" from the search options
- Enter the individual's name
- Filter results by selecting "St. Louis County" as the location
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
While Case.net does not provide the actual arrest record, it offers information about criminal cases that resulted from arrests.
St. Louis County Police Department Incident Reports

Recent incident reports, which may include arrest information, can be accessed online:
- Visit the St. Louis County Police Department website
- Navigate to the "Online Services" section
- Select "Incident Reports"
- Search by date range, location, or incident type
- Review available reports, which may include arrest information

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that:

Not all arrest records are available online
Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
Some systems require payment of fees for access
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Records may not be updated in real-time

How To Search St. Louis County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing St. Louis County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods provide basic information, though they may offer less comprehensive data than paid services. The following free resources are currently available:

St. Louis County Department of Justice Services Inmate Lookup

The county maintains a free online database of current inmates:
- Access the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" feature
- Enter the individual's name
- View basic information including booking date, charges, and custody status
This resource is limited to individuals currently in custody or recently released.
Missouri Case.net Public Access

The Missouri court system provides free access to court records, which often contain information about arrests:
- Visit Missouri Case.net
- No account creation is required
- Search by name, selecting St. Louis County as the jurisdiction
- Review case information including charges, court dates, and case disposition
While this system does not provide the actual arrest record, it offers information about criminal proceedings resulting from arrests.
In-Person Review at Law Enforcement Agencies

Pursuant to Missouri's Sunshine Law (§ 610.023), individuals may inspect public records without charge at the maintaining agency:

St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-5360
St. Louis County Police Department

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Provide specific information about the record sought
- Records may be viewed on-site at no charge
- Fees apply only if copies are requested
Municipal Police Department Websites

Several municipalities within St. Louis County maintain their own police departments with free online resources:
These websites may provide recent arrest logs, daily bulletins, or other arrest information at no cost.
Public Library Access

St. Louis County Library branches offer free computer access that can be used to search public databases:

St. Louis County Library Headquarters
1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63131
314-994-3300
St. Louis County Library

Library staff may also assist patrons in locating public records resources.

When using free resources to access arrest records, requesters should be aware of these limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
Records may not include complete arrest details
Historical records may not be available through free resources
Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Free resources may not be updated as frequently as official databases

How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Louis County

Under Missouri law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of certain arrest records maintained in St. Louis County. These processes are governed by § 610.122 and § 610.140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement: The complete removal of an arrest record from public view and most government databases. After expungement, the record is treated as if it never occurred.
Sealing: The restriction of public access to records while maintaining them for limited official use. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not accessible to the general public.

Eligibility for Expungement in St. Louis County

Pursuant to § 610.122, arrest records may be eligible for expungement if:

The arrest was based on false information
No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
The case was dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The arrest was for a misdemeanor and at least three years have passed since disposition
The arrest was for a felony and at least seven years have passed since disposition

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:

Class A felonies
Dangerous felonies as defined in § 556.061
Sexual offenses requiring registration
Felony offenses where death was an element of the offense
Driving while intoxicated or driving with excessive blood alcohol content

Steps to Expunge Arrest Records in St. Louis County

Obtain certified copies of arrest records

Request records from:

St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-5360
St. Louis County Police Department
Complete the Petition for Expungement
- Obtain the petition form from the St. Louis County Circuit Court
- Complete all sections with accurate information
- Include all agencies that may have records of the arrest
- Attach certified copies of relevant court documents
File the petition with the St. Louis County Circuit Court

St. Louis County Circuit Court
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-8029
St. Louis County Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (currently $250, though fee waivers may be available)
- Obtain a hearing date from the clerk
Serve copies of the petition
- Serve the prosecuting attorney's office
- Serve all law enforcement agencies named in the petition
- Serve the Missouri State Highway Patrol
- File proof of service with the court
Attend the expungement hearing
- Present evidence supporting the petition
- Address any objections raised by law enforcement or prosecutors
- Receive the judge's decision
If granted, distribute the expungement order
- Obtain certified copies of the order
- Send copies to all agencies that maintain the arrest record
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order

The entire expungement process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to final order. Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal representation, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and court procedures.

What Happens After Arrest in St. Louis County?

Following an arrest in St. Louis County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Missouri law and local procedures. This process includes several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a booking facility where:
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in holding cell or detention area
This process typically occurs at the St. Louis County Justice Center or at municipal police stations for minor offenses.
Initial Appearance and Bond Determination

Within 24-48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines eligibility for public defender
- Sets bond amount and conditions
- Schedules next court appearance
Bond may be set as:
- Cash bond (full amount must be paid)
- Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Personal recognizance (release without payment)
- No bond (for serious offenses or flight risks)
Formal Charging Decision

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the case and decides whether to:
- File formal charges
- Decline prosecution
- Request additional investigation
- Refer to diversion program
This decision typically occurs within days of arrest for misdemeanors and within weeks for felonies.
Arraignment

If formal charges are filed, the defendant appears for arraignment where:
- Formal charges are read
- Defendant enters initial plea (guilty or not guilty)
- Discovery process begins
- Preliminary hearing date is set (for felonies)
- Trial date may be scheduled
Preliminary Proceedings

For felony cases, additional proceedings include:
- Preliminary hearing to establish probable cause
- Grand jury review (in some cases)
- Pre-trial motions and hearings
- Plea negotiations between defense and prosecution
Case Resolution

The case may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement (most common)
- Trial by judge or jury
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion to treatment program
- Deferred prosecution
Sentencing (if convicted)

Sentencing options in St. Louis County include:
- Incarceration in county jail (misdemeanors)
- Imprisonment in state facility (felonies)
- Probation with conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
Post-Conviction

Following conviction, individuals may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Serve the imposed sentence
- Apply for early release or parole
- Seek expungement after completing sentence

Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies including the arresting police department, St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, St. Louis County Circuit Court, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Louis County?

Arrest records in St. Louis County are subject to retention requirements established by Missouri state law and local records management policies. The Missouri Secretary of State's Local Records Retention Schedules governs how long these records must be maintained.

Standard Retention Periods

Law enforcement agencies in St. Louis County typically retain arrest records according to the following schedule:

Arrest Reports (No Charges Filed): Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
Arrest Reports (Misdemeanor Charges): Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
Arrest Reports (Felony Charges): Minimum 75 years from date of arrest
Arrest Reports (Homicide or Sexual Offenses): Permanent retention
Booking Records: Minimum 5 years from date of booking
Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention by Missouri State Highway Patrol
Mugshot Photographs: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest

These retention periods apply unless the records are subject to expungement or sealing by court order.

Agency-Specific Retention Policies

Different agencies within St. Louis County maintain arrest records for varying periods:

St. Louis County Police Department

Maintains arrest records in accordance with the Missouri Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which generally requires retention for the periods listed above.
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services

Retains booking and incarceration records for a minimum of 10 years after release from custody, with longer retention for serious offenses.
St. Louis County Circuit Court

Court records related to arrests are maintained according to the Missouri Court Records Retention Schedule, with most criminal case records kept for 25 years after case disposition.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Records Repository

As the central state repository, MSHP maintains criminal history information, including St. Louis County arrests, permanently unless expunged by court order.

Factors Affecting Retention

Several factors may impact how long arrest records are maintained:

Severity of Offense: Records for more serious offenses are kept longer
Case Disposition: Records for cases resulting in conviction typically have longer retention periods
Legal Mandates: Certain offenses (sex crimes, violent felonies) have statutorily required extended retention
Court Orders: Expungement or sealing orders may shorten retention periods
Agency Resources: Digital records may be retained longer than paper records due to storage capacity

Purpose of Extended Retention

Long-term retention of arrest records serves several governmental purposes:

Provides historical documentation of law enforcement activities
Supports ongoing criminal investigations
Assists in identifying patterns of criminal behavior
Facilitates background checks for sensitive positions
Maintains evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
Ensures accountability of the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking information about specific arrest record retention should contact the agency that created or maintains the record.

How to Find Mugshots in St. Louis County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in St. Louis County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of:

Front-facing (portrait) photograph
Side-profile (profile) photograph
Identification information (name, date, booking number)
Height measurement scale in background
Agency identification markers

These photographs are taken for identification purposes and to document the physical condition of the arrestee at the time of booking.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In St. Louis County, booking photographs are maintained by:

St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-5245
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
314-615-5360
St. Louis County Police Department
Municipal Police Departments within St. Louis County maintain mugshots for arrests made by their officers
Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Records Repository maintains copies of mugshots submitted by local agencies

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in St. Louis County have several options:

Submit a Sunshine Law request to the arresting agency:
- Request must be in writing
- Identify the specific individual and approximate date of arrest
- Include requester's contact information
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees (typically $5-$20 per photograph)
Check online inmate information systems:
- The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services provides limited booking information online
- Some municipal police departments post recent booking information on their websites
- These systems may or may not include the actual mugshot photographs
Visit the records division of the arresting agency:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Provide specific information about the arrest
- Complete required request forms
- Pay applicable fees for copies

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some mugshots may be available online, St. Louis County has implemented policies to limit widespread distribution of booking photographs:

Official law enforcement websites provide limited access to current inmate information
The county does not provide bulk releases of mugshots to commercial websites
Third-party mugshot websites may have outdated or inaccurate information
Recent changes to Missouri law have restricted commercial publication of mugshots

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain an official copy of a mugshot, requesters should:

Identify the arresting agency (county police, municipal police, sheriff)
Submit a written request citing Missouri's Sunshine Law
Provide specific identifying information about the arrestee
Pay applicable fees for search and duplication
Allow 3-10 business days for processing

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records (under age 17) are generally confidential
Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available
Ongoing investigation exceptions may apply to recent arrests
Privacy protections may limit access to certain sensitive cases
Mugshots may be withheld if release would endanger an individual's safety

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these photographs are created for law enforcement purposes, and their release is governed by public records laws rather than privacy considerations.

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