St. Louis County Court Records
What Is St. Louis County Court Records
Court records in St. Louis County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 109.240, court records are defined as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business by any court."
Court records differ from other public records such as property records (which document land ownership and transactions) and vital records (which include birth, death, and marriage certificates). The following courts maintain records in St. Louis County:
- 21st Judicial Circuit Court (Circuit Court of St. Louis County)
- St. Louis County Municipal Courts
- St. Louis County Probate Court
- St. Louis County Family Court
- St. Louis County Drug Court
- St. Louis County Veterans Treatment Court
- St. Louis County Small Claims Court
These courts generate and maintain records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Missouri Courts system provides oversight for record maintenance and public access protocols.
Are Court Records Public In St. Louis County
Court records in St. Louis County are generally public under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.010-610.035. This law establishes that records of public governmental bodies, including courts, shall be open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Missouri Constitution and the Missouri Court Operating Rules further support public access to court records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed, including:
- Juvenile records (pursuant to § 211.321)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Records in cases under investigation
- Records containing sensitive personal information
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Missouri (which includes St. Louis County) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system, while state and county court records follow Missouri state law and court rules.
How To Find Court Records in St. Louis County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in St. Louis County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25-$1.00 per page, depending on document type)
- Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for simple requests)
By Mail:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include case information and specific documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the appropriate court division
Online Access:
- Access Case.net, Missouri's online case management system
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View publicly available case information and documents
- Download or print available records
By Phone:
- Contact the appropriate court division
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request information about accessing specific records
- Arrange for copies to be prepared for pickup or mailing
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this need and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2, certain confidential or sealed records require court authorization before release.
How To Look Up Court Records in St. Louis County Online?
St. Louis County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. Each system contains different types of records and requires specific search methods:
Missouri Case.net:
- Visit the Missouri Case.net portal
- Select "St. Louis County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, judge, or filing date
- Review case information, including docket entries, parties, scheduled events
- Access available document images (not all documents are available online)
St. Louis County Municipal Court Records:
- Access the St. Louis County Municipal Courts website
- Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu
- Enter citation number, name, or case number
- View case status, upcoming court dates, and fine information
- Access payment options for applicable cases
Missouri Courts eFiling System:
- Navigate to the Missouri Courts eFiling portal
- Create an account (required for full access)
- Search for cases where you are a registered party
- View and download case documents
- Track case updates and receive notifications
Federal Court Records (PACER):
- Register for a PACER account
- Log in to the system
- Select "Eastern District of Missouri" as the court
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View docket sheets and download available documents (fees apply)
Users should note that online access may be limited for certain case types, and some documents may only be available by visiting the courthouse in person. Additionally, pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2.04, certain sensitive information is redacted from online records.
How To Search St. Louis County Court Records for Free?
Missouri law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Sunshine Law (§ 610.011), which states that "records of public governmental bodies shall be open to the public for inspection and copying." While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several free options exist for searching and viewing court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- Use public access terminals to view electronic records
- Take notes on case information (no charge for viewing)
Free Online Resources:
- Missouri Case.net - Free basic case information search
- St. Louis County Courts website - Free access to court calendars and basic case status
- Missouri Courts public access portal - Free search for case information
Public Law Libraries:
- Visit the St. Louis County Law Library
- Use library computers to access court databases at no charge
- Receive assistance from law librarians for complex searches
- Access legal research materials to understand court documents
Community Legal Resources:
- Contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
- Request assistance with accessing and understanding court records
- Utilize free legal clinics for guidance on record searches
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that obtaining copies, certified documents, or extensive records may incur fees as established by Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2.03. Additionally, PACER fees for federal court records may be waived if usage remains below $30 per quarter.
What's Included in a St. Louis County Court Record?
Court records in St. Louis County contain various documents and information depending on the case type. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints
- Summonses or warrants
- Service of process documentation
- Initial appearances or arraignments
- Filing date and case number assignment
Party Information:
- Names of all plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
- Attorney information and appearances
- Contact information (may be redacted in public versions)
- Party status updates (e.g., in custody, released on bond)
Procedural Documents:
- Motions filed by parties
- Responses and replies to motions
- Court orders and rulings
- Continuance requests and dispositions
- Scheduling notices and hearing dates
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists and testimony summaries
- Expert reports (when filed with the court)
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
Judgment and Post-Judgment Documents:
- Final judgments and decrees
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Probation terms and conditions
- Satisfaction of judgment filings
- Appeals notices and documentation
Financial Records:
- Filing fees paid
- Bond information
- Restitution orders
- Fine and court cost assessments
- Payment histories
Case-Specific Documents:
- Divorce decrees and parenting plans in family cases
- Probated wills and inventories in estate cases
- Plea agreements in criminal cases
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Restraining orders or orders of protection
Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2.05, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records.
How Long Does St. Louis County Keep Court Records?
St. Louis County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Missouri Supreme Court and the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. The Missouri Court Records Retention Schedule governs how long different types of court records must be preserved. Key retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Infractions: 3 years after case closure
- Search warrants: 3 years after execution
- Grand jury records: Permanently maintained
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims: 5 years after case closure
- Landlord-tenant disputes: 5 years after case closure
- Personal injury: 10 years after case closure
- Contract disputes: 10 years after case closure
Family Court Records:
- Divorce/dissolution: Permanently maintained
- Child custody: Permanently maintained
- Child support: 10 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Adoption: Permanently maintained
- Paternity: Permanently maintained
Probate Records:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanently maintained
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
Traffic Cases:
- Moving violations: 3-10 years depending on severity
- Non-moving violations: 3 years after case closure
- DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after case closure
Pursuant to § 109.241, the Missouri State Archives may assume custody of court records that have permanent historical value after their active use period has ended. Additionally, many court records are now maintained electronically, with digital preservation protocols in place to ensure long-term accessibility.
Types of Courts In St. Louis County
St. Louis County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
21st Judicial Circuit Court of St. Louis County
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-2600
St. Louis County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the primary trial court with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters. It includes specialized divisions:
St. Louis County Family Court
501 South Brentwood Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-2100
Family Court Division
St. Louis County Probate Court
105 South Central Avenue, 2nd Floor
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-2539
Probate Court Division
St. Louis County Drug Court
7900 Carondelet Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-8189
Drug Court Program
St. Louis County Municipal Courts
St. Louis County contains 88 municipal courts, including:
St. Louis County Municipal Court - Division 73
4544 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63129
(314) 615-8760
County Municipal Court
City of Clayton Municipal Court
10 South Brentwood Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 290-8441
Clayton Municipal Court
Federal Courts:
United States District Court - Eastern District of Missouri
Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
111 South 10th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 244-7900
Eastern District of Missouri
The court hierarchy in Missouri proceeds from Municipal/Magistrate Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Missouri Court of Appeals (Eastern District for St. Louis County cases), and finally to the Missouri Supreme Court for cases of statewide importance or constitutional questions.
What Types of Cases Do St. Louis County Courts Hear?
St. Louis County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their respective jurisdictions:
Circuit Court (21st Judicial Circuit):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
- Real estate and property disputes
- Complex business litigation
- Administrative appeals
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Equity matters
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal cases
Family Court Division:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment and modification
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Orders of protection (domestic violence)
- Name changes
Probate Court Division:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships for minors
- Guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults
- Trust administration
- Mental health commitments
- Adult protective services
Municipal Courts:
- Ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions
- Minor misdemeanors
- Parking violations
- Housing code violations
- Animal control violations
- Peace disturbance cases
- Limited civil matters under municipal jurisdiction
Small Claims Court:
- Civil disputes up to $5,000
- Landlord-tenant cases
- Consumer issues
- Contract disputes
- Property damage claims
- Debt collection (small amounts)
Drug Court and Treatment Courts:
- Alternative sentencing for qualifying drug offenses
- Supervision of treatment programs
- Compliance monitoring
- Rehabilitation services coordination
Federal District Court (Eastern District of Missouri):
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases under federal question jurisdiction
- Civil cases with diversity of citizenship
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Patent and copyright disputes
- Constitutional challenges
- Federal agency appeals
Case assignment within the St. Louis County court system follows Missouri Supreme Court Rule 37, which establishes procedures for case allocation and management.
How To Find a Court Docket In St. Louis County
Court dockets in St. Louis County provide schedules of court proceedings and case status information. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit Missouri Case.net
- Select "Docket Calendars" from the main menu
- Choose "St. Louis County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Select the specific division or judge
- Choose the date range for docket information
- View scheduled hearings, trials, and proceedings
In-Person Docket Requests:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the St. Louis County Courthouse
- Request the daily docket sheet from the information desk
- Specify the division, judge, or case type of interest
- Review posted docket information on courthouse bulletin boards
- Attend the courtroom of interest to view daily call sheets
Telephone Docket Information:
- Call the Circuit Clerk's Office at (314) 615-2600
- Request docket information for a specific division or judge
- Provide case number or party names if seeking specific case information
- Receive basic scheduling information from court staff
Attorney Access:
- Attorneys registered with the Missouri eFiling System receive automatic docket notifications
- Bar members can access enhanced docket information through secure login
- Case management alerts provide updates on scheduled proceedings
For municipal court dockets, contact the specific municipal court directly or visit their website. Federal court dockets for the Eastern District of Missouri are accessible through the PACER system or by contacting the federal courthouse.
Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2.02, docket information is generally public, though certain sensitive proceedings may be excluded from public docket listings.
Which Courts in St. Louis County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Missouri, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, while "courts not of record" do not maintain official transcripts. According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 479.010, municipal courts may operate as either courts of record or courts not of record.
The following courts in St. Louis County operate as courts not of record:
Municipal Courts Not of Record:
- Most municipal courts in St. Louis County's 88 municipalities operate as courts not of record
- These courts handle ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and minor misdemeanors
- Proceedings are not transcribed by court reporters
- Appeals from these courts proceed to the Circuit Court as trials de novo (new trials)
- Records consist primarily of citations, judgments, and basic case notes
Exceptions - Municipal Courts of Record:
- Some larger municipalities have opted to become courts of record
- These courts maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Appeals from courts of record go directly to the Missouri Court of Appeals
- Records include full transcripts of hearings and trials
All other courts in St. Louis County, including the Circuit Court, Family Court, and Probate Court, are courts of record as established by the Missouri Constitution and statutes. These courts maintain complete records of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case receives a completely new trial at the Circuit Court level, rather than a review of the existing record as occurs with appeals from courts of record.