Criminal records of St. Francois County, Missouri, are available through several channels. StFrancoisCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office—online, in person, or by mail.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Francois
The fastest way to start is to use StFrancoisCourt.us, which compiles publicly available information about county court cases. Typically, you will need:
- The person's full name (First Name, Last Name)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number, if you have it
State and Federal Online Tools
- Missouri Courts Portal. The Missouri Courts website operates the Case.net system—a free search for court cases throughout the state, including criminal cases in the St. Francois Circuit Court.
- Arrest Reports. The Missouri State Highway Patrol publishes arrest reports searchable by name; results often include records from St. Francois County.
- Offender Search. The MODOC Offender Search contains data on individuals under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Corrections.
- Criminal History by Fingerprints. The MACHS portal provides access to official criminal history through fingerprint checks.
- Federal Cases. If a case was heard in federal court, search through PACER — Eastern District of Missouri.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Court Clerk's office in Farmington accepts requests to search for criminal cases. Public access terminals are usually available in the courthouse. Bring identification.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the St. Francois County Circuit Clerk's office or the state's central criminal history repository (Missouri State Highway Patrol, Criminal Justice Information Services). Include the person's full name, date of birth, and the reason for the request. Add payment in the form of a money order.
Search St. Francois Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Missouri is assigned a unique number. Its structure typically looks like this:
| Element | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | 24SF | Numeric or letter identifier for St. Francois County in the Missouri courts system |
| Case Type | CR | CR — criminal case; other codes: TR (traffic), IF (infraction) |
| Year | 2024 | Year the case was opened |
| Sequential Number | 001234 | Sequential number within the year |
The full number might look like 24SF-CR00001234. Enter it into the Case.net system for instant access to case details. If you don't know the number, start with a name search.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in St. Francois
Charges
Each charge includes the RSMo statute code, the degree of severity, and a description.
- Felony — serious crime (classes A, B, C, D, E in Missouri); for example, robbery or drug distribution.
- Misdemeanor — less serious crime (classes A, B, C, D); petty theft, simple assault.
- Infraction — minor offense without the right to a jury trial.
- The charge may be amended by the prosecutor (amended charge) — for example, reduced from felony to misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open, no decision has been made yet |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled |
| Disposed | The court has made a final decision |
| Closed | The case is fully closed, all obligations fulfilled |
Types of Hearings
In criminal cases in St. Francois County, you will see the following hearings:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (applies to felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea or prepare for trial.
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits.
- Sentencing — pronouncement of the sentence after a guilty plea.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court decision or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Fully acquitted by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in St. Francois
Certified copies of criminal records bear the official court seal and are acceptable for submission to other agencies, employers, or attorneys.
Where to Apply
Circuit Clerk, St. Francois County
For an official state-level criminal history, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol through the MACHS portal.
The St. Francois County Sheriff's Office can provide information on arrests and detentions.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office with photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, date of birth, applicant's signature, and a money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — state-level criminal history checks are available through MACHS; the process involves fingerprinting at a certified location.
The right to access public records is guaranteed by the Missouri Sunshine Law. According to RSMo § 610.023, if a record is not provided immediately, the custodian must explain the reason for denial with reference to a specific legal provision.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in St. Francois
Below are approximate fees. Confirm exact amounts directly with the relevant office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.10–$0.50 | Circuit Clerk, St. Francois County |
| Certification fee | $2.50 per document | Set by the court clerk's office |
| Criminal history check through MACHS (name-based) | ~$20–$25 | MACHS portal |
| Criminal history check through MACHS (fingerprint-based) | ~$30–$45 | Includes FBI fee if a federal check is required |
Processing Times
- In-person request at the clerk's office — usually the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- Mail request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on volume and complexity.
- MACHS (fingerprints) — results are received within 3–10 business days after fingerprint processing.
The Sunshine Law requires that the records custodian respond to a request within three business days. If the record cannot be provided immediately, you should be informed of the estimated completion date.