Yes, arrest records are public in Boone County, Missouri. Pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes), arrest records are classified as open records. This statute mandates that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public with certain limited exceptions. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that government records should be presumptively open to public inspection to ensure transparency in governmental operations.
The Boone County government maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to monitor law enforcement activities and criminal proceedings within their community. This transparency mechanism serves multiple public interests:
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in accordance with § 610.100 RSMo.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Boone County through several official digital platforms. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a searchable database that includes arrest information from Boone County. Additionally, the Boone County Circuit Clerk's office provides online access to court records that may contain information related to arrests.
The digital availability of these records serves to:
Online access is governed by the same legal framework as physical records, with similar protections and limitations in place. Users of online systems must comply with terms of use that prohibit misuse of the information obtained.
Members of the public seeking Boone County arrest records may utilize multiple official channels. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
Online Resources:
In-Person Services:
Boone County Sheriff's Department
2121 County Drive
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 875-1111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Boone County Circuit Clerk's Office
Boone County Courthouse
705 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 886-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records in person, individuals must complete a records request form and may be required to present identification. Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, reasonable fees may be charged for document search, retrieval, and duplication.
Boone County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Missouri Department of Corrections and state statutes. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
The 13th Judicial Circuit of Missouri, which includes Boone County, maintains these records in accordance with state record-keeping requirements. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with § 610.100 RSMo and other applicable privacy statutes.
Arrest records in Boone County are subject to specific legal parameters regarding their permissible uses. The Missouri Department of Social Services and other state agencies utilize these records for authorized purposes, including:
Permissible Uses:
Legal Limitations:
The Missouri Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the appropriate use of criminal history information. Violations of these provisions may result in civil liability or administrative penalties.
Under Missouri law, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Boone County. The expungement process is governed by § 610.122 RSMo, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. The Division of Probation and Parole can provide information about this process.
Eligibility Requirements:
Procedural Steps:
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes. The legal effect of expungement is that the arrest is deemed never to have occurred, and the individual may legally deny its existence in most contexts.