>Carter County Arrest Records Online

Carter County, Missouri Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Carter County, Missouri?

Arrest records are public in Carter County, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public governmental bodies shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that governmental records, including arrest records, should be available to citizens to ensure transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering.

The Carter County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with § 610.023 RSMo, which requires custodians of records to provide access to public records under their control. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 610.021 RSMo, the general arrest information remains accessible to the public.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Carter County?

Carter County arrest records are available online through several official platforms. The Carter County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows public access to current and historical arrest information. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public information transparency as mandated by Missouri's Sunshine Law § 610.010-610.035 RSMo.

The online records system provides a searchable interface where members of the public may query arrest data using various parameters such as name, date of arrest, or case number. The Carter County Inmate Search portal displays information about currently incarcerated individuals, including booking dates, charges, and custody status. Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains arrest reports that include Carter County arrests conducted by state law enforcement agencies.

Digital access to these records enhances public safety by providing timely information while reducing administrative burden on county offices. The online systems operate 24 hours per day, allowing for access outside of normal business hours.

How to Look Up Carter County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Carter County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:

Visit the Carter County Sheriff's Office in person at 101 Greenwood Street, Van Buren, MO 63965. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Records requests may be submitted at the public counter.
Access the Carter County Inmate Search portal for current detention information.
Submit a request to the Carter County Circuit Clerk's Office located at 1 Courthouse Square, Van Buren, MO 63965. Phone: (573) 323-4224. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Utilize the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) for comprehensive criminal history information that includes Carter County arrests.
Search the Missouri Courts Case Management System for court cases associated with arrests in Carter County.
Contact the 36th Judicial Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over Carter County, at the Carter County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Van Buren, MO 63965. Phone: (573) 323-4224.

Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document search, duplication, and staff time required to fulfill records requests. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's office or website.

Contents of a Carter County Arrest Record

Carter County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Missouri law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Comprehensive listing of all criminal charges filed, including Missouri Revised Statutes citation numbers
Identity of the arresting agency (e.g., Carter County Sheriff's Office, Van Buren Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Biometric data including fingerprints collected during the booking process
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color
Residential address of the arrested individual at time of booking
Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Custody status information including bond amount if applicable
Court appearance dates and locations
Disposition of the case if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)

The content of these records is governed by Missouri law, particularly § 43.503 RSMo regarding criminal history information. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to juvenile offenders as specified in § 610.021 RSMo.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Carter County

Carter County follows Missouri state law regarding the expungement of arrest records. Pursuant to § 610.122 RSMo, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of Carter County located at 1 Courthouse Square, Van Buren, MO 63965.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Carter County include:

The arrest was based on false information
No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
The case was dismissed prior to trial
The individual was found not guilty at trial
The arrest occurred due to administrative error

Additionally, Missouri's expanded expungement law (§ 610.140 RSMo) allows for expungement of certain convictions after specified waiting periods. Individuals must have satisfied all obligations related to the offense, including completion of probation or parole, payment of restitution, and fulfillment of any other court-ordered requirements.

The expungement petition must be filed in the court where the arrest occurred or where the charge was filed. The petition must include specific information as outlined in § 610.123 RSMo, including the petitioner's personal information, details of the arrest, and certification that the petitioner meets eligibility requirements. The court filing fee for expungement petitions in Carter County is $250, pursuant to § 488.650 RSMo.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing no sooner than 30 days after filing. Notice of the hearing will be provided to the prosecuting attorney and any law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest. If the court determines that the petitioner meets all statutory requirements, it will issue an order of expungement directing all agencies to remove the arrest records from public access.