Cole County, Missouri Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cole County, Missouri?
Arrest records are public in Cole County, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This legislation establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that governmental bodies are created to serve the people, and therefore, the people have the right to access information regarding governmental operations and decisions.
The law specifically states in § 610.011 that "it is the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law." This provision ensures transparency and accountability in governmental functions, including law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may request access to arrest records through designated custodians of records at various law enforcement agencies within Cole County. These custodians are legally obligated to provide access to or copies of public records upon request, subject to certain statutory exceptions and limitations.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cole County?
Arrest records can be found online in Cole County through various official and third-party platforms. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains an online database of arrest reports that includes records from Cole County law enforcement agencies. This digital accessibility is consistent with § 610.023 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which requires public governmental bodies to make records available in the format requested, including electronic formats when feasible.
The Cole County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson City Police Department provide certain arrest information through their respective websites. These online resources typically include recent booking information and may be updated regularly to reflect current arrest data. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Corrections maintains an offender search database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is generally available online, comprehensive arrest records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. Online records may also have limitations regarding the time period covered or the level of detail provided.
How to Look Up Cole County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Cole County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.023, public governmental bodies are required to provide access to public records upon request. The following options are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information:
Visit the Cole County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. The records division maintains files of arrests made by county deputies.
Cole County Sheriff's Office
350 East High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-9160
Official Website: Cole County Sheriff's OfficeSubmit a request to the Jefferson City Police Department for arrests made within city limits.
Jefferson City Police Department
401 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-6400
Official Website: Jefferson City Police DepartmentAccess the Missouri State Highway Patrol's online arrest reports database, which includes arrest information from multiple jurisdictions including Cole County.
Contact the Cole County Circuit Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges.
Cole County Circuit Clerk
301 East High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-9190
Official Website: Cole County Circuit CourtUtilize the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search for information on individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Some agencies may charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies in accordance with § 610.026 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.
Contents of a Cole County Arrest Record
Cole County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Missouri law enforcement protocols and the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES). These records typically include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred.
The nature and classification of the alleged offense(s), including statutory citations and offense severity (misdemeanor or felony).
Identity of the arresting agency and the name or badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Booking information, including mugshot photographs taken from multiple angles, fingerprint records, and unique identifying numbers assigned to the case.
Custody status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance, posted bail, or was detained pending further proceedings.
Bail or bond amount set by the court, if applicable, and conditions of release.
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed, dismissed, or otherwise resolved.
It should be noted that pursuant to § 610.100 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, certain information may be redacted from arrest records if the release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or could endanger the safety of any person. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are generally not public unless the juvenile was certified to stand trial as an adult.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Cole County
The expungement process in Cole County operates under the provisions of § 610.122 through § 610.140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Expungement allows for the legal removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. The Missouri Supreme Court has established standardized forms for the expungement petition process to ensure uniformity across jurisdictions.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Cole County include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed within the statute of limitations.
- Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty.
- Certain completed sentences for eligible offenses after prescribed waiting periods (generally 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies).
- First-time alcohol-related driving offenses after a 10-year waiting period with no subsequent alcohol-related enforcement contacts.
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a petition in the Circuit Court of Cole County where the arrest occurred.
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $250 as of 2025).
- Provide fingerprints for a criminal history background check.
- Attend a hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements have been met.
Upon granting an expungement, the court orders all records of the arrest to be sealed. Pursuant to § 610.140, expunged records are not accessible to the general public but may still be available to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing bodies, and some employers as specified by statute.
Cole County Circuit Court
301 East High Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 634-9190
Official Website: Cole County Circuit Court
Search Arrest Records in Cole County
