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Crystal Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Crystal, Missouri?

Arrest records are public documents in Crystal, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to members of 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. This transparency requirement extends to law enforcement agencies operating within Crystal, Missouri, which must maintain and provide access to arrest records in accordance with statutory provisions.

The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

  • Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
  • Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
  • Allowing citizens to monitor patterns of criminal activity in their communities
  • Enabling background checks for employment, housing, or other legitimate purposes

Pursuant to § 610.011 RSMo, public governmental bodies must comply with reasonable requests for access to public records within three business days, unless otherwise specified by law.

How to Look Up Crystal Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Crystal, Missouri have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Crystal City Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Individuals may utilize the following procedures to obtain arrest record information:

In-Person Requests

Citizens may visit the Crystal City Police Department to submit requests for arrest records in person. The department maintains public terminals for this purpose during regular business hours.

Crystal City Police Department
301 Mississippi Avenue
Crystal City, MO 63019
(636) 937-4601
Crystal City Police Department

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail. Requests must include:

  • Full name of the subject of the inquiry
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Approximate date of arrest (if known)
  • Requestor's contact information
  • Purpose of the request
  • Notarized signature (for certain types of records)

Written requests should be addressed to the Records Division at the Crystal City Police Department address listed above.

Online Access

The Crystal City Municipal Court provides limited online access to violation records through its Municipal Online Services portal. This system allows searches for court cases and violations, which may include information related to arrests within city jurisdiction.

Third-Party Record Services

Commercial record search services aggregate public records from multiple jurisdictions, including Crystal City. These services may provide convenient access but typically charge fees for their services. The accuracy and comprehensiveness of third-party services cannot be guaranteed by Crystal City governmental agencies.

Contents of a Crystal Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Crystal City law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Missouri state law and departmental policies. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:

Demographic Information

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Known aliases or alternative names
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity (as categorized by arresting officer)
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Residential address at time of arrest

Arrest Details

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Statutory violations or municipal ordinance citations
  • Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
  • Weapons or contraband seized (if applicable)

Processing Information

  • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
  • Fingerprint records
  • Detention facility information
  • Bond amount and conditions
  • Court appearance dates
  • Case disposition (if available)

Pursuant to Crystal City municipal code Chapter 34, which addresses offenses against public morals and welfare, certain arrest records may contain additional information related to specific violations of local ordinances.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Crystal

The State of Missouri provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, effectively removing them from publicly accessible databases and files. The Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.122 to § 610.140 govern the expungement process applicable to Crystal City arrest records.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Crystal City if they meet the following statutory requirements:

  • The arrest did not result in charges being filed within one year of the arrest date
  • The charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty
  • The individual has completed a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) and the required waiting period has elapsed
  • The offense is among those eligible for expungement under Missouri law
  • The required waiting period (typically 3-7 years, depending on offense type) has passed since completion of sentence or probation
  • The individual has no subsequent misdemeanor or felony convictions
  • The individual has satisfied all financial obligations related to the case

Expungement Procedure

The expungement process in Crystal City requires petitioners to:

  1. File a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated
  2. Pay the required filing fee (approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
  3. Provide fingerprints for verification purposes
  4. Serve copies of the petition to all agencies holding records related to the arrest
  5. Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine if expungement is in the interest of justice

Jefferson County Circuit Court
300 Main Street
Hillsboro, MO 63050
(636) 797-5400
Jefferson County Circuit Court

Effects of Expungement

When an arrest record is expunged in Crystal City:

  • The arrest is deemed never to have occurred under Missouri law
  • The individual may legally answer "no" to questions about the arrest on most applications
  • Law enforcement agencies must seal the records from public view
  • The records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes
  • Certain employers, particularly those in healthcare, education, and public safety, may still have access to expunged records

Individuals with questions regarding the expungement of Crystal City arrest records should consult with a licensed attorney familiar with Missouri expungement law.

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