Yes, arrest records are public in Lincoln County, Missouri. Pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes), arrest records maintained by government agencies are accessible to the general public. This statute mandates that records created, maintained, or retained by public governmental bodies shall be open to the public for inspection and copying. The law serves to ensure transparency and accountability in governance by providing citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodian of records. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains most local arrest records and must respond to requests within three business days as required by § 610.023 RSMo. Certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Lincoln County through several official portals. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests and incarcerations that are accessible to the public via their official website. Additionally, the county provides access to the inmate roster which is updated regularly with current detention information.
The digital accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests:
Online access is subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, with certain sensitive information potentially redacted in accordance with Missouri law.
To obtain Lincoln County arrest records in 2025, members of the public may utilize several established methods. The county has implemented a multi-channel approach to ensure accessibility while maintaining proper record management. Available options include:
Online Search: Residents can access the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office website or the Missouri State Highway Patrol's arrest reports database which includes Lincoln County arrests. These platforms allow searches by name, date range, and other identifying information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
65 Business Park Drive
Troy, MO 63379
Phone: (636) 528-8546
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the above address. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information sought. A self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees should accompany mail requests.
Circuit Clerk's Office: For arrest records associated with court proceedings, the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains judicial records.
Lincoln County Circuit Clerk
45 Business Park Drive
Troy, MO 63379
Phone: (636) 528-6000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, reasonable fees may be charged for document search and duplication. Current fee schedules are available on the county website or by contacting the respective offices directly.
Lincoln County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Missouri state law and local protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
It should be noted that pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation. The completeness of records available to the public may vary based on these statutory restrictions and the stage of the criminal justice process.
In Lincoln County, individuals meeting specific statutory criteria may petition for expungement of their arrest records. The expungement process is governed by § 610.122 through § 610.140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which establish eligibility requirements and procedural guidelines. When granted, expungement effectively seals the records from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lincoln County include:
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
The Lincoln County Circuit Court reviews each petition individually, considering factors such as the nature of the original offense, the petitioner's subsequent behavior, and whether expungement serves the public interest. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the specified records.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Lincoln County Circuit Clerk's Office can provide the necessary forms and procedural information, but cannot offer legal advice regarding specific cases.