Lawson Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lawson, Missouri?
Arrest records in Lawson, Missouri are considered public information pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law, Chapter 610 of the Revised Missouri Statutes. This legislation establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Missouri Sunshine Law mandates transparency in governmental operations, allowing citizens to access arrest records as part of their right to information.
The Lawson Police Department maintains arrest records in compliance with state regulations. These records document interactions between law enforcement and individuals suspected of violating municipal ordinances or state laws. Public access to these records serves multiple purposes:
• Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system • Enabling background checks for employment or housing • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors • Facilitating public awareness of law enforcement activities
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with § 610.021 RSMo, which provides exemptions for records that might compromise ongoing investigations, contain confidential informant information, or infringe upon privacy rights in specific circumstances.
How to Look Up Lawson Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lawson have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing arrest records in 2025 include:
Lawson Police Department
103 S Pennsylvania St
Lawson, MO 64062
(816) 580-7210
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may submit a records request directly to the Lawson Police Department. Requestors must complete the designated form specifying the information sought. Processing times typically range from 3 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
Ray County Courthouse
100 W Main St
Richmond, MO 64085
(816) 776-2291
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Ray County Courthouse. Court clerks can assist with locating case files that contain arrest information for incidents occurring within their jurisdiction.
Missouri State Highway Patrol - Criminal Justice Information Services Division
1510 E Elm St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573) 526-6153
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The state maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information. Requestors may submit applications for criminal history record checks, which include arrest data, through this agency. Fees apply for this service, and proper identification is required.
Online access to arrest information has been expanded in 2025, with the Missouri Crime Information portal providing searchable databases of arrest statistics and selected case information.
Contents of a Lawson Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Lawson Police Department contain standardized information as required by Missouri law. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address) • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest • Statutory violations or municipal ordinances allegedly violated • Narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest • Identity of arresting officer(s) and witnessing personnel • Booking information, including fingerprints and mugshot photographs • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest • Initial appearance information and bail determination • Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
The level of detail contained within arrest records may vary based on the nature of the alleged offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to municipal ordinance violations typically contain less extensive information than those involving state criminal code violations.
Pursuant to § 43.506 RSMo, fingerprint records must be submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's central repository for all arrests involving felonies and specified misdemeanors. These fingerprint records become part of the comprehensive arrest record maintained at both local and state levels.
Lawson Arrest Records and Background Checks
Arrest records from Lawson are frequently utilized in background screening processes. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, and volunteer organizations may access these records when evaluating applicants. The following regulations govern the use of arrest records in background checks:
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes federal guidelines for using arrest information in employment decisions • Missouri Revised Statute § 561.026 restricts discrimination based solely on arrest records without subsequent convictions • Municipal employers in Lawson must comply with city ordinances regarding the consideration of criminal history in hiring decisions
Background checks utilizing Lawson arrest records may be conducted through:
• Direct requests to the Lawson Police Department with proper authorization • Contracted background screening companies with access to multiple record databases • The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) for authorized entities
Individuals concerned about the accuracy of information contained in their arrest records may request verification through the Lawson Police Department's Records Division. Errors or outdated information may be addressed through formal correction procedures established by the department.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lawson
Missouri law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records, effectively removing them from public access. The expungement process for Lawson arrest records is governed by § 610.122 through § 610.140 RSMo, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Lawson arrest records under the following circumstances:
• The arrest did not result in charges being filed within the statute of limitations • Charges were dismissed or the individual was found not guilty • The required waiting period has elapsed since completion of sentence (typically 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies) • The offense is among those eligible for expungement under Missouri law
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition in the circuit court where the arrest occurred
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available)
- Notification to all agencies possessing the arrest record
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
- Obtaining a court order directing all agencies to expunge relevant records
Upon successful expungement, the Lawson Police Department and other agencies must remove the records from public databases and seal physical records. Pursuant to § 610.140 RSMo, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes but are not disclosed in standard background checks.
The Lawson Municipal Court can provide guidance on the expungement process for arrests related to municipal ordinance violations. For state-level offenses, the Ray County Circuit Court serves as the venue for expungement petitions.
Juvenile Arrest Records in Lawson
Juvenile arrest records in Lawson are subject to enhanced confidentiality protections under Missouri law. Records pertaining to individuals under 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense are governed by the Missouri Juvenile Justice Code, Chapter 211 RSMo.
Key provisions regarding juvenile arrest records include:
• Records are presumptively closed to public inspection • Access is restricted to juvenile officers, courts, and agencies with statutory authorization • Parents or legal guardians may access records pertaining to their minor children • Records may be sealed automatically upon reaching adulthood if statutory criteria are met
The Lawson Police Department maintains juvenile arrest records separately from adult records to ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile records constitutes a class A misdemeanor under Missouri law.
Juvenile records may be accessed by authorized educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and juvenile courts for specific purposes outlined in § 211.321 RSMo. Public disclosure of juvenile arrest information is prohibited except in limited circumstances involving certain violent offenses.
Search Arrest Records in Lawson
• Lawson Police Department Records • Lawson Municipal Court Information • Lawson Police Services • Missouri Crime Statistics
