Buchanan County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Buchanan County
Arrest records in Buchanan County are considered public information under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified in Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Pursuant to § 610.011, public records shall be open to the public for inspection and copying. This statute establishes the presumption that records maintained by governmental bodies are open unless specifically closed by law.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains arrest records as part of its Criminal Justice Information Services Division. These records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings
Under Missouri law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply. Law enforcement agencies may withhold specific information if disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise public safety, as permitted under § 610.100 RSMo.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides access to criminal history information through its Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state.
What's in Buchanan County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Buchanan County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest event and generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with the Missouri Sunshine Law and other applicable state regulations governing law enforcement records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Buchanan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Buchanan County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains records in compliance with Missouri's public records laws, making most arrest information available through official channels. Individuals may obtain these records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
Requestors may visit the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office to submit a request for arrest records:
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 236-8845
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
When making an in-person request, individuals should:
- Complete the public records request form available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division. Requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Date range for the search
- Purpose of the request (optional)
- Signature and date
Online Requests:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the central repository for criminal history information in Missouri. Individuals may access the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site to search for arrest records. This system provides information on arrests reported to the state repository by law enforcement agencies throughout Missouri, including Buchanan County.
Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, fees may be charged for document search, retrieval, and duplication. The current fee schedule includes:
- $0.10 per page for standard paper copies
- $3.00 per record for certified copies
- Actual cost for electronic media
- Staff time charged at actual cost after the first 30 minutes of search time
Processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload, but most requests are fulfilled within 3-5 business days.
How To Find Buchanan County Arrest Records Online
Buchanan County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information while adhering to Missouri's open records laws. The following online resources are currently available for searching arrest records:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers a comprehensive online search portal that allows users to query arrest records from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Buchanan County. This system provides access to records of arrests reported to the central repository by law enforcement agencies.
To utilize this online system effectively:
- Navigate to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services website
- Select the "Search Criminal History" option
- Enter the required search criteria (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Pay the applicable search fee ($13.00 per name-based search)
- Review the results, which may include arrest dates, charges, and disposition information
For individuals currently in custody or under supervision, the Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search provides information about current inmates and those on probation or parole. This database includes:
- Current custody status
- Assigned facility
- Offense information
- Sentence details
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
The Missouri Courts Case.net system offers online access to court records associated with arrests in Buchanan County. While this system does not provide the arrest record itself, it contains valuable information about court proceedings resulting from arrests, including:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case outcomes
- Judgment information
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest history information. Records that have been expunged, sealed by court order, or are subject to other legal restrictions may not appear in online searches. Additionally, pursuant to § 610.120 RSMo, certain records may be closed to the general public while remaining available to criminal justice agencies and other authorized entities.
How To Search Buchanan County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Buchanan County arrest records have several options available under Missouri's public information laws. While some methods of obtaining comprehensive criminal history information involve fees, the following resources provide free access to basic arrest information:
Buchanan County Jail Roster:
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that is available for public viewing at no cost. This resource provides information about individuals currently in custody, including:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
This information can be accessed by:
- Visiting the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Reviewing the public terminal available in the lobby
- Speaking with staff at the records counter
Buchanan County Courthouse Public Terminals:
Buchanan County Circuit Court
411 Jules Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 271-1462
Missouri Judicial Branch
The courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records related to arrests at no charge. These terminals offer access to the Missouri Case.net system, which contains information about:
- Criminal cases
- Court appearances
- Case dispositions
- Judgment information
Public Library Resources:
The St. Joseph Public Library offers free internet access where patrons can utilize public records websites:
St. Joseph Public Library - Downtown Branch
927 Felix Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 232-7729
St. Joseph Public Library
Local Newspaper Archives:
The St. Joseph News-Press publishes information about significant arrests and maintains searchable archives that can be accessed through the public library at no cost.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Access:
While comprehensive background checks through the Missouri State Highway Patrol require payment, limited information about registered sex offenders and individuals with outstanding warrants can be accessed without charge through their public website.
Users should be aware that free resources typically provide more limited information than paid services. Additionally, pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, certain arrest records may be closed to the public if they relate to ongoing investigations or if charges were not filed following the arrest.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Buchanan County
Under Missouri law, individuals with arrest records in Buchanan County may be eligible to have those records expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The process is governed by § 610.122 RSMo and related statutes, which establish the legal framework for removing arrest information from public view.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: The physical destruction or obliteration of records, removing them completely from public and most governmental access
- Sealing: The restriction of access to records, making them unavailable to the general public while remaining accessible to certain criminal justice agencies
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under current Missouri law, an arrest record may be eligible for expungement if:
- The arrest was based on false information
- No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The arrest was for a misdemeanor and at least three years have passed since completion of sentence (with no subsequent convictions)
- The arrest was for a felony and at least seven years have passed since completion of sentence (with no subsequent convictions)
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:
- Class A felonies
- Dangerous felonies as defined in § 556.061 RSMo
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
- Felony offenses where death was an element of the offense
- Driving while intoxicated or driving with excessive blood alcohol content
Expungement Process:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Court of Buchanan County
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available)
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies holding records
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order
- Provide the order to all agencies holding records
The petition must include:
- The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, and Social Security number
- All addresses from the date of the offense through the date of filing
- A list of all pending charges or convictions
- The date of the arrest to be expunged
- The name of the agency that arrested the petitioner
- The case number and charge (if a case was filed)
- A statement that the petitioner meets all requirements for expungement
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Missouri Bar Association offers referral services for attorneys specializing in expungement cases.
Once an expungement is granted, the individual may legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights or privileges.
What Happens After Arrest in Buchanan County?
Following an arrest in Buchanan County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Missouri state law and local court procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
Booking and Initial Detention:
After physical arrest, the individual is transported to the Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center for booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Initial detention in holding cell
Initial Appearance:
Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the arrestee appears before a judge for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Rights advisement
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
- Setting of preliminary hearing date (for felonies)
Bail/Bond Determination:
The court determines conditions for pre-trial release based on:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Bond options may include:
- Cash bond (full amount paid to court)
- Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Property bond (property used as collateral)
- Personal recognizance (release on promise to appear)
Formal Charging:
For misdemeanors, charges are typically filed by the prosecutor before the initial appearance. For felonies, the prosecutor must file charges within:
- 24 hours for warrantless arrests
- According to court schedule for warrant arrests
Alternatively, felony cases may proceed to grand jury for indictment.
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only):
A hearing to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged crime. The defendant may waive this hearing.
Arraignment:
Formal reading of charges where defendant enters a plea:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- No contest (nolo contendere)
- Alford plea (accepting punishment without admitting guilt)
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
Trial:
If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Jury trial (guaranteed for offenses with potential imprisonment exceeding 6 months)
- Bench trial (judge decides both law and facts)
Sentencing:
Upon conviction (by plea or verdict), sentencing follows:
- Immediate sentencing for minor offenses
- Delayed sentencing with pre-sentence investigation for serious offenses
Sentencing options include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction:
Following conviction, defendants retain rights to:
- Appeal (within 10 days of judgment)
- Post-conviction relief
- Parole consideration (for eligible sentences)
Throughout this process, the Missouri Judicial Branch maintains records of court proceedings, while the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office and Missouri Department of Corrections manage custody records.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Buchanan County?
Arrest records in Buchanan County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Missouri state law and administrative regulations. The Missouri Secretary of State's Office oversees record retention requirements for all government agencies, including law enforcement entities in Buchanan County.
Under § 109.255 RSMo, all public records must be maintained according to approved retention schedules. For arrest records specifically, the following retention periods currently apply:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests where no charges were filed: 5 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Records:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile fingerprints: Until subject reaches age 18 (with exceptions for certain serious offenses)
Mugshot Photographs:
- Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests without charges: 5 years from date of arrest
Incident Reports Related to Arrests:
- Reports resulting in felony charges: 75 years
- Reports resulting in misdemeanor charges: 10 years
- Reports with no charges filed: 5 years
These retention periods ensure that records are available for:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Background checks for employment and licensing
- Prosecution of subsequent offenses
- Statistical analysis and research
- Historical documentation
Different agencies within Buchanan County may maintain separate copies of arrest records, each following applicable retention schedules:
- The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest reports
- The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the central repository of criminal history information
- The Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to arrests
- The Circuit Court of Buchanan County maintains court records stemming from arrests
It is important to note that expungement orders, when granted by a court, supersede these retention schedules. When an arrest record is expunged pursuant to § 610.122 RSMo, the physical records must be destroyed or sealed regardless of the standard retention period.
How to Find Mugshots in Buchanan County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Buchanan County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are:
Mugshots typically consist of two images:
- A front-facing (portrait) photograph
- A profile (side-view) photograph
These photographs document:
- The individual's facial features
- Any visible identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
- The general physical condition at time of booking
- A booking identification number or placard
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
In Buchanan County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
501 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
(816) 236-8845
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
Additionally, copies may be maintained by:
- The arresting agency (if different from the Sheriff's Office)
- The Missouri State Highway Patrol's central records repository
- The Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office (if charges were filed)
Finding Mugshots:
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Buchanan County may:
-
Submit a formal public records request to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office
- Requests must be in writing
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the approximate date of arrest
- Include requestor's contact information
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office in person to submit a request
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Be prepared to complete a request form
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Can Mugshots Be Found Online:
Unlike some jurisdictions, Buchanan County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets that publish booking photos for newsworthy arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos from public records
- The Missouri State Highway Patrol's sex offender registry (for registered sex offenders only)
Obtaining Mugshots Officially:
To obtain an official copy of a booking photograph:
- Submit a completed records request form
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay the established fee ($5.00 per photograph)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- If the arrest record has been expunged or sealed by court order
- If the subject is a juvenile (under 17 years of age)
- If release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
- If the photograph is part of an investigative report that is closed under § 610.100 RSMo
Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records may consult with an attorney about expungement options if they qualify under Missouri law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Buchanan County
Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest records search
Missouri Department of Corrections offender search