Cole County Court Records

Legal proceedings in Cole County are generally handled in the Circuit and Municipal Courts. These matters generate paperwork and case details that make up Missouri Court records and are maintained by the circuit court clerk. Court records include the following:

• Case information: Case titles, charges, case numbers, party information, and filing dates
• Presiding judges
• Attorneys
• Judgments and sentencing
• Testimonies
• Court documents, such as motions, agreements, and complaints

Members of the public search for these court records to get updates about ongoing cases. These records also provide historical references for legal professionals, judges, and individuals who may need records for things like background checks, expungements, and criminal research.

Are Court Records Public in Cole County?

Yes. According to Missouri's Court Operating Rule 2.02, Cole's court records are presumed to be public records, barring regulations and laws that may restrict access. Part C of Rule 2.02 outlines the following as confidential information that may not be released to members of the public:

• Names and other identifying information of minors
• Details of confidential informants, witnesses, victims, and individuals named in protection and restraining orders
• Financial details, such as account numbers, banking passwords and login details, and debit or credit card numbers
• Personal identification numbers, like passports, driver's licenses, state I.D.s, and social security numbers
• Sealed court records

Other protected data include Cole County arrest records and criminal information gathered as part of active police investigations, juvenile Court proceedings, and certain domestic records like child custody and paternity matters.

However, certain parties can access protected court information. For example, case parties have access to child custody matters, and law enforcement can retrieve most of the sealed criminal records.

Cole County Court Records Search

Searching court records in Cole County involves approaching the county clerk's office to obtain copies of court documents or inspect case files.

Members of the public can also use the online portal provided by the Missouri judiciary. Site visitors may search cases by litigant or defendant name, filing date, scheduled hearings and trials, or case number. When searching by name, one can set certain search controls like participating court (Cole County Circuit Court in this case), case type, first and middle names, filing date, and case status. Results display the following:

• Attorneys and case parties
• Docket entries
• Charges, judgments, and sentences
• Scheduled hearings and trials
• Civil judgments
• Garnishments
• Service Information

People can also approach the Jefferson City Municipal Court to find and obtain records related to traffic and municipal ordinance violations. Online options for the municipal court include a third-party website containing cases from January 1, 2010, through June 30, 2021, and the Missouri judiciary's case portal from July 1, 2021, to the present.

Cole County Courts

The Cole County Court system is Missouri's 19th judicial circuit. The circuit comprises the civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and municipal divisions. Individuals can use these details to contact or visit the courts:

Circuit Court 301 East High Street
Room 305
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9150

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1870
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Jefferson City Municipal Court
427 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-6316

Cole County Criminal Records

Finding Cole County Criminal records is not limited to looking through court records. Some Cole county arrest records, which are considered criminal details, can also be obtained through law enforcement agencies.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement authorities are usually the first place to start if one seeks recent arrest information. Members of the public can approach the Cole County Sheriff's Office about individuals recently committed to its custody. The office's inmate search portal is open to members of the public who want to find such inmates. The web application accepts name, subject number, and booking number entries. Users can also enter booking date ranges and housing facilities to refine their searches. Details displayed on the system include each inmate's charge description, offense date, docket number, booking date, and bond and bail information. The database also specifies inmate type, arresting agency, and scheduled release date.

For local arrests, mainly within Jefferson City, people can contact the police department to obtain arrest records.

The Missouri Highway State Patrol also maintains records of arrests executed on Missouri's highways. Its Troop F is responsible for Cole County and its surroundings. Individuals can contact the troop in person, by mail, or by phone using these details:

Troop F
P.O. Box 568
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Interested parties can also use the patrol's online public records request system to order copies of arrest records.

Another option is the agency's arrest report website. The site lists recent arrests executed by the patrol. However, individuals can refine the list to show Cole County arrests by selecting Cole County, Troop F, and arrest date. They can also enter the arrestee's name for exact results. The report shows each arrested individual's personal information, charges, location, and release information.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal case files and documents also contain details about anyone's Cole criminal records. One can use the state's online case search portal or contact the clerk's criminal division.

Background Checks

The Missouri State Highway Patrol provides detailed criminal history on a person basis through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. The service shows each subject's encounters with the state's criminal justice system. Eligible parties can request fingerprint or name-based checks. The former provides exact results and requires the subject's fingerprints, while the latter only requires the subject's name and personal details but produces possible matches.

Get Cole County Civil Court Records

The civil division of the county's circuit court handles civil court cases. These cases relate to disputes between two or more private or public entities, such as personal injury, enforcement of private rights, and money disagreements.

Those interested in collecting or inspecting records from such proceedings can visit the circuit clerk's office.

Cole County Marriage Records

Cole County marriage records include marriage certificates and marriage statements. Per 193.255.1, RSMo 1986, only people who can demonstrate direct and tangible interests can obtain marriage documents classified as Cole County vital records. However, 19 CSR 10-10 recognizes registrants (couples named in marriage records) and their direct family members, legal guardians, and legal representatives as entities with direct and tangible interests. Other parties must sufficiently prove that they need the certified copy of the marriage record to protect the property or personal rights.

The county's recorder of deeds office can order a Cole County marriage certificate. The office allows in-person, mail-in, and phone requests. People ordering over the phone can call (573) 634-9115 and provide the couple's names, marriage dates, and credit card details. Mail-in requesters can fill out the certified copy of the marriage license (marriage certificate) application form and mail it to:

Recorder of Deeds
P.O. Box 353
Jefferson City, Mo 65102

In-person requests are handled at:

311 East High Street
Room 101 Courthouse Annex
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Orders cost $9 per certified copy plus $2 processing fees for credit card requests.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issues certified copies of marriage statements. These documents only contain names of couples, marriage dates, and recording county. One can order by mail, phone, or in person. Individuals who want to order online or by phone can visit the website of the bureau's third-party vendor. In-person requests are handled at:

Jefferson City Vital Record Lobby
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-6387

For mail-in requests, people are expected to complete the application form and mail it to:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Cole County Divorce Records

Divorce proceedings are also called dissolution of marriage cases in Missouri and are initiated to end marital responsibilities. One can either obtain a certified statement of divorce or a divorce decree. The certified statement can be ordered from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services using the same process as a marriage statement. Like the marriage statement, the divorce statement only contains the date of divorce, names of involved spouses, and recording county.

On the other hand, a divorce decree details the outcome of the divorce proceedings, including judgments and agreements. Interested parties must approach the circuit clerk.

Cole County Birth and Death Records

Individuals require Cole County birth records and death documents to complete certain legal procedures and applications, such as claiming insurance benefits, applying for passports and driver's licenses, enrolling in school, settling estates, and applying for marriage licenses.

Like other Cole County vital records, one must prove that they have a tangible interest in requesting a Cole County birth certificate or death record.

These documents can be obtained through the county or state's health department. Individuals requesting from the Cole County Health Department can do so online, by mail, in person, or by phone. Online and phone requests are processed by an authorized third party. The department handles mail-in requests once it receives the completed application form alongside notarized proof of I.D. (or tangible interest). In-person requesters will also complete applications on-site and provide valid identification and other accepted documents. Mail-in and on-site requests are to be mailed to or submitted at:

Cole County Health Department
Vital Records
3400 West Truman Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Accepted forms of I.D. include:

• State-issued driver's license or I.D. card with date of birth and current photograph
• School identification document displaying requester's name, school year, and photograph
• U.S. military photo identification document
• Verifiable work photo I.D.
• U.S. passport

The department also accepts two forms of alternate documentation when primary I.D.s are not available. These include social security cards, letters from social or government agencies, and other documents from public bodies like utility bills.

The state's health department also offers phone, mail, and walk-in and online requests. Online and phone-in options are similarly handled by the same third-party vendor. In-person and mail-in applications can be submitted to the following address after the required birth or death record application forms are filed and valid I.D.s and documents are added.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Cole County Probate Court Records

The circuit court's probate division handles matters related to estates for minors, deceased persons, and mentally or physically disabled individuals. Individuals can obtain these records through the circuit clerk's office. The state's case search website also contains details of publicly available probate proceedings.

Cole County Property Records

Property records are vital for real estate due diligence when selling or buying property. These documents can also challenge property evaluations reached by the county assessor. One can obtain property records through the offices of the recorder of deeds, county assessor, and collector of revenue's office.

Cole County Assessor

The assessor is responsible for calculating the estimated value of every property within the county to determine the right tax levies. Individuals can visit the office to order copies of property records or use its computer terminal to search and review real estate documents and details. The office also provides an interactive web map that allows miners and the public to locate properties on a map and check their details.

Cole County Collector of Revenue

The collector's office distributes and collects personal property and real estate taxes that reflect the assessor's evaluations. It keeps records of property details, tax histories, and outstanding payments. Individuals can contact the office to inspect or obtain these records. Members of the public can also use the office's online property tax inquiry portal to search for tax-related information. The database contains other details, such as owner information and property address.

Cole County Recorder of Deeds

Real estate documents are part of the records maintained and dispensed by the county's recorder of deeds. The office works with other departments, including the revenue collector and assessor, to collate records. One can contact or visit the recorder using the following address information to obtain copies of property documents:

311 E High Street
Room 101 Courthouse Annex
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 634-9115
Fax: (573) 634-4631

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 353
Jefferson City, MO 65102

The office's online records portal also provides access to property records. However, one must set up an account and purchase one of the following subscription packages to use the service:

• Printing or downloading documents: $1 per page
• Daily subscriptions: $10
• Single-user monthly subscriptions: $100
• Multiple users monthly subscriptions: $250 (free 1,500 pages of document downloads/printing)

Cole County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Missouricourtrecords.us also provide platforms for searching for Cole County public records. These services are run by private entities which provide remote search options to public record seekers. Customers can search these websites to find a wide range of public records without switching databases or websites. However, users must note that these services do not have direct affiliations with government agencies, and they cannot authenticate records hosted on said platforms.