Lafayette County Court Records

Court records in Lafayette County, Missouri, are official documents generated and maintained by the courts to document the details and progression of legal proceedings. These records serve as crucial elements of the judicial process, promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the legal system. Court records can include filings, motions, docket entries, judgments, and various other documents relevant to both civil and criminal cases.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the custodian of all court records, ensuring their proper maintenance, indexing, and availability for public inspection in accordance with applicable laws and court rules.
Although the specific content of a court record may vary based on case type, most Lafayette County court records include:

• Names of parties involved
• Attorney information and representation details
• Unique case number and case type
• Charges filed (in criminal cases) or claims made (in civil cases)
• Docket entries documenting every event in the case timeline
• Filing dates and scheduled hearings
• Court rulings, judgments, or disposition information

Are Court Records Public in Lafayette County?

Under Missouri’s open government laws—collectively known as the Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo Chapter 610)—most court records are considered public records. Access to these records is also subject to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2 (COR 2), which outlines when certain records may be restricted. Court records may be withheld from public viewing or redacted if they contain sensitive information, concern juvenile proceedings, or pose safety risks.

For instance, per COR 2.04, a prosecutor or law enforcement official may request temporary redaction of a criminal court record if a warrant is pending and premature disclosure could jeopardize an investigation or public safety. Such redactions generally last for five days or until the warrant is served, whichever comes first.

Records Typically Withheld from Public Access

Certain types of records are deemed confidential by law or court rule, including but not limited to:

• Juvenile proceedings and records (RSMo § 211.321)
• Sensitive personal identifiers (e.g., Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account numbers)
• Victim identifying information in domestic violence cases
• Confidential informant names and contact details
• Sealed or expunged records as permitted under RSMo §§ 610.105 and 610.140

Judges and the Circuit Clerk may apply higher security levels to case files as needed, in accordance with local court rules and applicable statutes, to ensure the protection of sensitive information.

Lafayette County Court Records Search

Interested parties can access Lafayette County court records through several means:

1. In-Person at the Clerk’s Office:
   Visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. A name, case number, or other identifying information will expedite the search process. Copying fees may apply (RSMo § 610.026).
2. Missouri Courts Case.net:
   The Missouri Courts provide online access through the Case.net portal (https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet). Users can search by litigant name, filing date, case number, or judgment index. While most non-confidential records are accessible online, certain restricted records remain unavailable via the internet.
3. Third-Party Online Resources:
   Some private websites offer court records searching for a fee. However, these sources may not be as comprehensive or up-to-date as official government portals. Always verify the authenticity and accuracy of information obtained from unofficial sources.

Lafayette County Courts

Lafayette County is part of Missouri’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, encompassing both Lafayette and Saline Counties. The main court of record in Lafayette County is the Circuit Court, which presides over a wide range of legal matters, including felony criminal cases, civil suits, family law proceedings, juvenile cases, and probate matters. Less serious offenses and lower-value civil disputes typically fall under the Associate Circuit divisions.

Lafayette County Courthouse:
Lafayette County Courthouse
1001 Main Street
Lexington, MO 64067
Phone: (660) 259-6101

Lafayette County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records detail an individual’s encounters with law enforcement and the courts, including arrests, charges, indictments, judgments, and sentencing information. In Lafayette County, these records are generated by local law enforcement agencies, the prosecuting attorney’s office, and the Circuit Court.

Obtaining Arrest Records and Incident Reports

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and incident reports. Interested parties can request these documents as follows:

Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office
107 S. 11th Street
Lexington, MO 64067
Phone: (660) 259-3622

The Sheriff’s Office typically charges a nominal fee for copies of reports (generally around $5 per report). Requests should be made in person during regular business hours. Some records, such as ongoing investigation files, may be withheld under RSMo Chapter 610 if their release would impede law enforcement activities.

Comprehensive Criminal Background Checks

For a more complete criminal history check, including statewide records, individuals may contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. State criminal history requests can be made:

• Name-Based Searches: Conducted through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) Name Search Portal for $15. These searches return open records, including convictions and arrests less than 30 days old, pending charges, and Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) cases during probation.
• Fingerprint-Based Searches: For $31.50, applicants can submit fingerprints through MACHS for a more accurate and comprehensive background check. Fingerprint-based results may include both open and closed records, such as arrests after probation completion or SIS expirations. Additional fees apply for notarization.

Missouri State Highway Patrol, CJIS Division
P.O. Box 9500
Jefferson City, MO 65102-9500

Fingerprint-based results are generally returned via mail within 7-10 business days.

Civil records document non-criminal disputes, including property disputes, contract matters, small claims, and family law cases (e.g., divorce, child custody).
Individuals seeking copies of civil records may visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Lafayette County Courthouse. Providing a case number or the full names of involved parties will expedite the search process. Fees may apply for copies. Non-confidential civil records may also be searched and viewed via Missouri Case.net.

Lafayette County Marriage Records

The Lafayette County Recorder of Deeds is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining official records of marriages performed in the county. Couples must purchase a license before the ceremony and return it for recording afterward.

Lafayette County Recorder of Deeds
1001 Main Street, Room 303
Lexington, MO 64067
Phone: (660) 259-6158
https://www.lafayettecountymo.com/offices/recorder-of-deeds

Fees and Procedures:

• Marriage license fee: $51 (cash only, no checks or cards accepted)
• Certified copies: $9 each (no certified copy is included with the license fee)
  No waiting period exists, but the license must be used within 30 days of issuance and returned promptly for recording.

Lafayette County Divorce Records

Divorce decrees and related documents are retained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Non-confidential divorce case information is accessible through Case.net. To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, visit the Clerk’s Office in person. Additional fees may apply.

Lafayette County Birth and Death Records

Pursuant to RSMo Chapter 193, Missouri restricts public access to vital records. Birth and death certificates are maintained at both the state and local levels. In Lafayette County, the Health Department provides certified copies to eligible requesters.

Lafayette County Health Department
547 S. Business Hwy 13
Lexington, MO 64067
Phone: (660) 259-4371
https://www.lafayettecountyhealth.org/

Fees:

• Birth certificates: $15 per copy
• Death certificates: $14 for the first copy and $11 for each additional copy requested at the same time

Only certain individuals—such as the registrant, immediate family members, legal guardians, or authorized representatives—may obtain these records.

Lafayette County Probate Court Records

Probate cases address wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. These records are generally maintained by the Circuit Court’s probate division. Probate case information may be requested directly from the Circuit Clerk’s Office or searched using Case.net for non-confidential matters.

Lafayette County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and land surveys, are recorded and preserved by the Recorder of Deeds. These records establish legal proof of property ownership, boundaries, and encumbrances.
Visit the Recorder of Deeds Office in person or utilize their online portal. To find detailed tax information, the County Collector’s Office provides an online Real Estate Tax Search tool, accessible by parcel number, owner’s name, or property address.

Lafayette County Court Records Online

While official records are best obtained directly from the Clerk’s Office or through the Missouri Courts’ Case.net portal, various third-party websites like Missouricourtrecords.us also offer search services. Third-party sites offer the convenience of remote access; however, these entities are not affiliated with the government, and their databases may be incomplete or outdated. Confidential or sealed records are also not available through third-party providers and must be requested directly from the appropriate county office.