Lafayette County Arrest Records

According to Missouri law (Section 610.100(1), RSMo), an arrest occurs when a peace officer restrains an individual due to a suspected criminal violation or under the authority of an arrest warrant. In Lafayette County, arrest records are created when an individual is taken into custody. These records document the details of the arrest, including the alleged offense, the identity of the arrested person, and related booking information. Additional details, such as the detention facility and the conditions of release, are also included.

Arrest records play a crucial role in the judicial process, assisting in criminal prosecutions, defense strategies, and public safety research. In conjunction with Lafayette County court records, they are used by prosecutors and defense attorneys to prepare legal arguments. Additionally, they provide the public with information about arrests in Lafayette County, including the nature of the charges, where the individual is detained, and how they may be released pending trial.

Are Arrest Records Public in Lafayette County?

Yes, arrest records in Lafayette County are public records under Missouri's Sunshine Law. The law ensures transparency by mandating that records maintained by law enforcement agencies are accessible to the public. However, certain records are protected from disclosure under state and federal laws. These restrictions aim to safeguard sensitive information and privacy. For example, records that are not available for public access include:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Victim and witness information
• Active criminal investigation files
• Financial records
• Medical information
• Personal identification numbers
• Records sealed by court order

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Lafayette County contain the following information, which is accessible to anyone unless otherwise restricted by law:

• Personal Information: Full name, age, race, sex, and physical description of the arrestee
• Arrestee's Photograph: A booking photo (commonly known as a mugshot)
• Arresting Agency: The law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
• Charges: The offenses and related legal statutes associated with the arrest
• Detention Facility: The location where the individual is held
• Booking Information: Dates and times of booking, along with other relevant details
• Bond Details: Type of bond, bond amount, and conditions of release
• Court Appearance Dates: Scheduled dates for court proceedings

Find Lafayette County Arrest Records

Arrests in Lafayette County are primarily carried out by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Each agency operates within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office has countywide authority. Arrested individuals are typically transferred to the Lafayette County Detention Center, awaiting court proceedings.

The Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate roster listing individuals detained in the facility. This roster includes names, charges, booking dates, and release conditions. To inquire about recent arrests or individuals in custody, members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office:

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol also keeps arrest records for individuals apprehended by its highway troops. These records are available through the MSHP Arrest Reports Portal, a free online resource providing arrest details such as the arrestee's full name, age, and gender, the alleged offenses, corresponding legal statutes, arrest date, time, and location, as well as release information.

Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Records Division processes requests for physical copies of arrest records.

The Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) maintain records for individuals convicted and serving sentences in state or federal facilities. While these records primarily pertain to convicted individuals, they can provide additional information about offenses leading to arrests.

Free Arrest Record Search in Lafayette County

Lafayette County residents can access free arrest records through:

• Lafayette County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster: Regularly updated with current detainees.
• Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Reports: Provides free access to arrests across the state.
• Missouri Case.net Portal: Offers free access to court records related to criminal cases.

Additionally, some third-party websites compile public arrest information from multiple sources. While these websites are convenient, they may not always be up-to-date or official. For the most up-to-date information, refer to government-operated databases.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Lafayette County, arrests can remain on an individual's record indefinitely if they result in a serious felony conviction. However, Missouri law allows individuals who were arrested but not convicted to petition for expungement under certain conditions. Expungement ensures that eligible records are permanently destroyed or removed from public access, offering a fresh start to qualifying individuals.

Expunge Lafayette County Arrest Records

Under Missouri law, expungements for arrest records are governed by Section 610.122, RSMo, and additional provisions under Section 610.140, RSMo, for certain convictions. Former arrestees who meet specific criteria can petition the Lafayette County Circuit Court to request the expungement of their arrest records.

Eligible individuals must meet the following criteria to expunge arrest records in Lafayette County:

• No evidence or probable cause links the individual to the crime.
• The individual did not receive a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS).
• Prosecutors did not file formal charges, or charges were dismissed.
• There are no pending civil suits related to the arrest.
• The charges were dismissed, not pursued, or the individual was found not guilty.
• The arrest did not involve the operation of a commercial vehicle, and the individual does not hold a commercial driver's license.

To request an expungement, individuals must complete Form CR145 (Petition for Expungement of Arrest Records) and submit it to the Lafayette County Circuit Court. If the arrest occurred outside Lafayette County, the petition must be filed in the county where the arrest took place.

The petition must include:

• The applicant's personal information (full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address at the time of arrest, and driver's license number)
• The name of the arresting county or municipality
• The date of arrest and the alleged offenses
• The name of the arresting agency
• The case number and the name of the court where charges were filed
• The applicant's fingerprints submitted on a standard fingerprint card

The petitioner must also name all public agencies that possess the records (e.g., courts, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors) as defendants in the petition. The court's expungement order will not bind any agency not named.

Lafayette County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Lafayette County is a document authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual suspected of violating the law. Judges issue warrants after reviewing probable cause affidavits submitted by law enforcement or upon receiving a grand jury indictment. In some cases, judges can issue warrants for individuals in contempt of court without additional complaints.

The public can view arrest warrant information through the Missouri Case.net Portal, which provides free access to case records, including warrants. Additionally, individuals can contact the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office or visit local courthouses to inquire about active warrants.

Do Lafayette County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants issued in Lafayette County do not expire. These warrants remain valid until:

• The individual named in the warrant is taken into custody.
• A judge recalls the warrant, which may occur if new evidence exonerates the individual or the warrant is deemed unnecessary.