Newton County Arrest Records

Arrests in Newton County occur when probable cause exists that a person has committed a crime, which could be categorized as a misdemeanor or felony. A common situation that could trigger an arrest is a report of domestic violence, theft, or any other criminal activity that threatens people's safety or lives. Individuals arrested in Newton County are usually detained at the Newton County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office of Newton County.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments typically create official records after arrests in Newton County. These "arrest" records contain substantial details about an arrest incident, such as the class of offense, the suspect's identifying information, and the initial charges filed against the suspect.

Arrest records are often used in conjunction with other public records, such as Newton County court records, which provide an account of the legal action taken after an arrest, including the formal charges, court dates, and case dispositions.

Are Arrest Records Public in Newton County?

Yes. Arrest records in Newton County are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law. The law obliges local law enforcement agencies to release arrest records upon request. However, there are instances where this regulation does not apply. They include:

Investigations in Progress: Records from active police investigations are generally exempt to prevent interference with the investigative process.

Sensitive Information: Information that, if released, may pose a threat to the security of victims, witnesses, or law enforcement personnel is confidential.

Confidential Sources: Records that may identify a confidential informant or undercover officer are exempt.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Newton County have the following contents.

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, sex, and aliases of the arrested individual.
• Arrest Details: The date, time, and place of arrest, as well as the arresting agency.
• Charges: The offenses or charges against the arrestee.
• Booking Details: Booking number, mugshot, and date.
• Bail/Bond Details: The amount of bail set, if any, and the type.
• Court Details: Court case number and arraignment date

Newton County Arrest Statistics

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Crime Reporting database indicates a total of 604 arrests made by the Sheriff's Office in Newton County in 2023. These numbers were only for adults; no juveniles were arrested by the office during this period.

Find Newton County Arrest Records

The Newton County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies in Newton can provide records of departmental arrests to interested members of the public. Requesters must typically provide the name of the arrested person whose records they seek. If the arrestee was taken to the local jail, one may query the Sheriff. While the Sheriff's office does not offer an online inmate search, a person can contact them by phone or in person to inquire about who is currently in their custody after an arrest.

If the sought-after arrestee has already been transferred to state prison, one may access records of the Missouri Department of Corrections (MODOC). The agency provides an online Offender Search tool for looking up incarcerated parties. Users can utilize the tool to locate current or past offenders. A person's name or offender ID number is required for a search.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator may be more relevant when the arrestee has already entered federal custody. This locator helps locate individuals arrested in Newton County or other US regions and subsequently placed in federal custody. The database can be used to look up an inmate's holding facility and estimated release date.

Free Arrest Record Search in Newton County

A person seeking a free arrest record search within Newton County can query a police agency under the Missouri Sunshine Law. This action may allow them to see readily available records without paying a fee, but they may be charged for copy requests.

Many third-party websites also provide basic arrest records to users free of charge. However, those requiring extensive records through these platforms must often bear the related costs.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

An arrest remains on a person's criminal record for life unless some legal procedures are pursued to have it removed. According to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.140, individuals may request to have their arrest records expunged if they meet some particular requirements. However, a person may also qualify for automatic sealing under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 610.105 if their charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, or they were acquitted.

Expunge Newton County Arrest Records

Those who would like to expunge their arrest records in Newton County (where the case resulted in a conviction) are entitled under Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.140, provided they meet the state's expungement parameters. Expungement allows people to remove arrest, charge, and conviction information from public access, although the records may still be available to law enforcement and some government agencies.

Under Missouri law, a person may be eligible if they have not been convicted of the charges relating to their arrest or the charges have been dismissed or nolle prossed. In such cases, the party's record may be automatically sealed, as previously mentioned.

However, where a conviction occurred, the record holder may have to wait at least three years from the date of the arrest (for felonies) or at least one year from the date of arrest (for misdemeanors) before filing a petition for expungement. However, Missouri does not allow expungement for violent felonies, sexual offenses, and DUI/DWI charges. The petitioner also must not have any pending criminal charges and never have been convicted of more than one felony or misdemeanor in the past 10 years.

To expunge an arrest record in Newton, the defendant will have to file a petition with the jurisdictional court where the arrest occurred. The petition should contain vital information, such as the date of arrest, charges, disposition of the case, and a statement of eligibility to obtain an expungement.

Upon filing such a petition, the court will notify all parties concerned, including the arresting law enforcement agency, the prosecuting attorney, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. After that, a hearing will be conducted, where the petitioner has to prove the expungement is in the interest of justice. At this stage, the prosecuting attorney or the law enforcement agency may object to the expungement. However, if the court finds the petition reasonable, it will issue an order of expungement to the agencies that have the record.

Newton County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Newton County is a formal document issued by a judge or magistrate that grants the police authority to arrest somebody for a crime.

Such warrants are only issued upon probable cause, which must be demonstrated by the law enforcement officer who requires them. Probable cause may be established via a complaint and affidavit, which may be supported by investigations or witnesses. If the judge finds the request sufficient (that probable cause indeed exists), they will issue the warrant.

In addition to bringing someone to the court system to answer for a crime, an arrest warrant can be issued for failing to respond to a summons or citation, pay a court fine, or obey another court order. Such warrants are called bench warrants.

An arrest warrant issued in Newton contains basic information about the defendant, such as their name and a physical description. The warrant will also specify the charges on which a person is being arrested, the judge or magistrate's name and signature, and the issue date. Moreover, the warrant can carry specific conditions or instructions that law enforcement officials must comply with at the time of arrest.

Do Newton County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants in Newton County do not have termination dates and remain valid until executed or withdrawn by the issuing judge. In other words, they remain in effect until served. Although law enforcement priorities may determine how active warrants are pursued, those with outstanding warrants are still encouraged to take care of them immediately.