Criminal records in Franklin County, Missouri, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. FranklinMOCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Franklin County. Additional access points include the Missouri state court case search system, the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk's office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol's criminal record check services.
How to Search Criminal Records in Franklin
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Franklin County. What you'll need depends on the method you choose, but having the person's full legal name, date of birth, or a case number will make any search more effective.
Online Search Options
- FranklinMOCourt.us — Search publicly available court record information for Franklin County criminal cases.
- Missouri Courts Case Search (CaseNet) — The Missouri Judiciary operates CaseNet, which lets you search circuit court records statewide, including Franklin County. You can search by name, case number, or date of birth.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Reports — The MSHP arrest reports search allows you to look up recent arrests by county, including Franklin County.
- MODOC Offender Search — If you're looking for someone currently or previously supervised by the Missouri Department of Corrections, use the MODOC Offender Search.
In Person
- Visit the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk's office at the Franklin County Courthouse in Union, Missouri. Public access terminals may be available for searching court records.
- The City of Union Municipal Court is also located at the Franklin County Courthouse for municipal-level case inquiries.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth, and any known case details. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees.
- For a formal criminal history check, submit a request to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Record Check program. Name-based searches and fingerprint-based background checks are both available.
- You may also submit a public records request under Missouri's Sunshine Law. The Attorney General's sample records request form provides template language you can use.
What You'll Need
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if known)
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
Search Franklin Criminal Cases by Case Number
Missouri uses a standardized case number format across its circuit courts. If you have a case number, you can look it up directly on CaseNet or through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
A typical Missouri case number follows this pattern:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying the county (Franklin County's code is 20)
- Case type code — Two letters indicating the type of case (e.g., CR for criminal, TR for traffic)
- Year — A two- or four-digit year the case was filed
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned to the case within that year
For example, a Franklin County criminal case might appear as 20CR-2024-001234. Enter the full case number exactly as formatted when searching. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name and narrowing results by year or case type.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Franklin
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Missouri Revised Statutes section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 570.030 for stealing) |
| Severity | Felony (Class A–E), misdemeanor (Class A–D), or infraction |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be amended through plea negotiations or at the prosecutor's discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting action
- Active — Case is proceeding through the court process
- Disposed — A final judgment has been entered
- Closed — All proceedings, including any post-judgment matters, are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case issues, possible resolutions
- Trial — Evidence is presented; guilt or innocence is decided
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or other court orders
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecutor
- Nolle prosequi — Prosecutor declines to pursue the case
- Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS) — Conviction may be withheld if probation is completed successfully
- Suspended execution of sentence (SES) — Sentence is imposed but not carried out while on probation
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Franklin
Certified copies of criminal court records in Franklin County are handled by the Circuit Court Clerk's office. These are official copies bearing the court seal and the clerk's signature, suitable for legal proceedings, employment verification, or other formal purposes.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Circuit Court Clerk at the Franklin County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk's office. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), a description of the records needed, your return address, and payment for applicable fees.
- State-level criminal history — For a comprehensive criminal background check, use the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). Fingerprint-based checks include both state and FBI records and cost $44.00.
Contact Information
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
For law enforcement contacts in Franklin County, the Missouri Attorney General's police and sheriffs directory provides current information.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Franklin
Fees for criminal record copies and background checks vary by the type of request and the issuing agency. The following table reflects standard fees based on Missouri statute and state agency schedules.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $2.00 per page (typical) | Circuit Court Clerk, per § 483.530 RSMo |
| Certification fee | $2.50 per document (typical) | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Name-based criminal record check (MSHP) | $20.00 | Missouri State Highway Patrol |
| Fingerprint-based background check (MACHS) | $44.00 (state + FBI) | MACHS |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request.
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for the clerk's office to process and return documents.
- MSHP name-based checks — Typically returned within 3–5 business days when submitted online.
- MACHS fingerprint-based checks — Results are usually available within 3–5 business days after fingerprints are submitted at an approved vendor location.
Fees are subject to change. Contact the Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm current rates before submitting payment.