Felony Records in Howell County

Howell County felony records are kept at the Circuit Clerk's office, Missouri. The county is part of Missouri's 37th Judicial Circuit. You can search Howell County felony records online through Missouri Case.net, the state's free court records portal. The Circuit Clerk handles all criminal case filings and can provide copies of felony records to the public during business hours. This page covers how to find and access felony records in Howell County, including the Circuit Clerk's office details, online search options, and related resources.

Howell County Felony Records at the Circuit Clerk

The Howell County Circuit Clerk is the main source for felony records in the county. Call 417-256-2544 for help. The clerk files, stores, and tracks all felony cases from the time charges are filed through sentencing and beyond. You can visit in person to look up case files, get copies, or check the status of a felony case. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Howell County Circuit Clerk page has more details about Howell County records.

This resource can help you find felony records and court information specific to Howell County.

Felony records in Howell County include the original charging document, bond information, motions filed by both sides, hearing dates, plea agreements, and the final judgment. The Circuit Court handles all felony cases, while the Associate Circuit Court deals with misdemeanors, traffic, and small claims. Both types of records are kept at the same office.

The Circuit Clerk is Cynthia Lee. Staff can help you find specific felony cases, explain what documents are on file, and tell you what it costs to get copies.

Copy fees are standard across Missouri courts. Plain copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $1.50 certification fee. You can request copies of Howell County felony records in person, by mail, or in some cases by email. Bring a valid photo ID if you visit the courthouse.

Search Howell County Felony Records Online

Missouri Case.net is the best free tool for searching Howell County felony records online. The system covers all Missouri circuit courts. Select Howell County from the list, then search by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows charges, court dates, case status, and how a case ended. It is free and open to the public around the clock.

The Howell County Recorder of Deeds page has more details about Howell County records.

This resource can help you find felony records and court information specific to Howell County.

Not all records may be on Case.net yet. Cases filed before July 2023 may not show up in the system. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and protected cases are not available through the public portal. For a full view of a Howell County felony case, you may need to visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person.

For a statewide criminal background check, use the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). A name-based search costs $15 and returns open felony records. This includes convictions and arrests within the last 30 days. A fingerprint-based search costs $20 and gives the full criminal history. Under RSMo Chapter 43, Section 43.530 sets these fees.

Note: Case.net results for Howell County may not include cases filed before July 2023 or records that have been sealed by court order.

Howell County Sheriff and Felony Records

The Howell County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking records. The Sheriff's Office works with the Prosecuting Attorney on felony cases. They handle arrests, serve warrants, and run the county jail.

The Howell County Courthouse page has more details about Howell County records.

This resource can help you find felony records and court information specific to Howell County.

You can request arrest reports and incident reports from the Howell County Sheriff under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Under Chapter 610 RSMo, incident reports are public records once the investigation is no longer active. Agencies must respond to requests within three business days. Fees for copies follow the same schedule as other public records.

Felony Records Access in Howell County

Felony records in Howell County are public under Missouri law. The Sunshine Law gives anyone the right to request and view court records. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to explain why you want the records.

Some information is kept out of public view. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are removed from public copies. Details about minor children may be redacted. Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public search. A judge can seal felony records in Howell County if there is a strong reason, but this is rare.

Missouri also allows expungement of certain felony records under RSMo 610.140. The person must wait three years after finishing their sentence. Up to two felony convictions can be expunged. Class A felonies, dangerous felonies, and sex offenses cannot be expunged. Once expunged, the felony record is removed from Howell County court files and statewide databases.

More Felony Records Resources for Howell County

The Missouri Department of Corrections runs an offender search for people currently in prison or on supervision. This can help if someone from Howell County is serving a felony sentence. The search is updated daily and checks aliases.

The Missouri Sex Offender Registry tracks registered sex offenders across the state including Howell County. You can search by name, location, or use a map to find offenders near a specific address. The toll-free line is 1-800-767-6747.

For legal help with felony records in Howell County, Legal Services of Missouri offers free assistance to qualifying residents. The Missouri Bar has a lawyer referral service. The Missouri State Archives holds historical court records if you need felony records from before the digital era.

Howell County Court Records History

Important historical note: The courthouse was destroyed during the Civil War. County records were lost in a fire in 1866. Howell County was organized March 2, 1857 from Oregon and Ozark Counties.

Historical felony records for Howell County may be available through the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City. The Archives holds microfilm copies of county court records for all 114 Missouri counties.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Howell County in Missouri. If you are not sure which county handles a felony case, check the address where the crime took place. Felony cases are filed in the county where the offense occurred.