Franklin County Criminal Court Records
Franklin County criminal court records are held by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Union. The 20th Judicial Circuit handles all felony and misdemeanor cases filed in Franklin County. You can search these records online through Case.net at no cost. The clerk's office also takes walk-in requests during normal hours. Whether you need to pull up a case, check a court date, or get copies of filings, there are a few ways to find criminal court records in Franklin County. The county sits west of St. Louis and processes a steady flow of criminal cases each year through its circuit court divisions.
Franklin County Quick Facts
Franklin County Circuit Clerk Office
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk is the main keeper of criminal court records for the 20th Judicial Circuit. This office stores all case files, docket sheets, and court orders for felony and misdemeanor cases in Franklin County. Staff at the clerk's office can help you look up a case by name or case number. They also give out plain and certified copies of court documents. The office is at the Franklin County Courthouse in Union.
You can visit in person during business hours. Bring a name or case number to speed things up. Certified copies cost $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that. Plain copies run about $1.00 per page. Call ahead if you need older records since some files take more time to pull from storage.
| Office | Franklin County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 E. Main St. Union, MO 63084 |
| Phone | (636) 583-7391 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Franklin County Criminal Court Records Online
The best way to look up criminal court records in Franklin County is through Case.net. This is the state's free online portal for court records. It covers all Circuit Courts in Missouri, including Franklin County's 20th Judicial Circuit. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. Results show docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
Case.net runs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Central Time. Some weekend access is also there. You do not need an account for basic searches. If you want to track a case, you can sign up for free alerts by email or text. This is a good way to stay on top of Franklin County criminal cases as they move through the court system.
Note: Only public cases show up on Case.net. Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records are not visible online.
Criminal Court Records Background Checks
The Missouri State Highway Patrol runs the MACHS portal for criminal background checks. A name-based search costs $14 and pulls up open criminal records tied to a person in Missouri, including Franklin County cases. You can run it online. Results come back fast.
A fingerprint-based search costs $20 and gives a fuller picture. It uses positive ID rather than just name matching. For some applicants like foster care and concealed carry, the fingerprint search drops to $14. You can add a notarized letter of results for $2 more. The CJIS Division can be reached at (573) 526-6312.
The Missouri Department of Corrections offender search is another free tool. It shows people who are in state prison or on probation or parole. It does not cover county jail inmates. For jail records in Franklin County, contact the Franklin County Sheriff's office.
Franklin County Records and Missouri Law
Criminal court records in Franklin County are public under Missouri's Sunshine Law. Under RSMo 610.100, arrest records become open once charges are filed or an investigation goes inactive. The Sunshine Law was first passed in 1973 and covers all government records in the state. Requests must get a response within three business days. Copying fees are capped at 10 cents per page for standard documents.
Missouri classifies criminal offenses under Chapter 558 of the Revised Statutes. Felonies range from Class A (most serious) to Class E. Misdemeanors go from Class A through Class D. Both types of cases create criminal court records stored by the Franklin County Circuit Clerk. The classification of the charge affects sentencing ranges and how the case moves through the court.
Expungement is covered under RSMo 610.140. Some criminal court records can be sealed from public view if certain conditions are met. Not all offenses qualify. The wait time depends on the type of charge. Once a record is expunged in Franklin County, it no longer shows up on Case.net or MACHS.
Types of Criminal Cases in Franklin County
The 20th Judicial Circuit handles several types of criminal cases in Franklin County. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court divisions. These are serious crimes that can carry more than a year in state prison. Misdemeanor cases go to Associate Circuit Court divisions. These lesser offenses can bring up to a year in county jail.
Franklin County criminal court records include:
- Charging documents like complaints and indictments
- Docket entries that track all case activity
- Motions, pleas, and court orders
- Judgments, sentences, and final dispositions
- Probation records and compliance reports
Municipal courts in Franklin County handle city ordinance violations. Some of these overlap with state criminal law. DWI charges, for example, create criminal court records even when filed at the municipal level. Many municipal court records also show up on Case.net. Traffic cases that carry criminal penalties are treated the same way.
The Missouri Courts website has forms and filing instructions for those who need to work with Franklin County criminal court records. The eFiling system lets attorneys file documents online. For help with eFiling, call 1-800-747-0773.
Franklin County Court Resources
The Missouri Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, address, or map. It is free and shows photos, addresses, and offense details for all registered sex offenders. The toll-free line is 1-888-SOR-MSHP.
The Missouri Attorney General's office gives guidance on how the Sunshine Law works. If a public body in Franklin County denies your records request, you have the right to appeal. The AG's office handles complaints and publishes opinions that help clarify what records the public can access. Call (800) 695-6111 for victim services.
For questions about a specific criminal case in Franklin County, call the Circuit Clerk at (636) 583-7391. The Office of State Courts Administrator is at 2112 Industrial Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65110, and can be reached at (573) 751-4377. The OSCA Help Desk at 888-541-4894 helps with Case.net questions.
Note: Court hours and fees may change without notice. Call the Franklin County Circuit Clerk to verify current information before visiting.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Franklin County in Missouri. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where the offense took place. Criminal cases must be filed in the county where the crime occurred.