Access Barton County Criminal History
Barton County criminal history records are maintained by the 28th Judicial Circuit Court and the Sheriff's Office in Lamar. This west-central Missouri county processes all criminal cases through its circuit court system. Records are available online through CaseNet and in person at the courthouse. This page walks through each office that stores criminal history data in Barton County, how to search those records, and what fees to expect.
Barton County Quick Facts
Barton County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The 28th Judicial Circuit Court handles all criminal cases filed in Barton County. Circuit Clerk Melinda Maberry runs the office in Room 204 of the Barton County Courthouse at 1004 Gulf in Lamar. The phone number is (417) 682-2444. The office handles criminal, civil, traffic, probate, and family court filings.
Criminal cases in Barton County include both felony and misdemeanor charges. The clerk's office processes all filings, manages court schedules, and coordinates jury services. Court records are available through Missouri CaseNet at no cost. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. CaseNet shows charges, docket entries, parties, and judgments for most cases.
Copy fees follow the standard Missouri schedule. That means $2 for the first page and 25 cents for each page after. Visit the clerk's office in person or call to request copies of criminal case files. Certified copies may carry an extra fee.
Barton County Sheriff's Office
The Barton County Sheriff's Office is at 1010 Cherry St. in Lamar. Sheriff John Simpson leads the department. The phone number is (417) 682-5541. The office provides patrol, criminal investigations, emergency response, and court security. Dispatch is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's MACHS portal shows statewide criminal history data that includes Barton County records.
Records at the Sheriff's Office include arrest reports, incident reports, and booking data from the county jail. The department works with the Lamar Police Department and other local agencies. Under Section 43.503 RSMo, all arrest and charge data from Barton County law enforcement goes to the Highway Patrol's central repository. This means Barton County records are in the statewide database.
The Sheriff's Office also manages emergency management coordination for the county. Civil process, warrant services, and court security all go through this office.
Barton County Jail Records
The Barton County Jail is at 1010 Cherry Street in Lamar. Call (417) 682-5515 for inmate info. The jail is run by the Sheriff's Office and holds people waiting for trial plus those serving county sentences.
Booking records created at the jail include arrest dates, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. These records become part of each person's criminal history file. The jail provides meals, medical care, and visitation for inmates. Contact the Sheriff's Office for current inmate status or check VineLink for online inmate search tools.
Barton County Criminal Prosecution
The Barton County Prosecuting Attorney is Mike Smalley. The office is at 201 W. 10th in Lamar. Call (417) 682-5000. This office reviews cases from law enforcement, files charges, and represents the state in court. The Prosecuting Attorney handles felonies and misdemeanors across Barton County.
All criminal charges filed by this office are recorded at the Circuit Clerk's office. They also appear on CaseNet once entered into the system. If you want to track a case from filing through sentencing, CaseNet will show the full docket and any outcomes. The office works to protect community safety while making sure victims' rights are maintained.
How to Search Criminal History in Barton County
The easiest way to search Barton County criminal records is CaseNet. It is free. No signup is needed. Search by name, case number, or date. Filter to Barton County for local cases. Results show charges, docket entries, and outcomes.
For a statewide criminal history search that includes Barton County, go to the MACHS portal. This pulls from the Highway Patrol's central database covering all 114 Missouri counties. A name-based search costs $15. Fingerprint checks run about $43 total. You must create an account to use MACHS.
In-person requests can be made at the Barton County Courthouse at 1004 Gulf in Lamar. Bring a valid ID and the name or case number. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, government offices must respond to records requests within three business days.
- CaseNet: free, no account needed
- MACHS name search: $15
- MACHS fingerprint: about $43
- Court copies: $2 first page, $0.25 each after
Expungement of criminal records in Barton County is governed by Section 610.140 RSMo. File the petition in the circuit court where the arrest took place. Expunged records will not appear in CaseNet or standard criminal history searches. Only certain crimes qualify for expungement under Missouri law.
Criminal History Expungement in Barton County
Section 610.140 RSMo allows people to petition for expungement of certain criminal records in Barton County. The waiting period is three years for most misdemeanors and seven years for eligible felonies. Not all crimes qualify. Violent offenses, sex crimes, and DWI charges are not eligible.
You file the petition in the circuit court where the arrest or charge took place. The court will set a hearing date. If no one objects and the person meets all the conditions, the judge can order the record sealed. Once sealed, the record does not show up on CaseNet or in standard background checks.
Some marijuana-related offenses were auto-expunged after Missouri passed Amendment 3 in 2022. The state handled those cases without a petition. For all other eligible offenses, you must file on your own or hire a lawyer. The circuit clerk in Barton County can tell you the filing fee. Legal aid groups in the area may help with the paperwork at no cost.