Bates County Criminal History Records
Bates County criminal history records are held by the 27th Judicial Circuit Court and the Sheriff's Office in Butler, Missouri. The county is in west-central Missouri near the Kansas border. All criminal cases filed in Bates County go through the circuit court system, and records can be searched online or requested in person. This page covers every office that manages criminal history data in Bates County and explains how to access those files.
Bates County Quick Facts
Bates County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The 27th Judicial Circuit Court processes all criminal cases for Bates County. Circuit Clerk Shelli White runs the office on the second floor of the courthouse at 1 North Delaware in Butler. The phone number is (660) 679-5171. The office handles civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and juvenile cases.
Criminal case filings in Bates County include both felony and misdemeanor charges. The clerk's office manages all case filings, court schedules, and jury coordination. You can search Bates County criminal records for free through Missouri CaseNet. This online tool shows charges, docket entries, parties, and case outcomes. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Filter results to Bates County to see only local cases.
Standard copy fees are $2 for the first page and 25 cents for each one after. The clerk's office also handles traffic court and associate court matters. Visit in person or call the office to request copies of specific case files.
Bates County Sheriff's Office
The Bates County Sheriff's Office is at 6 West Ft. Scott Street in Butler. Sheriff Chad Anderson runs the department. The phone number is (660) 679-3232. The office provides patrol, investigations, court security, and emergency response around the clock.
The Bates County Sheriff's Office website has department contact info and resources for the public.
Records at the Sheriff's Office include arrest reports, incident reports, and booking data. The department works with the Butler Police Department and other local agencies. All arrest data is sent to the Highway Patrol's central repository under Section 43.503 RSMo. That means Bates County criminal records are part of the statewide database.
The Bates County Sheriff also maintains an online inmate roster for public viewing.
The inmate roster shows who is currently in custody at the Bates County Jail. This can be a useful starting point if you are trying to find recent arrest or booking information for someone in Bates County.
Bates County Jail and Booking Records
The Bates County Jail is at 6 West Fort Scott Street in Butler. Call (660) 679-5880 for inmate info. The facility holds both people waiting for trial and sentenced inmates. Booking records include arrest dates, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court dates.
Each booking creates a criminal history record for the person processed. The jail provides meals, medical services, and visitation. Visitation schedules are available through the Sheriff's Office. If you need to check on an inmate's current status or bond, call the jail or check the online inmate roster on the Sheriff's website.
Bates County Criminal Case Prosecution
The Bates County Prosecuting Attorney is Hugh C. Jenkins. The office is at 1 N. Delaware in Butler. Call (660) 679-4030. This office reviews cases from law enforcement, files criminal charges, and represents the state in court proceedings. The Prosecuting Attorney handles both felony and misdemeanor cases.
The office works closely with crime victims to provide support and make sure their rights are protected. All charges filed go into the Circuit Clerk's records and show up on CaseNet. If you want to follow a case through the court system, CaseNet is the easiest tool for tracking charges, hearings, and outcomes.
How to Search Criminal History in Bates County
For free Bates County criminal case lookups, use CaseNet. No account is needed. Search by name or case number and filter to Bates County. Results include charges, docket entries, and case outcomes.
A statewide criminal history check that includes Bates County is available through the MACHS portal. This pulls data from the Highway Patrol's central repository covering all Missouri counties. A name search costs $15. Fingerprint checks are about $43 total. An account is required.
In-person requests go to the Bates County courthouse at 1 North Delaware in Butler. Bring a photo ID. Missouri's Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 says government offices must respond to records requests within three business days. A denial must include a written explanation.
- CaseNet: free, no account needed
- MACHS name search: $15
- MACHS fingerprint: about $43
- Court copies: $2 first page, $0.25 each after
Expungement petitions in Bates County are filed under Section 610.140 RSMo. File in the circuit court where the arrest took place. Expunged records will not show up on CaseNet or in most searches. Only certain crimes qualify for expungement.
Criminal History Expungement in Bates County
Section 610.140 RSMo allows people to petition for expungement of certain criminal records in Bates 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 Bates County can tell you the filing fee. Legal aid groups in the area may help with the paperwork at no cost.