Howard County Criminal History Search
Howard County criminal history records are kept at the Circuit Court in Fayette, Missouri. The county has a population of around 10,000 and sits in central Missouri along the Missouri River. Criminal cases go through the Circuit Clerk-Recorder's Office at 1 Courthouse Sq. You can look up case data for free on CaseNet or visit the clerk to get copies of court files. The Howard County Sheriff's Office and Prosecuting Attorney also maintain records of arrests and criminal charges filed across the county.
Howard County Quick Facts
Howard County Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Circuit Court handles all criminal cases in Howard County. The Circuit Clerk-Recorder's Office is at 1 Courthouse Sq in Fayette. The phone number is 660-248-2194. The office handles civil, criminal, traffic, and probate filings.
Search Howard County criminal records on Missouri CaseNet for free. Enter a name or case number and filter to Howard County. CaseNet shows charges, docket entries, parties, and dispositions. For certified copies, contact the clerk in person or by mail. Fees run $2 for the first page and 25 cents per page after that.
Sealed criminal records in Howard County do not show on CaseNet. Only a party to the case can view sealed files by visiting the courthouse with a photo ID.
Howard County Sheriff's Office
The Howard County Sheriff's Office is at 100 N Mulberry in Fayette. The phone number is 660-248-2477. The fax is 660-248-1444. The office handles patrol, investigations, civil process, jail operations, and court security.
The Sheriff's Office has an inmate lookup feature on their website. Records requests can be made by phone, fax, or in person. All arrest data from Howard County law enforcement goes to the state's central repository under Section 43.503 RSMo.
For a statewide criminal history check, use the MACHS portal. A name search costs $15. Fingerprint-based checks run about $43 total.
Howard County Jail Records
The Howard County Jail is at 100 N Mulberry in Fayette, run by the Sheriff's Office. The jail phone is 660-248-2490. Call for booking info, bond amounts, or inmate status. An inmate lookup is available on the Sheriff's Office website.
Booking records include the arrest date, charges, bond amount, and court dates. Each booking creates a record that becomes part of that person's criminal history file in Howard County.
Howard County Criminal Prosecution
The Howard County Prosecuting Attorney is at 600 W Morrison, Ste 20, in Fayette. The phone is 660-248-3005. The office reviews law enforcement reports and decides on charges. All criminal case filings are on record at the Circuit Clerk and searchable on CaseNet.
The Missouri Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 requires county offices to respond to records requests within three business days. If a request is denied, the office must cite the specific statute.
How to Look Up Criminal History in Howard County
CaseNet is the fastest free tool for Howard County criminal records. Go to courts.mo.gov/casenet and search by name or case number. Filter to Howard County for local results.
Use MACHS for a statewide check. It covers all 114 Missouri counties from the Highway Patrol's central database. You need an account to search.
In-person requests go to the Circuit Clerk at 1 Courthouse Sq in Fayette. Bring valid ID and a name or case number.
- CaseNet: free, no account
- MACHS name search: $15
- MACHS fingerprint check: about $43
- Court copies: $2 first page, $0.25 each after
Expungement in Howard County follows Section 610.140 RSMo. File a petition with the Circuit Court where the arrest happened. Waiting periods vary by offense type. A filing fee applies.
The Missouri Department of Corrections offender search shows people in or released from state prison. It can supplement a Howard County criminal history check.
Public Access to Howard County Records
Howard County records are open to the public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 RSMo). This law says that all government records are open unless a specific statute says otherwise. It covers the Circuit Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and every other county office in Howard County.
Section 610.023 requires a response within three business days. The office must either give you the records, explain that they need more time, or deny the request in writing. Any denial must cite the exact statute that allows them to withhold the record.
For law enforcement records, Section 610.100 applies. Basic arrest info is always public. Names, charges, and dates of arrest are open. Investigative files may be withheld while a case is still active. Once the case closes or charges are filed, those files generally become available. You do not need to state why you want a record. Just submit your request to the right office.
Expungement in Howard County
Missouri lets some people clear their criminal records through expungement. Section 610.140 RSMo controls the process. Not every offense is eligible. Class A felonies, dangerous felonies, and sex offenses cannot be expunged.
Wait times vary. Misdemeanors require a three-year wait after the case is done. Felonies need seven years. You must complete all parts of your sentence first. That includes jail time, probation, fines, and restitution. You cannot have new charges during the waiting period.
To file in Howard County, submit a petition to the Circuit Court in Fayette. There is a filing fee. The prosecutor gets notice. Victims are notified if they are on file. The judge holds a hearing and decides. If the petition is granted, the record is sealed. It will not appear on CaseNet or in MACHS results after that. All agencies with a copy of the record must update their files.
Cities in Howard County
Howard County includes Fayette, Glasgow, and New Franklin. All criminal cases go through the Circuit Court in Fayette. No cities in Howard County meet the population threshold for a separate city page.