Jackson County Criminal History Records

Jackson County criminal history records are managed by the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, one of the busiest court systems in Missouri. The county has two main courthouse locations in Kansas City and Independence. You can search criminal cases through CaseNet or visit either office to request copies of court files. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office also hold records tied to arrests, charges, and case outcomes across the county. This page covers every option for finding criminal history records in Jackson County.

Jackson County Criminal History Court Records

The 16th Judicial Circuit Court handles all criminal cases filed in Jackson County. The court runs two offices. The western location is the Albert Riederer Community Justice Complex at 1315 Locust Street in Kansas City. The eastern location is the Independence Courthouse at 308 W Kansas, Suite 127, in Independence. Both are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Criminal history searches through the 16th Circuit Criminal Records Department can help you find case records. However, full criminal history checks must go through the Missouri State Highway Patrol using the MACHS portal. The court does not run statewide background checks. If you need copies of specific criminal case files, bring a name or case number to either courthouse. Copy fees are $2 for the first page and 25 cents for each page after that.

General criminal case info is also on Missouri CaseNet. This free tool covers all 114 counties. If a case does not show up on CaseNet, it may be sealed. Only a party to the case can view sealed records, and they must show up in person with a photo ID.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is at 4001 NE Lakewood Court in Lee's Summit. The office handles patrol, investigations, civil process, and jail operations. Records requests can be made through the Sheriff's Office for incident reports and arrest data. The phone number is 816-541-5454.

The Sheriff's Office works with municipal police departments across the county, including Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, and other cities. Criminal records from these agencies eventually flow into the state database maintained by the Highway Patrol. For a full statewide search that covers Jackson County and beyond, use the MACHS system at machs.mo.gov. A name-based search costs $15. Fingerprint-based checks are $20 for the state portion plus additional fees for FBI processing.

Under Section 43.503 RSMo, all law enforcement in Missouri must send arrest and charge data to the Highway Patrol's central repository. This means Jackson County records are part of the larger statewide criminal history database.

Criminal History and the Jackson County Jail

The Jackson County Detention Center holds inmates waiting for trial and those serving sentences. For info about an inmate's status or bond amount, contact the Department of Criminal Records at 816-881-4700. The jail takes bail bonds in the form of cash, cashier's checks, and credit or debit cards.

Booking records at the detention center include the date of arrest, charges filed, bond amount, and court dates. These records are part of the criminal history file for each person processed through the facility. The detention center works closely with the 16th Circuit Court to manage court appearances and case scheduling.

Jackson County Criminal Cases and Prosecution

The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is at 415 E 12th Street in Kansas City. The phone number is 816-881-4641. This office reviews cases from law enforcement, decides what charges to file, and handles prosecution in court. The office also provides victim services for people affected by crime in Jackson County.

If you have questions about restitution in cases ordered after August 28, 2013, contact the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The office also has the authority to file motions to vacate wrongful convictions when new evidence comes to light. All criminal case filings made by this office are on record at the Circuit Clerk's office and searchable through CaseNet.

Note: Expungement petitions in Jackson County are filed in the Civil Division of the circuit court in the county where the arrest took place.

How to Search Criminal History in Jackson County

There are several ways to look up criminal history records in Jackson County. The fastest free option is CaseNet. Go to courts.mo.gov/casenet and search by name, case number, or filing date. Filter results to Jackson County for local cases only. CaseNet shows docket entries, parties, charges, and judgments.

For a broader search beyond court records, use the state MACHS portal. This pulls from the Highway Patrol's central criminal history database. It covers all Missouri counties, not just Jackson County. Visit machs.mo.gov to start a search. You need to create an account first.

In-person requests go to either Jackson County courthouse location. Bring a valid ID and the name or case number of the person you are looking up. The western courthouse in Kansas City is at 1315 Locust. The eastern courthouse in Independence is at 308 W Kansas. Both locations process records requests during regular business hours.

• CaseNet search: free, no signup required
• MACHS name search: $15 per request
• MACHS fingerprint search: about $43 total
• Court copy fees: $2 first page, $0.25 each additional
• Mail requests: 4 to 6 weeks processing through CJIS

The Missouri Sunshine Law requires government bodies to respond to records requests within three business days. If your request is denied, the office must give you a written reason and cite the statute. This applies to all Jackson County offices that hold criminal records.

Cities in Jackson County

Jackson County is home to several major Missouri cities. Criminal cases for residents of these cities are handled by the 16th Judicial Circuit Court.

Nearby Counties