Lewis County Criminal History Records
Lewis County criminal history records are held by the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court and the Lewis County Sheriff's Office in Monticello, Missouri. With a population of about 10,000, Lewis County is a rural area in northeast Missouri. Circuit Clerk Julie George manages criminal case filings at the courthouse on Lafayette Street. Sheriff David Parrish runs the law enforcement side and operates the county jail. You can search for criminal history records through CaseNet, the state MACHS portal, or by visiting county offices in person. This page walks through each method for finding criminal history in Lewis County.
Lewis County Quick Facts
Lewis County Circuit Court Criminal Records
Circuit Clerk Julie George keeps all criminal files for the 2nd Judicial Circuit at 100 E Lafayette Street in Monticello. The mailing address is PO Box 8, Monticello, MO 63457. Call (573) 767-5352 for help with record lookups.
Criminal cases in Lewis County are searchable on Missouri CaseNet. This free tool covers all 114 Missouri counties. Search by name, case number, or filing date. Filter to Lewis County for local results. CaseNet shows docket entries, charges, parties, and judgments.
The clerk also handles civil, probate, traffic, and domestic relations cases. Copy fees are $2 for the first page and 25 cents for each one after. Certified copies cost more. The office is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Sealed or expunged records do not show on CaseNet. Under Section 610.140 RSMo, certain criminal records can be removed from public view. Only a party to the case can see sealed files, and they need to visit in person with a photo ID.
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff David Parrish runs the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 107 S Washington St, Monticello, MO 63457. Phone: (573) 767-5287. The office handles patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, and jail operations.
The Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in Lewis County. They work with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and nearby county agencies for larger investigations. Records of arrests and incidents can be requested during business hours.
Under Section 43.503 RSMo, Lewis County law enforcement must send arrest and charge data to the Highway Patrol's central repository. This means local criminal records are part of the statewide database. The Sunshine Law (Chapter 610) requires responses to records requests within three business days.
The Lewis County Jail at the same address holds pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. It is a small rural facility. Inmates may be moved to a neighboring county jail when needed. Call the Sheriff's Office for current inmate information.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The MACHS portal is the state tool for background checks. It covers Lewis County and all other Missouri counties. A name-based search costs $15. Results come back in 5 to 7 business days in most cases.
Name-based results are "possible match" results showing convictions, recent arrests, and pending charges. Fingerprint checks cost about $43 total through IdentoGO and give confirmed results. Add $13.25 for an FBI search.
Mail requests use form SHP-158 sent to PO Box 9500, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Pay by check or money order to "State of Missouri - Criminal Record System Fund."
Lewis County Criminal Prosecution
Prosecuting Attorney Chelsea Fellinger handles all criminal cases in Lewis County. The office address is PO Box 11, Monticello, MO 63457. Phone: (573) 767-5478. The prosecutor reviews cases from the Sheriff's Office and files charges in circuit court.
All filed charges are on record at the Circuit Clerk's office and show up on CaseNet. The Missouri DOC offender search is another free tool for checking if someone served state prison time.
Expungement petitions in Lewis County are filed in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. Section 610.140 sets out which crimes qualify and the wait times. The court charges a filing fee. If granted, the record is sealed from public view.
How to Search Criminal History in Lewis County
Start with CaseNet at courts.mo.gov/casenet. It is free and needs no account. Search by name and filter to Lewis County.
- CaseNet: free, no sign-up needed
- MACHS name search: $15
- MACHS fingerprint: about $43
- Court copies: $2 first page, $0.25 after
- Mail requests: 4 to 6 weeks
In-person requests go to the Circuit Clerk at 100 E Lafayette St in Monticello. Bring an ID and a name or case number. The office must respond within three business days under the Sunshine Law.
Criminal History Expungement in Lewis County
Section 610.140 RSMo allows people to petition for expungement of certain criminal records in Lewis 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 Lewis County can tell you the filing fee. Legal aid groups in the area may help with the paperwork at no cost.