Criminal records in Buchanan County, Missouri, can be accessed through several channels. BuchananCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Missouri Courts case search system, law enforcement agencies such as the St. Joseph Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Buchanan County Circuit Clerk's office. Whether you need to look up a pending charge, verify a case outcome, or obtain a certified record, the resources below outline each method.
How to Search Criminal Records in Buchanan
Through BuchananCourt.us
Start at BuchananCourt.us to search publicly available court record information for Buchanan County. You can typically search by a person's name or case number to find criminal case details.
Online — State and Agency Portals
Missouri offers several free online tools for criminal record searches:
- Missouri Courts — Case.net: The statewide judiciary portal hosts Case.net, which lets you search circuit court records across all Missouri counties, including Buchanan. You can search by name, case number, or date of birth.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrest Reports: Search unofficial arrest reports by name and county. Buchanan County is included in the county dropdown.
- Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search: Look up individuals currently or previously under DOC supervision.
In Person
Visit the Buchanan County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in St. Joseph. Public access terminals may be available for self-service case lookups. Bring the full name of the person you are searching for; a date of birth or case number will narrow results significantly.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Buchanan County Circuit Clerk specifying the individual's full name, date of birth (if known), and the type of record you need.
- Include any required fees (check or money order payable to the Circuit Clerk).
- For a formal state criminal history check, submit a fingerprint-based request through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS). The current fee for authorized background checks is $43.50.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person or certified requests)
Search Buchanan Criminal Cases by Case Number
Missouri uses a standardized case number format across its circuit courts. Understanding the structure helps you search efficiently on Case.net or at the clerk's office.
A typical Missouri case number looks like this: 22BU-CR00123
- 22 — The two-digit year the case was filed (2022).
- BU — The county code. "BU" designates Buchanan County.
- CR — The case type code. "CR" stands for a criminal case. Other codes you may encounter include "SM" (misdemeanor) and "TR" (traffic).
- 00123 — The sequential filing number assigned by the clerk.
If you have the full case number, enter it directly into the case number search field on Case.net for the fastest results. Partial numbers may return multiple matches — confirm identity by checking the defendant's name and date of birth on the case detail screen.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Buchanan
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The section of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) the defendant is charged under, e.g., RSMo 570.030 (stealing). |
| Severity | Felony classes (A, B, C, D, E), misdemeanor classes (A, B, C, D), or infraction. |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; the amended charge replaces or supplements the original. |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active: Proceedings are underway; hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal).
- Closed: All post-disposition requirements are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases).
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss discovery, motions, and potential plea agreements.
- Sentencing: The court imposes a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review hearing: Follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or court orders.
Court Results
- Guilty: The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict.
- Not guilty: The defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed: The court or prosecutor dropped the charges.
- Nolle prosequi: The prosecutor declined to pursue the case further.
- Suspended imposition of sentence (SIS): If the defendant completes probation, no conviction is entered on the record.
- Suspended execution of sentence (SES): A conviction is entered, but the jail or prison sentence is suspended in favor of probation.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Buchanan
Buchanan County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office is the primary custodian of court-generated criminal records in Buchanan County. You can request certified copies of judgments, dispositions, and case documents.
How to submit:
- In person: Visit the clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide the case number or the defendant's full name and date of birth.
- By mail: Send a written request with the subject's identifying information, the specific document needed, and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
St. Joseph Police Department — Records Unit
For arrest reports and police records generated within St. Joseph city limits, contact the St. Joseph Police Department Records Unit.
State Criminal History
For a comprehensive Missouri criminal history report, submit a fingerprint-based request through the MACHS portal operated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This is the route required for most employment and licensing background checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Buchanan
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of court document | $2.00 per page (first page); $0.50 per additional page | Buchanan County Circuit Clerk; per Missouri court fee schedule |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy cost | Circuit Clerk |
| Police report copy (St. Joseph PD) | $0.10 per page; $30.00 per hour research fee | St. Joseph PD Records Unit — Ordinance 2-1306 |
| State criminal history (MACHS) | $43.50 | MACHS portal; fingerprint-based |
Processing Times
- Circuit Clerk (in person): Often same day for standard certified copies, depending on volume.
- Circuit Clerk (by mail): Typically 5–10 business days after receipt of the request and payment.
- St. Joseph PD records: Processing times vary; contact the Records Unit for current estimates.
- MACHS state background check: Electronic results are generally returned within a few business days after fingerprint submission.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the issuing office before submitting payment.