St. Charles County Court Records
What Is St. Charles County Court Records
Court records in St. Charles County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under Missouri Revised Statutes § 476.010. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In St. Charles County, the following courts maintain official records:
- 11th Judicial Circuit Court
- St. Charles County Municipal Courts
- St. Charles County Family Court
- St. Charles County Probate Court
- St. Charles County Small Claims Court
These courts generate and maintain records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to the Missouri Judicial Records guidelines, court records serve as the official documentation of all judicial proceedings within the state court system.
Are Court Records Public In St. Charles County
Court records in St. Charles County are generally public under Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.010-610.035. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Missouri (which includes St. Charles County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws. The Missouri Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through Supreme Court Operating Rule 2, which balances transparency with privacy concerns.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (unless specifically ordered by the court)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Cases involving minors as victims
The Missouri Judicial Branch maintains policies that govern public access to court records throughout the state, including St. Charles County.
How To Find Court Records in St. Charles County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in St. Charles County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
By Mail:
- Send a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Online Access:
- Visit Missouri's Case.net portal at www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Review available case information and documents
- Download or print accessible documents
By Telephone:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request specific document information
- Arrange for in-person pickup or mail delivery of copies
St. Charles County Circuit Clerk
300 N. 2nd Street, Suite 216
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-3080
St. Charles County Circuit Court
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
How To Look Up Court Records in St. Charles County Online?
St. Charles County residents and interested parties can access court records through several online portals, each providing different types of record access:
Missouri Case.net System:
- Navigate to Missouri Case.net
- Select "Litigant Name Search" or "Case Number Search"
- For name searches, enter last name, first name (minimum 3 characters each)
- Narrow results by selecting St. Charles County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Review case information including docket entries, parties, scheduled events, and judgments
- Note that some documents may require in-person requests to view
St. Charles Municipal Court Records:
- Visit the St. Charles Municipal Court website
- Select "Online Case Search"
- Enter citation number or name information
- Review basic case information and payment options
- Note that full case files are not available through this system
Missouri Courts eFiling System:
- Access Missouri Courts eFiling
- Note that full access requires attorney registration
- Public users can view certain case information
- Search by case number or party name
- Access available documents and case information
Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS):
- Visit MACHS website
- Create user account
- Pay required fee for criminal history check
- Receive results electronically
Each system has specific limitations regarding document availability, with some records requiring in-person requests despite being listed in online indexes.
How To Search St. Charles County Court Records for Free?
Missouri law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.011. While copying fees may apply, viewing records is free of charge at courthouse locations.
Free online search options include:
Missouri Case.net:
- Provides free basic case information for all circuit courts in Missouri
- Includes St. Charles County Circuit Court cases
- Accessible at www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
- Includes case types, party names, docket entries, and scheduled hearings
- Some document images may not be available online
St. Charles County Law Library:
- Located at the St. Charles County Courthouse
- Provides free public access computers for court record searches
- Staff available to assist with basic search questions
- No charge for viewing records on-site
St. Charles County Public Library:
- Offers free public computer access
- Can be used to access Case.net and other public record systems
- Multiple branch locations throughout the county
In-Person Courthouse Access:
- Visit the clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No charge for inspection of records
- Staff assistance available for locating files
While online access is convenient, certain documents and older records may only be available through in-person requests at the courthouse.
What's Included in a St. Charles County Court Record?
Court records in St. Charles County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Operating Rule 2.03, court records typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Petition/Complaint
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Orders and judgments
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Financial affidavits
- Settlement agreements (unless sealed)
- Appeal documents
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictments or information)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond information
- Plea agreements
- Motions and responses
- Court orders
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Judgment and sentence
- Appeal documents
Family Court Records:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Property division agreements
- Temporary orders
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be restricted)
- Final judgments
- Modification petitions
Probate Records:
- Wills
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Annual settlements
- Final distributions
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Case Docket/Register of Actions:
- Chronological listing of all filings
- Court appearances
- Scheduled hearings
- Judge assignments
- Filing dates
- Service information
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children.
How Long Does St. Charles County Keep Court Records?
St. Charles County follows the Missouri Supreme Court's records retention schedule as mandated by Missouri Revised Statutes § 109.240. The retention periods vary by record type and case significance:
Criminal Cases:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
- Dismissed criminal cases: 3 years after dismissal
Civil Cases:
- Cases with judgments: 25 years after final disposition
- Dismissed civil cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Landlord-tenant cases: 5 years after final disposition
Family Court Records:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce): Permanent retention
- Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches age 21, then 10 additional years
- Paternity cases: Permanent retention
- Orders of protection: 5 years after expiration
Probate Records:
- Wills: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination
Traffic Cases:
- DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Other traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
The Missouri State Archives maintains certain historical court records from St. Charles County that exceed retention periods but have historical or precedential value. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved disposition procedures unless specifically designated for permanent retention.
Types of Courts In St. Charles County
St. Charles County's court system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
11th Judicial Circuit Court
300 N. 2nd Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-3080
St. Charles County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, and family law cases. It includes specialized divisions for family, probate, and juvenile matters.
St. Charles County Associate Circuit Court
300 N. 2nd Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 949-3080
St. Charles County Associate Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Associate Circuit Courts handle misdemeanor cases, civil cases under $25,000, small claims (under $5,000), and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
St. Charles Municipal Court
1781 Zumbehl Road
St. Charles, MO 63303
(636) 949-3220
St. Charles Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal courts handle ordinance violations within city limits, including traffic offenses, minor criminal matters, and code violations.
O'Fallon Municipal Court
100 North Main Street
O'Fallon, MO 63366
(636) 379-5670
O'Fallon Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
St. Peters Municipal Court
1 St. Peters Centre Boulevard
St. Peters, MO 63376
(636) 477-6600, ext. 1670
St. Peters Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Missouri proceeds from Municipal/Magistrate Courts to Circuit/Associate Circuit Courts, then to the Missouri Court of Appeals (Eastern District for St. Charles County), and finally to the Missouri Supreme Court for cases of statewide importance.
What Types of Cases Do St. Charles County Courts Hear?
St. Charles County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their jurisdictional authority:
Circuit Court (General Division):
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
- Real estate and property disputes
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Medical malpractice cases
- Class action lawsuits
- Administrative appeals
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Post-conviction relief
Family Court Division:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and maintenance
- Paternity determinations
- Adoptions
- Guardianships
- Orders of protection
- Name changes
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
Probate Division:
- Wills and estate administration
- Trust administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults
- Mental health commitments
- Adult abuse/neglect proceedings
Associate Circuit Court:
- Civil cases under $25,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims (under $5,000)
- Traffic violations
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Municipal ordinance violations appealed from municipal courts
Municipal Courts:
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Minor criminal offenses within city limits
- Parking violations
- Animal control violations
- Building code violations
- Public peace disturbances
The Missouri Judicial Branch provides comprehensive information about the jurisdiction and authority of each court level within the state system.
How To Find a Court Docket In St. Charles County
Court dockets in St. Charles County provide schedules of upcoming hearings and cases. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit Missouri Case.net
- Select "Hearings" from the search options
- Choose St. Charles County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Select a date range (up to 31 days)
- Optionally filter by judge or case type
- View scheduled hearings, times, locations, and case numbers
Courthouse Docket Boards:
- Visit the St. Charles County Courthouse at 300 N. 2nd Street, St. Charles
- Locate electronic docket displays in lobby areas
- Review daily hearing schedules by courtroom
- Note that some specialized dockets may not be displayed
Clerk's Office Inquiry:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (636) 949-3080
- Request information about specific dockets or hearing dates
- Provide case number or party names if inquiring about specific cases
Municipal Court Dockets:
- For St. Charles Municipal Court, visit their online portal
- Select "Court Docket Information"
- Search by date or defendant name
- Contact the court clerk at (636) 949-3220 for assistance
Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with Missouri's eFiling system have additional docket access through the secure attorney portal, including email notifications for their cases.
Daily dockets are typically finalized the afternoon before court dates, though emergency matters and last-minute changes may occur.
Which Courts in St. Charles County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Missouri, "courts of record" are those that maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions can be directly appealed to higher courts. "Courts not of record" do not routinely create verbatim transcripts, and appeals from these courts typically result in a completely new trial (trial de novo) at the circuit court level.
According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 479.020, municipal courts in St. Charles County operate as courts not of record unless they have specifically elected to become courts of record. Currently, the following courts in St. Charles County operate as courts not of record:
St. Charles Municipal Court
1781 Zumbehl Road
St. Charles, MO 63303
(636) 949-3220
St. Charles Municipal Court
O'Fallon Municipal Court
100 North Main Street
O'Fallon, MO 63366
(636) 379-5670
O'Fallon Municipal Court
St. Peters Municipal Court
1 St. Peters Centre Boulevard
St. Peters, MO 63376
(636) 477-6600, ext. 1670
St. Peters Municipal Court
Wentzville Municipal Court
1019 Schroeder Creek Boulevard
Wentzville, MO 63385
(636) 639-2193
Wentzville Municipal Court
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Appeals result in completely new trials at the circuit court level
- No official transcript is maintained of proceedings
- Judges in these courts are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
- Proceedings tend to be less formal than in courts of record
- These courts typically handle only ordinance violations and minor offenses
All circuit and associate circuit courts in St. Charles County are courts of record, maintaining official transcripts and following formal rules of procedure and evidence.