Butler County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Butler County in 2026
ButlerCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Butler County, Missouri. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal charge information
- Court case filings
- Inmate and custody status
- Bond and bail records
- Sex offender registry entries
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Butler County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Bates County Sheriff's Office serves Butler, Missouri, and maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access current inmate rosters and recent arrest information through the Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Records are updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur.
2. Local Police Departments
The Butler Police Department handles arrests within the city limits of Butler and may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking city-level arrest data may contact the Butler Police Department directly for records requests. Press releases with arrest information are periodically published through local law enforcement communications channels.
Butler Police Department 101 W. Ohio St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3232 City of Butler
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Missouri Case.net online court records system allows members of the public to search criminal case filings by defendant name. Searching an arrestee's name through Case.net will return associated court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system is maintained by the Missouri Courts and is available at no cost for basic searches.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) for criminal history record requests. A name-based criminal history check is available to the public for a fee of $14.00 per request. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide a more complete record, are available for $20.00. The MACHS system includes arrest records, charges, and dispositions from jurisdictions throughout Missouri.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Bates County Sheriff's Office 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3232 Bates County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, will expedite the search
- Copy fees apply per page (see fee section below)
Clerk of Court:
Bates County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3371 Missouri Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 1 N. Delaware St., Butler, MO 64730. Requests should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.
By Phone:
The Bates County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (660) 679-3232 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited to general information; detailed records are not released verbally. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for complete record access.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in civil or criminal proceedings. Discovery requests in active criminal cases are handled through the Bates County Circuit Court.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (city or county)
Are Arrest Records Public in Butler County
Arrest records in Butler County are public records under Missouri law. Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are open to public inspection, subject to specific statutory exceptions. The Missouri Sunshine Law, codified at § 610.010 et seq. RSMo, establishes the general right of public access to government records, including those held by law enforcement agencies. Public access to arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Community notification
- Journalism and academic research
- Employment and housing background screening
- Legal proceedings and due process
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Missouri law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that would jeopardize an ongoing inquiry
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Missouri's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The Missouri Constitution and the Sunshine Law together establish a presumption of openness for government records. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Missouri does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and may not be used as evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in Butler County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Missouri statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Butler County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Butler County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records. Under Missouri's Sunshine Law, agencies may charge fees for the time spent searching, copying, and certifying records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Court) | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| MACHS name-based criminal history | $14.00 per request |
| MACHS fingerprint-based criminal history | $20.00 per request |
| Online Case.net court record search | No charge for basic search |
| In-person record inspection | No charge for inspection only |
Accepted payment methods at the Bates County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. The Missouri Sunshine Law, at § 610.026 RSMo, governs the fees that public governmental bodies may charge for records, limiting charges to the actual cost of document search, duplication, and research time. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request to the custodian of records. Online access through Case.net and the Sheriff's Office website is available at no charge for basic record viewing.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Butler County
In Missouri, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement, which involves the sealing or destruction of records so that they are no longer accessible to the general public. Expungement differs from sealing in that expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes, while sealed records remain in existence but are restricted from public view. Under § 610.140 RSMo, Missouri law provides a process for expunging certain arrest records, charges, and convictions.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after the applicable waiting period (three years for misdemeanors; seven years for felonies)
- Offenses specifically listed as eligible under § 610.140 RSMo
Offenses That Cannot Be Expunged:
- Class A felonies
- Dangerous felonies as defined by Missouri law
- Felonies involving death or serious physical injury
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- Domestic assault offenses
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions
- Offenses against children
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or court case from the Bates County Circuit Court
- Confirm eligibility under § 610.140 RSMo, including the applicable waiting period
- Complete the Missouri expungement petition form (available from the Circuit Court Clerk)
- File the petition in the Bates County Circuit Court, paying the applicable filing fee
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies named in the petition (arresting agency, prosecutor's office, Missouri State Highway Patrol)
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether expungement is granted
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to expunge their records
Bates County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3371 Missouri Courts
Missouri State Public Defender System (for those who qualify financially): Missouri State Public Defender
Filing fees for expungement petitions in Missouri Circuit Courts are set by local court rule; requestors should confirm the current fee with the Bates County Circuit Court Clerk prior to filing.
What Happens After Arrest in Butler County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Butler County, the arrested individual is transported to the Bates County Jail, located at 1 N. Delaware St., Butler, MO 64730. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county's 837 square miles. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Bates County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check conducted
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical and brief mental health screening completed
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Missouri law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or associate circuit judge without unnecessary delay, and no later than 24 hours after arrest for most offenses. At the first appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through Missouri Case.net.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or associate circuit judge.
Surety Bond: The individual may engage a licensed bail bondsman, paying a non-refundable premium (typically 10% of the bond amount). The bondsman posts the full amount with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual receives a housing assignment, inmate orientation, and information regarding commissary, phone privileges, and visitation.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Missouri State Public Defender – Southwest Regional Office Phone: (417) 895-6888 Missouri State Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. An application is completed at or shortly after the first appearance.
Private Attorney: The individual has the right to retain private counsel at any stage. The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service can assist in locating qualified criminal defense attorneys. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Bates County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment: At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (drug court, mental health court, veterans court), plea agreement, or trial. Missouri guarantees the right to a jury trial for most criminal offenses.
Sentencing (if convicted): The judge may impose imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within 90–180 days
- Felonies: Typically resolved within 6–18 months
- Missouri's right to speedy trial is governed by Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33.01
Important Contacts:
Bates County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3232 Bates County Sheriff's Office
Bates County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3371 Missouri Courts
Bates County Prosecuting Attorney's Office 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3371 Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Missouri State Public Defender – Southwest Regional Office Phone: (417) 895-6888 Missouri State Public Defender
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Butler County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Butler County is governed by Missouri state law and the records retention schedules established by the Missouri Secretary of State's office. The Missouri Secretary of State's Local Records Program publishes retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court records. Under Missouri law, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court, Missouri State Highway Patrol criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
- State repository retains indefinitely
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years; may be retained longer
- Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Retained unless expungement order received
- Records remain accessible unless expunged
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
- Court records: Often permanent in electronic systems
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum three to five years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum three years
- May be eligible for expungement
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule (minimum five years for most categories)
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
- Booking photographs: Retained per retention schedule; digital images often retained permanently
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Records management system entries: Often permanent
- Court electronic records: Often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement. Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Bates County Sheriff's Office 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3232 Bates County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records often permanent
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case outcome; serious offenses retained permanently
Bates County Circuit Court 1 N. Delaware St. Butler, MO 64730 Phone: (660) 679-3371 Missouri Courts
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Often permanent
Missouri State Repository:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services Division maintains the state criminal history repository. Records include arrests from all jurisdictions in Missouri. The Missouri Automated Criminal History Site retains records in accordance with state policy and updates records upon receipt of a valid expungement order.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three to five years; immediate expungement may be available in some circumstances
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually; there is no time limit for higher-paying positions. Missouri does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state statute. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as evidence of criminal conduct. Expunged records are not reportable on consumer background checks following a valid court order.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Bates County Sheriff's Records Division at (660) 679-3232 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Missouri Sunshine Law may be required to obtain formal documentation. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.