Webster County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Webster County in 2026
WebsterRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Webster County, Missouri. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the nature of the arrest.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Webster County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Webster County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Webster County Missouri official website. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Marshfield Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Webster County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions within the county may contact the respective city police department directly for records pertaining to arrests made within city limits.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Webster County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Missouri Case.net public access portal, which allows searches by defendant name and returns associated case numbers, charge information, and court dates. This system provides a direct link between arrest records and subsequent court proceedings.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which provides access to Missouri criminal history records. A fee of $14.00 applies for a name-based search, and fingerprint-based searches are also available for a higher fee. The database includes arrest and disposition information from law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Webster County Sheriff's Office
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2693
Webster County Missouri
- Records division is located at the main 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, is required
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted
Police Departments:
Marshfield Police Department
203 N. Clay Ave.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 468-2323
- Records requests are submitted in person or by mail
- A valid photo ID is required for in-person requests
- Copy fees apply per page
Clerk of Court:
Webster County Circuit Court Clerk
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2041
- Criminal records division is located within the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Case file inspection is available during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply separately
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Webster County Sheriff's Office at 101 S. Crittenden St., Marshfield, MO 65706. Requests should include the following:
- 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 mail requests is subject to the volume of pending requests and the nature of the records sought.
By Phone:
- Webster County Sheriff's Office: (417) 859-2693
- Basic arrest information, including custody status, may be available by phone
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records are not released by phone and require a written or in-person request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
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 (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Webster County
Arrest records in Webster County are public records under Missouri law. Pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law, § 610.010 et seq., governmental bodies are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, and legal proceedings.
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, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Missouri law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Missouri Constitution and the Sunshine Law establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm based on unresolved or dismissed matters.
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 agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Missouri does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under applicable anti-discrimination laws.
What's in Webster County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- 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 by 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 are collected during booking but are not included in public records releases
- 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, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate public records request procedures
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including state and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Webster County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Webster County varies by agency and record type. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, governmental bodies may charge fees for search, duplication, and document preparation, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of document production.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Court) | $1.00–$2.00 per document |
| State criminal history (name-based, MACHS) | $14.00 per search |
| State criminal history (fingerprint-based) | Higher fee; contact MSHP |
| Electronic records | Fees vary by agency |
| Record inspection (in-person) | No charge for inspection only |
Accepted payment methods at the Webster County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court Clerk include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance may vary. Members of the public who are indigent may request a fee waiver; waiver eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by the responding agency. Inspection of public records without copying is available at no charge during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Webster County
Missouri law provides for the expungement of certain arrest records, which constitutes the legal erasure or sealing of those records from public access. Expungement and sealing are distinct remedies: expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement to retain the record for official purposes. Under § 610.140 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, including arrests that did not result in conviction, as well as certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to statutory waiting periods and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Arrests where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a three-year waiting period
- Certain felony convictions after seven years, subject to statutory exclusions
- Individuals may not have more than one felony expungement and two misdemeanor expungements in a lifetime under current law
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case to confirm eligibility
- File a Petition for Expungement in the Webster County Circuit Court
- Pay the applicable filing fee (fees vary; contact the Circuit Court Clerk)
- Serve the petition on all agencies named in the petition, including the arresting agency and the Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether the statutory criteria are met
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to expunge or seal the record
Webster County Circuit Court Clerk
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2041
Missouri Courts
Missouri State Highway Patrol – Criminal Records Division
1510 E. Elm St.
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-6153
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Following a granted expungement, the record is removed from public access, and the individual may lawfully state that the arrest or conviction did not occur in most contexts. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for official purposes. Third-party commercial databases may not update promptly following expungement, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Webster County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Webster County Jail, located at the Webster County Sheriff's Office facility at 101 S. Crittenden St., Marshfield, MO 65706. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
The booking process typically takes between one and four hours, depending on facility volume at the time of intake.
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 within 24 hours if held on a warrant. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
Hearings may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances. Court schedules are available through Missouri Case.net.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- Amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount is set by the judge or associate circuit judge based on the charge and circumstances
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
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:
Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision compliance.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours following bond payment
- Personal property is returned
- A written court date and conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings
- Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation schedule information are provided
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Webster County Public Defender's Office
105 S. Crittenden St., Suite 1
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-3242
Missouri State Public Defender
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. An application is completed at or following the initial appearance.
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Webster 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 matters, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of 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 for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, or veterans court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours under Missouri law
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by charge severity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May extend to a year or more depending on complexity
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, § 18(a) of the Missouri Constitution
Important Contacts:
Webster County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2693
Webster County Missouri
Webster County Circuit Court Clerk
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2041
Missouri Courts
Webster County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2022
Webster County Public Defender's Office
105 S. Crittenden St., Suite 1
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-3242
Missouri State Public Defender
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Webster County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Webster County is governed by Missouri state law and local agency policies. The Missouri Secretary of State's Records Management and Archives Service establishes retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the arrest, and the agency maintaining the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Missouri State Highway Patrol criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Accessible on background checks indefinitely
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Circuit Court Clerk
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of several years; specific periods are governed by the Missouri Secretary of State's retention schedule
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains records for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- Records may remain in state and federal databases unless expungement is obtained
Acquittals:
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Local law enforcement retention varies
- Expungement may be sought to remove records from public access
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are subject to local retention schedules
- Arrest logs may be retained for several years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement under § 610.140
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Missouri Secretary of State's retention schedule
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and charge severity
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system data are often retained for extended periods
- Court electronic records are maintained permanently in many instances
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records following expungement unless compelled by applicable law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy in reported records, but non-FCRA-regulated websites operate outside those requirements.
Retention by Agency:
Webster County Sheriff's Office
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2693
Webster County Missouri
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Missouri Secretary of State's schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on charge classification and case outcome
Webster County Circuit Court Clerk
101 S. Crittenden St.
Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone: (417) 859-2041
Missouri Courts
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum period per state schedule
- Electronic records: Permanent
Missouri State Highway Patrol – Criminal Records Division
1510 E. Elm St.
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-6153
Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Maintains the statewide criminal history repository
- Includes arrests from all Missouri jurisdictions
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated following expungement
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by Missouri law enforcement agencies. Federal retention is permanent. 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:
| Disposition | Public Access | Law Enforcement Access |
|---|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dismissal | Until expunged | Retained per schedule |
| Acquittal | Until expunged | Retained per schedule |
| No charges filed | Until expunged | Retained per schedule |
| Expungement granted | Removed | Retained (sealed) |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most consumer reporting agencies report criminal history for a period of seven years for non-conviction records in standard employment background checks. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Missouri does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond FCRA requirements. Arrests without conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct, and their use in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Webster County Sheriff's Records Division at (417) 859-2693 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 101 S. Crittenden St., Marshfield, MO 65706. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.