Phelps County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Phelps County in 2026
PhelpsRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Phelps 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, criminal court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and inmate rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
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.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Phelps County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Phelps County Jail. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly or visit the official county website to access current inmate information.
- Available information: name, booking date, charges, bond amount, custody status
- Search capability: by name or booking number
- Update frequency: daily or as bookings occur
2. Local Police Departments
The Rolla Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Phelps County. The department may publish press releases containing arrest information for notable cases. Members of the public may submit a public records request to obtain arrest logs.
Rolla Police Department
1007 N. Elm St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1213
Rolla Police Department
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 name, case number, or filing date. Arrest-related court cases filed in the 25th Judicial Circuit, which serves Phelps County, are accessible through this portal at no charge.
- Search by: defendant name, case number, or charge type
- Includes: case status, charges, hearing dates, dispositions
- Court cases are linked to underlying arrests
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division, which processes requests for Missouri criminal history records. A fee of $14.00 per name search applies for non-fingerprint-based requests submitted by members of the public. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide a more complete criminal history, carry a fee of $20.00.
- Includes: statewide arrest history, charges, dispositions
- Fee: $14.00 (name-based) or $20.00 (fingerprint-based)
- Submitted online, by mail, or in person
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
500 W. 7th St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-4673
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
- Records division: located at the main office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- What to bring: valid government-issued photo identification, specific information about the arrest (name, date, booking number if known)
- Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
Rolla Police Department
1007 N. Elm St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1213
Rolla Police Department
- Records requests submitted in person or by mail
- Standard copy fee: $0.10 per page
- Requestors must provide the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
Clerk of Court:
Phelps County Circuit Court Clerk
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1891
Missouri Courts
- Criminal records division: located within the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Case file inspection available during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies $1.00 per page plus copy fees
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Phelps County Sheriff's Office at 500 W. 7th St., Rolla, MO 65401. 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 (check or money order payable to Phelps County Sheriff's Office)
- Processing time: 5–10 business days
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (573) 364-4673
- Limited information is available by phone; staff may confirm custody status and general booking information
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records require an in-person visit or written request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process pursuant to Missouri Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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, Rolla PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Phelps County
Arrest records in Phelps County are public records under Missouri law. Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are open to inspection by members of the public, subject to specific statutory exceptions. The Missouri Sunshine Law, codified at § 610.010 et seq. RSMo, establishes the general framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. As stated by the Missouri Attorney General's Office, "The Sunshine Law reflects the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public."
Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Community notification
- Journalism and investigative 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 a court order
- Sealed records: subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information: withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases (e.g., sexual assault)
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Missouri Constitution, Article I, Section 2, affirms the right of citizens to access government information. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exceptions within the Sunshine Law. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest and a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years under the FCRA. Missouri does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions when making adverse decisions.
What's in Phelps 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 (scars, tattoos)
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Rolla 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 for each charge
- Domestic violence designation (if applicable)
- Gang-related designation (if applicable)
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location (Phelps County Jail)
- 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 (25th Judicial Circuit, Phelps County)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment (if available)
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests in Phelps County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charges
- Not always included in a current arrest record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank 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: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Phelps County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Phelps County varies by agency and record type. Under § 610.026 RSMo, public governmental bodies may charge fees for providing copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of document search, duplication, and research.
| Record Type | Agency | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | Sheriff's Office / Circuit Court | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | Circuit Court Clerk | $1.00 per page + copy fee |
| Name-based criminal history | Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS | $14.00 per request |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history | Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS | $20.00 per request |
| Online case search (Case.net) | Missouri Courts | Free |
| In-person record inspection | Sheriff's Office / Circuit Court | No charge for inspection |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person requests)
- Check or money order payable to the applicable agency (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (accepted at some offices; confirm in advance)
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Missouri law does not mandate a blanket fee waiver for public records requests; however, agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases involving indigent requestors or requests determined to be in the public interest. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online case search through Missouri Case.net
- In-person inspection of public records (no copy fee for viewing only)
- MODOC Offender Search for individuals supervised by the Missouri Department of Corrections
How To Delete Arrest Records in Phelps County
Missouri law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. Under Missouri's expungement statute, § 610.140 RSMo, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records, charges, and convictions that meet specific criteria.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- A waiting period of one year applies for misdemeanors and three years for felonies, measured from the date of arrest, plea, verdict, or sentence
- The offense must not be among those specifically excluded by statute (e.g., Class A felonies, dangerous felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, offenses against children)
- The petitioner must not have been found guilty of any other misdemeanor or felony during the waiting period
- All fines, restitution, and court costs must be paid in full
- The petitioner must not have previously had a felony expunged or more than two misdemeanors expunged
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Phelps County Circuit Court Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under § 610.140 RSMo
- Complete the Missouri expungement petition form (available from the Circuit Court Clerk)
- File the petition in the 25th Judicial Circuit Court in Phelps County
- Pay the filing fee (currently $250.00, subject to change; fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
- Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies (arresting agency, prosecuting attorney, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Corrections if applicable)
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant the petition if all statutory requirements are met and no objection is sustained
- Upon granting, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to expunge or seal the record
Relevant Contacts for Expungement:
Phelps County Circuit Court Clerk
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1891
Missouri Courts
Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 458-6170
Phelps County – Missouri Department of Public Safety
Missouri State Public Defender – Ozark Regional Office
1000 W. Maryville Centre Dr., Suite 200
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (573) 840-9750
Missouri State Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Phelps County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Phelps County, the arrested individual is transported to the Phelps County Jail, located at 500 W. 7th St., Rolla, MO 65401. 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 departure.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Phelps County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously administered)
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
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 if held in custody. The first appearance serves to:
- Formally notify the defendant of the charges
- Determine bond or bail
- Advise the defendant of the right to counsel
- Appoint a public defender if the defendant is indigent
- Hearings may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount paid in cash to the court or jail
- Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the judge or associate circuit judge at first appearance
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):
- Released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- Defendant held without bond
- Applied 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:
- Regular check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision compliance
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing time for release: one to eight hours
- Personal property returned
- Written court date provided
- Written conditions of release issued
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- Defendant remains in custody at the Phelps County Jail
- Housing assignment made
- Inmate orientation conducted
- Commissary account established
- Phone and visitation privileges explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Eligibility is determined based on income at the first appearance.
Missouri State Public Defender – South Central Regional Office
1000 W. Maryville Centre Dr., Suite 200
St. Louis, MO 63141
Phone: (573) 840-9750
Missouri State Public Defender
Private Attorney:
Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys practicing in criminal defense. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days of the arrest. Options available to the prosecutor include:
- Filing a formal information (charging document)
- Requesting additional investigation
- Declining to prosecute
- Filing different or additional charges from those listed at booking
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Available pleas include:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- Alford plea (in some circumstances)
Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings.
Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.
Plea Negotiations may result in a plea agreement offering reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include:
- Incarceration (Missouri Department of Corrections or county jail)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any custodial sentence. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 24 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to trial/resolution | Months (varies widely) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | Typically 6–18 months |
| Right to speedy trial | Missouri Constitution, Article I, Section 18(a) |
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Phelps County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
500 W. 7th St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-4673
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
Phelps County Circuit Court Clerk
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1891
Missouri Courts
Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 458-6170
Phelps County – Missouri Department of Public Safety
Missouri State Public Defender
Phone: (573) 840-9750
Missouri State Public Defender
What to Do If 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 release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Phelps County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Phelps County is governed by Missouri state law and the records retention schedules established by the Missouri Secretary of State's office. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to follow the Missouri Local Records Program retention schedules, which specify minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court Clerk, Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS Division, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
- Local law enforcement: minimum of five years; many agencies retain permanently
- Court records: permanent for most misdemeanor convictions
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: minimum of three years
- Court records: often retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: retained unless expunged by court order
- Records may remain accessible unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdict):
- Local law enforcement: minimum of three years
- Court records: often permanent in electronic systems
- State repository: retained unless expunged
- Subject may petition for expungement following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: minimum of two years at local level
- Local arrest logs: minimum of two years
- Eligible for expungement petition immediately in some circumstances under § 610.140 RSMo
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):
- Law enforcement: minimum of two to three years
- Often eligible for expungement petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: minimum of three years
- Fingerprint cards: minimum of five years; often retained permanently
- Photographs (mugshots): minimum of three years
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: minimum of two years
- Records management systems: often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy and to update records when notified of expungement or sealing
Retention by Agency:
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
500 W. 7th St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-4673
Phelps County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: minimum of three years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: minimum of three years
- Investigative files: varies by case type and outcome
Rolla Police Department
1007 N. Elm St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1213
Rolla Police Department
- Arrest records: minimum of three years
- Incident reports: minimum of three years
- Retention schedules follow Missouri Local Records Program guidelines
Phelps County Circuit Court Clerk
200 N. Main St.
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: (573) 364-1891
Missouri Courts
- Felony case files: permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: permanent in electronic systems
- Traffic cases: minimum of three years
- Electronic records: permanent
State Repository:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS Division maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Records from all Missouri jurisdictions, including Phelps County, are submitted to and retained by this repository. The Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services division retains arrest records in accordance with state policy, and records are updated upon receipt of a court-ordered expungement.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records submitted 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, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Public Retention | Expungement Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent | Limited; felonies and certain misdemeanors eligible after waiting period |
| Dismissal | Retained unless expunged | Eligible |
| Acquittal | Retained unless expunged | Eligible |
| No charges filed | Minimum 2–3 years | Eligible |
| Expunged | Removed from public access | N/A |
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last 1–5 Years):
- Available online through Missouri Case.net and the Sheriff's Office
- Updated regularly
Older Arrests (5–20 Years Ago):
- May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Court Clerk
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Processing time: 5–10 business days
Very Old Arrests (20+ Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in archives
- Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (573) 364-4673 for availability
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years of non-conviction arrest history. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Missouri does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal seven-year period for non-conviction records. Expungement under § 610.140 RSMo removes the record from public access, and individuals whose records have been expunged may lawfully state that the arrest did not occur in most non-governmental contexts.
Important Notes:
- Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party or commercial databases
- Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for law enforcement purposes
- Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with different retention rules
- Juvenile records are subject to separate retention and access rules under Missouri law