What are Lawrence County Public Records?
Under Missouri Sunshine Laws, Lawrence County public records are records that a government body generates, uses, maintains, or retains while performing its official duties. These records may be written or electronically stored. Lawrence County public records may appear in various forms such as maps, books, letters, papers, photographs, sound recordings, microfilms, and more. In compliance with state laws, government bodies must grant access to records upon request. Nevertheless, not all documents are obtainable by the public. The following documents may be exempt:
- Information that discloses details of a closed meeting held by a government body
- Information that reveals details of ongoing or pending cases
- Juvenile court proceedings
- Information that discloses trade secrets, building plans, and more
- Information obtained due to attorney-client privilege
- Documents protected by law
Lawrence County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collates all criminal activities in the United States and publishes annual reports through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. From the 2019 crimes report, Lawrence County recorded 17 violent crimes and 224 property crimes. There was no record of arson. A breakdown of the violent crimes includes one murder and nonnegligent manslaughter case, two rape cases, three robbery cases, and 11 aggravated assault cases. On the other hand, the property crimes include 69 burglary cases, 130 larceny-theft cases, and 25 motor vehicle theft cases.
In contrast to the 2018 crimes report, Lawrence County recorded 19 violent crimes, 213 property crimes, and zero arson. The violent crimes include seven rape cases, four robbery cases, and eight aggravated assault cases. Lawrence County recorded no case of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter. Meanwhile, property crimes include 73 burglary cases, 118 larceny-theft cases, and 22 motor vehicle theft cases.
Are Lawrence County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. Lawrence County criminal records are public and readily available to interested persons. The Missouri State Highway Patrol collates and provides statewide coverage of criminal history information within its jurisdiction. Requesters can access criminal records through the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS). Furthermore, requesters can obtain copies of criminal history information using the fingerprint or name search option on the system.
How to Obtain Lawrence County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested persons can obtain Lawrence County police reports and arrest records at the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. Although requesters can only access reports or records they are involved. In addition, requesters must present valid photo identification when visiting the office location:
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
240 North Main, Ste.10,
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2131
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lawrence County
The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office provides public access to all registered sex offenders within its purview. Requesters can access sex offender information in Lawrence County by visiting the sex offender feed maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Interested persons can access information using the map view. Users must click on a listed offender's name to view additional details.
As an alternative, the Missouri State Highway Patrol provides sex offender information via the statewide sex offender registry. Interested persons can access sex offender records using the offender or interactive map search.
How to Find Lawrence County Inmate Records
The Detention Center of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office collates and provides access to inmate records via the inmate roster portal. Requesters can access records of both current inmates and those released within the last 48 hours. Some of the information available on the inmate roster include the inmate's name, booking number, age, gender, race, address, arresting agency, booking date, charges, bond, and booking photograph.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Lawrence County Jail?
Family and friends can visit an inmate in Lawrence County jail on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Although, the visitation period is shared among different holding cells. Therefore, visitors must consider the location of an inmate.
Saturday: Cells 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, and the holding cells
Sundays: Cell 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and the female cell.
Visitors who intend to visit the Lawrence County jail must ensure they are on the inmate's visitation list. Inmates are allowed to fill in up to three names on the list. Each visitation may last up to 15 minutes per day. Family and friends visiting an inmate at the facility must present valid photo identification (government-issued). They must arrive at the premises 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Note, individuals between the age of 12 to 16 must be accompanied by a parent. The Lawrence County jail prohibits the use of cell phones and inappropriate dressings. Inmates and visitors are required to adhere to the rules and regulations in the inmate handbook.
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
240 North Main, Ste.10,
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2131
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Court Records
The Circuit Court and Municipal Courts are two major court systems in Lawrence County. The State of Missouri trial court system consists of Circuit Court, Municipal Court, and Administrative Hearing Commission. The Circuit Court jurisdiction covers all civil and criminal cases, while Municipal Courts handle limited cases such as violations of municipal ordinances. Interested individuals can visit any of the courthouse locations:
Circuit Court in Lawrence County
Lawrence County Circuit Court
Lawrence County Justice Center
240 North Main Street
Suite 110
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2471 ext. 112
Fax: (417) 466-7899
Municipal Courts in Lawrence County
Aurora Municipal Court
City Hall
2 West Pleasant Street
P.O. Box 30
Aurora, MO 65605
Phone: (417) 678-5121 ext. 35
Freistatt Municipal Division
Lawrence County Justice Center
240 North Main Street
Suite 110
Mount Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2471 ext. 112
Fax: (417) 466-7899
Marionville Municipal Court
800 South Western
P.O. Box 410
Marionville, MO 65705
Phone: (417) 258-7006
Miller Municipal Court
105 South Washam Street
P.O. Box 188
Miller, MO 65707
Phone: (417) 452-3371
Mt. Vernon Municipal Court
City Hall
319 East Dallas Street
P.O. Box 70
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2122
Pierce City Municipal Court
1 Frisco Place
Pierce City, MO 65723
Phone: (417) 476-2323
Verona Municipal Court
144 North 3rd Street
P.O. Box 158
Verona, MO 65769
Phone: (417) 498-6725
Are Lawrence County Court Records Public?
The majority of Lawrence County court records are open to the public. Per the Missouri Sunshine Law, members of the public have unrestricted access to these documents without stating the need for them. Some court records, however, are protected by state law. Therefore, they are not available for public view. For instance, juvenile court records, adoption records, and certain bankruptcy records are often restricted. Requesters who intend to inspect or obtain copies of Lawrence County court documents should contact the Circuit Clerk's office.
How to Obtain Lawrence County Civil Court Case Records
The Circuit Clerk in Lawrence County maintains and issues copies of all civil court case records within its purview. Individuals interested in these documents can obtain them in person. Also, requesters must ensure they provide enough information to facilitate the search. Examples of information required include the names of parties involved, location and year of the event, and more. The Clerk's office is open to requesters from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lawrence County Justice Center
Circuit Clerk's Office
240 N. Main St., Suite 110
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2471, ext. 112
Fax: (417) 466-7899
How to Obtain Lawrence County Criminal Court Records
Requesters can find Lawrence County criminal court records at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. The Clerk's office serves as a repository for all criminal court records in the area. Individuals who intend to obtain Lawrence County criminal court records must provide adequate information to assist with the search. Also, they must present valid photo identification. Requesters can visit the Clerk's office during business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lawrence County Justice Center
Circuit Clerk's Office
240 N. Main St., Suite 110
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2471, ext. 112
Fax: (417) 466-7899
What are Lawrence County Vital Records?
Lawrence County vital records are documents about life events gathered and maintained by government bodies. These documents may include marriage records, birth records, death records, and divorce records as established under Missouri Sunshine Laws. Interested individuals must contact the record custodian to inspect or obtain copies of Lawrence County vital records. In addition, requesters must submit a record request and provide the appropriate fees where needed. Nevertheless, not all Lawrence County vital records are available to the general public.
Where and How to Obtain Lawrence County Divorce Records
The Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's office keeps and issues copies of divorce records to interested persons upon request. Aside from the record request, requesters must provide a clear description of the document they seek. Some of the required information includes the names of the partners involved, the city where the divorce took place, the county, and the date. Interested persons can visit the Clerk's office from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Lawrence County Justice Center
Circuit Clerk's Office
240 N. Main St., Suite 110
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2471, ext. 112
Fax: (417) 466-7899
Where and How to Get Public Lawrence County Marriage Records
The Lawrence County Recorder of Deeds is responsible for keeping and issuing copies of marriages that occurred within its jurisdiction. Requesters can obtain Lawrence County marriage records in person or online. The online portal provides access to marriage records from 1988 to date. On the other hand, interested persons who wish to obtain marriage certificates in person can visit the office location. Note, each certified copy of a marriage record costs $9.
Lawrence County Recorder of Deeds
P.O. Box 449
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Phone: (417) 466-2670
Fax: (417) 466-4995
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Where and How to Find Lawrence County Birth Records
Requesters can obtain Lawrence County birth records at the Lawrence County Health Department. The health department is the county repository for all births that occurred from 1920 to date. Individuals interested in these documents can access them in person, by mail, by phone, or online. However, requesters must present valid photo identification such as U.S. military ID, driver's license, work or school ID, U.S. passport, and more. They must also complete and submit a birth records request form.
The Lawrence County Health Department charges $15 each regardless of the number of copies. Requesters may choose to expedite their order using the online or phone service. Interested persons can call (877) 817-7363 for the phone service. Note, there is an additional $9.95 for using the service. Requesters can use the contact address below for in-person and mail requests:
Lawrence County Health Department
105 W. North Street
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
Where and How to Find Lawrence County Death Records
The Lawrence County Health Department keeps and issues copies of death records that occurred within its jurisdiction from 1980 to date. Interested individuals can inspect or obtain Lawrence County death records in person, by mail, online, or by phone. The department mandates requesters to provide valid photo identification and a clear description of the document. Examples of acceptable photo identification include driver's license, U.S. military ID card, U.S. passport, work or school ID, and more. Furthermore, requesters must fill and submit the death records request form.
Lawrence County death records cost $14 per copy and an additional $11 for each copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Requesters who intend to expedite their request can obtain them online or make an order via Phone: (877) 817-7363. Note, aside from the record fee, an additional $9.95 may apply for using the service. Interested individuals who intend to request Lawrence County death records in person or by mail can contact:
Lawrence County Health Department
105 W. North Street
Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
