Case Information serves as the gateway to every public record held by the St. Louis County circuit courts, allowing citizens to trace the lifecycle of a legal dispute from filing to final disposition. When a plaintiff submits a complaint, the system assigns a unique case number, captures the filing date, identifies the court division, and records the name of the assigned judge. Those data points combine to form a searchable snapshot that reveals party names, attorney of record, and the nature of the claim, whether civil, criminal, family, or probate. By entering the case number or the parties’ names into the county’s online portal, users can view the current case status, see any pending motions, and access uploaded documents such as motions, orders, or judgments. The interface also flags cases that are sealed or under confidentiality restrictions, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected while still offering transparent access to permissible records.
Case Information also supports deeper research by linking each docket entry to its underlying case history and related filings. Users can examine the chronology of hearings, track changes in case status such as active, pending, or closed, and locate the judgment that concluded the matter. The system tags each entry with the court name, division, and jurisdiction, which helps differentiate a municipal ordinance violation from a felony prosecution. Through the same portal, investigators may retrieve the short case title, view the case type code, and explore any associated case activity like continuances or settlements. When the public needs to verify the identity of the attorney of record or confirm the parties involved, the database presents clear party roles—plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent—and their respective counsel. This comprehensive yet user‑friendly structure empowers residents, journalists, and legal professionals to obtain reliable court case details without navigating complex filing rooms for everyday public use.
How to Search Case Information
Case Information for St. Louis County Courts is available through the Missouri CaseNet portal, which is the official statewide system maintained by the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator. Residents can also access official criminal court records to verify current details. You can access civil, criminal, probate, family, juvenile, and traffic records filed within the 21st Judicial Circuit by entering details such as a case number, party name, or filing date range. The portal returns results in a structured format that lists the court division, assigned judge, and current status for every matching record. Because the system links directly to the county’s docketing database, the data reflects the same records shown at the clerk’s office counter in Clayton.
Official Search Portal: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
Steps to Search
- Visit the Missouri CaseNet portal at the official search URL listed above.
- Select “St. Louis County” from the location dropdown if it does not default to the correct venue.
- Choose a search category such as case number, party name, or filing date range.
- Type the case number exactly as it appears on the summons, complaint, or prior court document.
- Enter the last name and first name of a party if searching by name.
- Select the case type filter (civil, criminal, probate, family, traffic, or juvenile).
- Pick a date range that covers the expected filing date.
- Click “Find” to display matching cases in the results grid.
- Click the case number hyperlink to open the full docket sheet.
- Review the docket for case status, hearings, motions, and available documents.
How to View Case Information
Once your search returns a result, the docket sheet displays the complete Case Information for that file in a single view. The header section shows the case caption, court location, division, and assigned judicial officer. Each row in the activity table represents one filing or event recorded against the case. You can use the navigation links at the top of the docket to switch between hearings, parties, charges, judgments, and documents without leaving the record page.
Finding Information for a Specific Case
To find Case Information for one particular matter, you need at least one identifier: a case number, a party name, or a filing date. The case number is the most direct method because each number is unique to the file and will return only one record. If you do not have the case number, searching by party name will list every case in which that person appears as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent. Filing date searches work best when you know the approximate month and year the case was opened.
Case Number and Case Identifier
The case number is the unique identifier assigned by the court clerk when a petition or complaint is filed. In St. Louis County, the format typically includes a year code, a division code, and a sequence number, such as 21SL-CR01234 or 2024-CV00156. Each number stays with the case for its entire lifecycle, even if the matter is transferred, appealed, or consolidated with another file. The case identifier ensures that any reference to the matter, whether in a motion, order, or judgment, points back to the same record.
Case Type and Court Division
The case type tells you what kind of dispute is involved, such as civil, criminal, family, or probate, while the court division identifies the specific judicial unit handling the matter. St. Louis County courts operate civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic divisions, each with its own filing requirements and procedural rules. The case type and division appear at the top of the docket sheet and help you understand which procedures apply. You can filter your search results by these codes to narrow down a long list of matches.
Case Filing Date
The filing date marks the day the clerk officially accepted the case into the court’s docket. This date determines which procedural rules govern the matter, since rules often change based on when a case was filed. The filing date also starts the clock for response deadlines, discovery periods, and scheduling orders. Knowing the filing date helps you verify that the docket entry you are looking at matches the correct case rather than a later-filed related action.
Current Case Status
The current case status reflects where the matter stands in the court process right now. The portal displays one of several status codes, such as active, pending, disposed, dismissed, or closed. Active cases are still being litigated, pending cases await a future hearing or ruling, and disposed or closed cases have reached a final resolution. The status field updates each time a new event, order, or judgment is entered into the docket.
Case Parties and Representatives
The parties section of the docket lists every individual or entity connected to the case and their legal roles. You will see the full legal names of plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, and respondents, along with the attorneys who represent them. The system shows whether an attorney is privately retained, court-appointed, or a public defender. This section helps you identify who is involved, who to contact, and who has the authority to act on behalf of a party.
Plaintiff and Defendant
In civil lawsuits, the plaintiff is the person or business that files the claim, and the defendant is the party accused of causing harm or owing a duty. In criminal cases, the prosecuting attorney files on behalf of the state, and the defendant is the individual charged with the offense. The docket records the legal name of each party as it appears in the official filings. If a party is a business, the legal entity name is shown rather than a personal name.
Petitioner and Respondent
In family, probate, and juvenile matters, the parties are usually labeled petitioner and respondent rather than plaintiff and defendant. The petitioner is the person asking the court for an order, and the respondent is the party responding to that request. Common case types using this structure include divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, and mental health proceedings. The Case Information portal displays these roles consistently so you can tell at a glance who initiated the matter.
Attorneys of Record
The attorney of record is the lawyer whose name appears on the official docket for a particular party. This attorney is responsible for receiving all legal notices, filings, and court orders on the party’s behalf. The portal shows the attorney’s bar number, firm name, mailing address, and contact phone number. If a party later changes lawyers, the docket reflects the new attorney of record while preserving the history of prior counsel.
Party Roles and Relationships
Beyond the basic labels, the docket may show additional roles that describe how each party relates to the matter. Common extra roles include guardian ad litem, conservator, executor, trustee, third-party defendant, and intervenor. Each role carries specific legal duties and rights that affect how the case proceeds. The Case Information system records these relationships so you can understand the full cast of participants in any filing.
Additional Case Participants
Some cases involve non-party participants such as expert witnesses, court reporters, interpreters, mediators, and probation officers. While these participants are not always listed on the main party screen, they appear in the activity log when they file documents or take part in hearings. You may also see victim identifiers in criminal cases or protected identifiers in family matters. The portal flags any restricted participant to protect privacy while still showing that someone participated in the matter.
- Expert witnesses and consultants
- Court reporters and interpreters
- Mediators and probation officers
- Guardians ad litem and conservators
Case Details
The details section provides a written summary of what the case is about, the legal claims or charges involved, and the procedural posture of the matter. You can use this section to confirm that you are looking at the right case before reviewing the activity log. Details are entered by the clerk at filing and updated only when the court issues a formal amendment to the original pleading.
Case Description
The case description is a short narrative that explains the nature of the dispute or charge. In civil cases, the description often summarizes the type of relief sought, such as money damages, injunctive relief, or specific performance. In criminal cases, the description may list the statute allegedly violated and the conduct at issue. The description field helps readers understand the case without reading the full complaint or indictment.
Charges or Claims
Criminal dockets list formal charges with statute numbers and offense levels, while civil dockets list causes of action or claims for relief. Each charge or claim entry shows the count number, the specific statute, and any prior conviction or enhancement. This field lets you see the full legal theory the state or plaintiff is pursuing. The Case Information portal updates charges or claims when an amended pleading or information is filed.
Filing Information
Filing information includes the date the case was opened, the division where it was filed, the filing party, and the type of initial pleading submitted. This data is captured at the very beginning of the case and rarely changes. Filing information also shows whether the case was originally assigned to a different division before being moved to its current location. Reviewing this section confirms the procedural starting point for every subsequent event.
Assigned Judge
The assigned judge field shows the judicial officer responsible for managing the case from filing through disposition. In St. Louis County, judges are assigned by rotation at the time of filing, unless the matter requires a specialized docket. If a judge recuses or is reassigned, the docket updates to show the new judge and the date of the change. Knowing the assigned judge helps you understand scheduling orders and procedural rulings tied to that bench.
Court Location
The court location shows the physical courthouse where hearings, trials, and other proceedings take place. Most St. Louis County cases are heard at the courthouse in Clayton, though some matters may be transferred to satellite facilities. The location appears at the top of every notice, order, and judgment issued in the case. Knowing the court location helps you plan for in-person appearances and pick up certified documents.
Case Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction describes the court’s legal authority to hear the case based on geography, subject matter, and the parties involved. St. Louis County courts have jurisdiction over state law claims filed by or against residents of the county. The portal shows jurisdiction codes that indicate whether the matter is a state-level claim, a municipal ordinance, or an inter-county transfer. This field helps clarify which court system holds authority over the dispute.
Related Cases
Some matters are connected to other cases filed in St. Louis County or in surrounding jurisdictions. The related cases field links companion filings such as associated criminal and civil restraining order proceedings, parent and subsidiary probate estates, or co-defendant criminal cases. Reviewing related cases helps you see the full picture of a dispute that may have generated multiple filings. The portal links these matters by case number so you can move directly between records.
Case Activity
The case activity section shows the chronological history of filings, hearings, motions, and orders entered in the matter. Each entry includes the date, the type of event, the party or attorney responsible, and any resulting document. This is often the most informative part of the docket because it tells you what has happened and what is scheduled next. Researchers, journalists, and attorneys rely on this section to track how a case has progressed.
Case Filing History
Filing history is the running list of every document submitted to the clerk in the case. Each entry records the filing date, the document type, the filing party, and any associated fees. Reviewing the filing history helps you identify which pleadings have been entered and when. The history is searchable by date range so you can focus on filings made during a specific period.
Hearings and Court Appearances
Hearing entries show the date, time, courtroom, and type of proceeding scheduled in the case. Common hearing types include arraignments, pretrial conferences, status hearings, motion hearings, and trials. The portal shows past hearings along with their outcomes, such as continued, heard, or decided. Future hearings appear with scheduled dates and any special instructions from the court.
Motions and Filings
Motion entries record the title of each motion filed, the moving party, and the date the clerk received it. The Case Information portal links to the actual motion document where available, allowing you to read the argument in full. Motions may be joined, opposed, or decided by the court, and each step appears as its own activity entry. Tracking motion history helps you understand the contested issues in the case.
Court Orders
Court orders are formal rulings issued by the judge that direct the parties to take or refrain from specific actions. The activity log lists each order by date, type, and issuing judge. The portal typically provides a link to the order document so you can read the full text. Orders remain part of the permanent record and may be enforced through later contempt proceedings.
Judgments
Judgment entries mark the court’s final or interim resolution of a claim or charge. Civil judgments show the amount awarded, the party responsible for payment, and any post-judgment remedies. Residents can also access official traffic ticket records to verify current details. Criminal judgments show the sentence imposed, fines, restitution, and probation terms. The judgment date triggers appeal deadlines and post-judgment motion windows.
Case Events
Case events cover any non-document actions that affect the case, such as service of process, witness appearances, settlement conferences, and continuances. Each event records the date and a short description. Events help fill in gaps between formal filings so you can see the full procedural arc. The Case Information portal updates events as soon as the clerk enters them into the docket.
Case Activity Timeline
The activity timeline arranges all case events in chronological order so you can see the matter unfold from filing to disposition. You can sort the timeline by date, by event type, or by party to focus on specific aspects. The timeline view is useful for cases with dense activity, allowing you to spot long gaps between events that may signal settlement talks or scheduling delays. Researchers often print the timeline as a quick reference summary.
Case Status and Outcome
The status and outcome section tells you whether the case is still open, whether it has been resolved, and what the final result was. Status codes change over the life of a case, while outcomes are recorded only at the end. Reviewing this section helps you confirm that a case is still pending or that it has reached its final conclusion. The portal uses consistent status terminology across all case types.
Active Cases
An active case is one that is currently being litigated, with new filings, hearings, or motions still taking place. Active cases appear at the top of search results because they are the most recently updated. The portal marks active cases with a colored status indicator. You can revisit active matters frequently to track new filings as they appear in the docket.
Pending Cases
Pending cases are awaiting a specific future event, such as a hearing, ruling, or filing deadline. The docket shows the next scheduled action in the pending case along with its date. Pending status is often used interchangeably with active, but some courts use it for matters that have no immediate activity scheduled. Reviewing pending cases helps you anticipate the next step in a litigation.
Closed Cases
A closed case has reached the end of its lifecycle at the trial court level. Closure may follow a final judgment, a settlement, a dismissal, or a transfer to another court. The docket shows the closure date and the reason for closing. Closed cases remain available for research and appeal purposes, but no further activity is expected in the trial court.
Dismissed Cases
A dismissed case has been terminated before a final judgment on the merits. Dismissal may be voluntary (the plaintiff withdrew the claim) or involuntary (the court ruled the case should not proceed). The docket records the dismissal date, the party who sought it, and the legal basis. Dismissed cases may be reopened in limited circumstances, such as fraud or new evidence.
Disposed Cases
Disposed cases have been fully resolved by the court, whether through judgment, plea, settlement, or dismissal. The disposition field captures the specific outcome, such as conviction, acquittal, judgment for plaintiff, or judgment for defendant. The Case Information portal lists the disposition date and any associated orders. Disposed matters still appear in searches and may be the subject of post-judgment motions or appeals.
Appealed Cases
An appealed case has been transferred to a higher court for review. The docket shows the appeal date, the appellate court, and the case number assigned at the next level. Trial court activity in an appealed case typically pauses while the appellate court considers the matter. The portal may show both the trial court case and a link to the appellate record for full research.
Case Outcome
The final case outcome summarizes the ultimate resolution of the matter, including any sentence, judgment amount, custody order, or probate ruling. The outcome is the last entry in the activity timeline and is rarely changed once entered. Reviewing the final outcome lets you confirm whether the matter is truly over or whether post-judgment proceedings continue. The portal preserves the final outcome even after the case is archived.
Case Documents
The documents section provides access to the actual pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments filed in the case. Most public filings are available as PDF images directly through the portal. You can view documents individually or download them for printing. Some documents are restricted because of confidentiality rules, and the portal will clearly mark those as unavailable.
Court Filings
Court filings include all documents submitted by the parties or the court, such as complaints, answers, motions, briefs, and exhibits. Each filing appears in the document list with its title, filing date, and submitting party. The portal indexes filings alphabetically and chronologically so you can locate specific papers quickly. Filed documents remain part of the permanent record unless sealed by court order.
Orders and Judgments
Orders and judgments are official documents issued by the judge that resolve specific issues in the case. Interim orders address procedural questions, while final judgments end the litigation on a particular claim. The portal lists orders and judgments as separate document types so you can filter by category. Reading the order or judgment text confirms the exact relief granted or denied by the court.
Available Case Documents
Available documents are those not restricted by court order or statute. The portal places an “Available” label next to each open document and provides a link to open the PDF. Documents such as motions, briefs, and orders are mostly open, while items like juvenile records or mental health filings may be restricted. You can tell at a glance which documents are open for viewing.
Document Dates and Filing History
Each document carries a filing date that marks when the clerk accepted it. The filing history arranges documents by date so you can track how the case developed over time. Comparing document dates helps you verify compliance with deadlines and procedural rules. The portal preserves filing dates even if the document is later sealed or withdrawn.
Document Access and Availability
Document access rules vary based on the case type and the parties involved. Civil, criminal, and traffic records are open to the public in most instances, while family, juvenile, and probate records may have restricted access. The portal indicates access status with icons such as “Public,” “Restricted,” or “Sealed.” You may need to make a written request or appear in person to view restricted materials.
Certified Copies
Certified copies are official reproductions of court documents stamped and signed by the clerk to verify authenticity. The portal allows you to request certified copies online for many document types, though some must be picked up in person. Certified copies are typically required for use in other legal proceedings, immigration matters, or business filings. A small fee applies, and processing times vary based on document volume.
Case Information by Case Type
Different case types follow different procedural rules and display different fields on the docket. The St. Louis County courts organize matters into civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic divisions. Knowing which case type applies helps you understand what to expect from the docket and what documents may be available. The table below summarizes the major categories and their typical characteristics.
| Case Type | Typical Parties | Common Documents | Public Access Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | Plaintiff, Defendant | Complaint, Answer, Motion, Judgment | Mostly Open |
| Criminal | State, Defendant | Information, Plea, Sentencing Order | Mostly Open |
| Family | Petitioner, Respondent | Petition, Financial Disclosure, Decree | Partially Restricted |
| Probate | Petitioner, Estate | Will, Inventory, Order | Partially Restricted |
| Juvenile | State, Minor | Petition, Disposition Order | Highly Restricted |
| Traffic | State, Driver | Citation, Plea, Fine Receipt | Mostly Open |
Civil Case Information
Civil cases involve disputes between individuals, businesses, or government entities where one party seeks money damages, injunctive relief, or declaratory judgment. Common civil case types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and civil rights actions. The docket shows the cause of action, the relief sought, and any settlement or judgment. Civil records are mostly open to the public, with limited redactions for sensitive personal data.
Criminal Case Information
Criminal cases involve the prosecution of individuals accused of violating state or local law. The docket lists the charges, the prosecuting agency, defense counsel, plea entries, and sentencing outcomes. Bond amounts, probation terms, and restitution orders also appear in the record. Most criminal records are public, except for juvenile offenders and sealed records under specific statutes.
Family Case Information
Family cases cover matters such as dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence protective orders. The docket shows the petition type, the parties, and any temporary or final orders entered. Family records often contain sensitive personal data, so the portal restricts certain documents and identifiers. You may need to request access or appear in person for sealed family filings.
Probate Case Information
Probate cases involve the administration of a deceased person’s estate, including the validation of wills, appointment of personal representatives, and distribution of assets. The docket lists the decedent’s name, the executor or administrator, the will’s filing date, and any inventory or accounting filings. Probate records are partially restricted to protect financial and personal details of heirs and beneficiaries.
Juvenile Case Information
Juvenile cases involve allegations against minors, such as delinquency, status offenses, and abuse or neglect petitions. The docket typically shows the minor’s initials rather than a full name to protect identity. Juvenile records are highly restricted under Missouri law, and most documents are not available through the public portal. Access requires a court order or the involvement of an authorized party.
Misdemeanor Case Information
Misdemeanor cases cover less serious criminal offenses punishable by fines, probation, or up to one year in jail. The docket lists the charges, plea, fine amount, and any sentence imposed. Misdemeanor records are open to the public. You can review the docket to confirm the outcome of a misdemeanor citation or to verify compliance with court orders.
Felony Case Information
Felony cases involve serious criminal offenses punishable by more than one year in prison. The docket tracks grand jury indictments, arraignments, pretrial motions, plea agreements, and trial outcomes. Felony records remain open to the public unless sealed by court order. The portal allows researchers to review the full procedural history of felony prosecutions in St. Louis County.
Traffic Case Information
Traffic cases involve citations issued for moving violations, driving under influence, and licensing infractions. The docket shows the citation number, the violation charged, the plea entered, and the fine assessed. Traffic records are open and help employers, insurers, and drivers verify the outcome of a citation. Some sealed DUI records may be restricted from public view.
Case Information Updates
The Case Information system updates docket entries as soon as the clerk processes new filings and orders. Knowing when records are refreshed helps you plan your searches and verify the latest activity. The table below summarizes common update patterns for St. Louis County records.
| Update Type | Typical Timing | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| New case filings | Same day as acceptance | CaseNet docket header |
| Scheduled hearings | Within 24 hours | Activity log |
| Filed motions | Same day as docketing | Document list |
| Court orders | Same day as entry | Document list |
| Disposition data | Within 1 business day | Status field |
Recently Filed Cases
Recently filed cases appear at the top of search results when sorted by filing date. The portal marks these cases with a “New” indicator so you can spot them quickly. Reviewing recent filings helps you monitor new litigation trends or track newly opened matters involving a particular party. The system refreshes new case data throughout each business day.
New Case Activity
New case activity refers to any new entry added to the docket after your last review. The portal may show a timestamp on each activity row indicating when the entry was processed. Residents can also access official dui records to verify current details. New activity can cover a filed motion, a scheduled hearing, or a new order. Refreshing the docket page displays the latest events without requiring a new search.
Updated Case Status
The updated case status field changes whenever the case moves to a new stage, such as from active to disposed. Status updates follow the entry of an order, judgment, or dismissal. The portal highlights the most recent status with a colored indicator. Reviewing status updates helps you track progress without reading every event entry.
Recently Filed Documents
Recently filed documents appear in the documents tab with a “New” badge until you have viewed them. You can sort the document list by date to see the most recent filings at the top. The portal retains the new indicator for a limited time before the document is treated like any other record. This feature helps frequent users keep up with active matters.
Changes to Case Information
Changes to Case Information may result from amended pleadings, corrected clerical entries, or court orders that modify prior rulings. Each change is recorded as its own activity entry, so the original data is preserved for the historical record. Reviewing change entries helps you verify when a correction was made and by whom. The portal maintains an audit trail for every modification.
Missing or Restricted Case Information
Some records are not visible through the public portal because of court orders, statutory protections, or delayed processing. Understanding why records may be missing helps you interpret search results correctly. The portal distinguishes between restricted, sealed, and pending uploads so you know whether to wait, request access, or accept that the record is closed to public view.
Case Information Not Available Online
Some Case Information is not available online because the case predates the digital docketing system. Older paper records may only be available by visiting the clerk’s office in person. The portal flags these cases with an “Archive Only” notice. You can request a record search through the clerk’s office for a small fee, and copies can be produced in person or by mail.
Sealed or Confidential Cases
Sealed or confidential cases are restricted by court order or by statute to protect privacy, security, or sensitive legal strategies. The docket displays only limited identifying data, such as a sealed case number, with all other fields hidden. Access requires a court order or the involvement of an authorized party. The portal never displays the contents of sealed filings.
Restricted Case Documents
Restricted case documents include items such as mental health records, juvenile petitions, and trade secrets protected by court order. The portal lists these documents as “Restricted” without showing the contents. You may request access by filing a motion to unseal or by demonstrating that you are a party to the matter. Restricted documents are never downloadable through the public system.
Recently Filed Information
Recently filed records may take a short time to appear online because clerks process paper and electronic filings in batches. The portal typically updates within one business day of the filing date. If you do not see a new filing immediately, check back after 24 hours or contact the clerk’s office to confirm the entry. The system catches up quickly during high-volume periods.
Delayed Case Updates
Delayed case updates can occur when filings are submitted late in the day, during weekends, or while the clerk is processing backlogged papers. The portal displays a timestamp showing the last update so you know how current the record is. Major delays are rare, but local holidays or system maintenance can affect processing speed. The portal posts notices about scheduled maintenance in advance.
Correcting Inaccurate Information
If you believe a docket entry contains an error, you can request a correction by contacting the clerk’s office in writing or in person. The clerk will review the entry, verify the correct data against the original filing, and make any necessary amendment. Corrections appear in the activity log as new entries so the original data is preserved for audit purposes. Major corrections require a court order.
Case Information and Related Court Records
Case Information is one piece of a broader court records ecosystem that includes dockets, calendars, filings, and document indexes. Understanding how these systems relate helps you find the records you need without searching multiple databases. The portal links related records whenever possible so you can move between them with a single click.
Case Information vs. Case Search
Case Information refers to the detailed docket data for one identified file, while a case search is the query process you use to locate that file. The search function returns a list of matching cases, and clicking a result opens the full Case Information view. You use a search to start, then read the Case Information to get the details.
Case Information vs. Case Lookup
A case lookup is a quick check, often by name or citation number, that confirms whether a case exists in the system. Case Information is the deep dive into the docket entries, parties, and documents. A lookup tells you that a case has been filed, while Case Information tells you what has happened since filing.
Case Information vs. Court Calendar
The court calendar lists scheduled hearings, trials, and other proceedings for the day or week, while Case Information shows the full history of events. The calendar is useful for finding when a particular matter is set to be heard, but it does not show past events or filings. Case Information provides the broader context for any calendar entry.
Case Information vs. Court Docket
The court docket is the official chronological list of filings and events in a case, which forms the core of the Case Information display. Case Information adds structured detail to the docket, such as party roles, charges, and document descriptions. The docket is the raw list, while Case Information is the interpreted view.
Case Information vs. Court Records
Court records is the broad category that includes dockets, filings, indices, calendars, and judgments, while Case Information is the specific summary page that ties those elements together. Case Information helps you find the right record, then links to the underlying documents. The portal uses Case Information as the main entry point for any record search.
Contact Information
St. Louis County Courts, part of the 21st Judicial Circuit, maintains the records described on this page and can answer questions about access, certified copies, and procedural rules. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone, in person, or through the official websites listed below. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays.
- Department: St. Louis County Courts — 21st Judicial Circuit
- Phone: 314-615-8029
- Address: 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Official URL: https://stlcountycourts.com/
- Direct Search URL: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
- Email: Not listed for general court records
- 311 Service: No countywide 311 number verified; use the listed department phone
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Louis County Courts let the public view case information through the Missouri CaseNet portal. Access to civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile and traffic records helps people track case progress, verify details, and locate parties or attorneys. The service is free, open during normal business hours, and reachable by phone at 314‑615‑8029.
What type of details are included in the case information display?
The case screen shows the case number, title, type (civil, criminal, etc.), filing date, court name, and division. It lists each party, their attorney of record, and the assigned judge. The status field indicates whether the case is open, pending, or closed. You will also see a timeline of filings, motions, hearings, and final disposition. Contact information for the clerk’s office appears at the bottom of the page for follow‑up questions.
How do I check the status of an active case?
Enter the case number in the CaseNet search box. The result page displays a status line such as “Open – awaiting hearing” or “Closed – judgment entered.” Below the status, you can view upcoming hearing dates, scheduled motions, and any recent docket entries. For real‑time confirmation, call the St. Louis County Courts at 314‑615‑8029 and ask for the case status using the case identifier.
Can I obtain copies of court documents online?
Yes. After opening a case record, select the “Documents” tab. You can view PDFs of filings, orders, and judgments that are not sealed. To receive a certified copy, click “Request Certified Copy” and follow the payment instructions. Records marked “Confidential” or “Sealed” will not appear; you must appear in person or submit a formal request to the clerk for those items.
Why might case information be unavailable or incomplete?
Some cases are sealed by court order, such as adoption or certain juvenile matters. Privacy statutes also restrict access to cases involving family law, domestic violence, or protected health information. In addition, very recent filings may not yet be entered into the system, so a short delay of one to two business days is normal. If you believe a record should be public, contact the clerk’s office for clarification.
How often is case information updated in the CaseNet system?
CaseNet refreshes its database nightly. Most new filings, docket entries, and hearing updates appear within 24 hours of entry by court staff. Occasionally, high‑volume days may cause a slight lag, but the system aims to keep public records current. For the most recent activity, revisit the case page after a day or call the clerk at 314‑615‑8029 to confirm the latest status.
