Johnson County Court Records Search
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Johnson County is located in west-central Missouri, with its county seat in Warrensburg. The county’s judicial operations fall within Missouri’s 17th Judicial Circuit, and its trial court — the Johnson County Circuit Court — exercises jurisdiction over all criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law proceedings, and probate matters arising in the county. The Circuit Court contains divisions for general civil and criminal cases, an associate circuit division for smaller claims and certain misdemeanors, and a probate division for estate and guardianship matters. Several municipal courts also operate within the county, handling local ordinance violations. The Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Johnson County Justice Center serves as the principal records custodian for all Circuit Court case files, while the Johnson County Recorder of Deeds maintains property records, marriage licenses, and related instruments.
Individuals looking for court records from Johnson County can work through several channels. Missouri’s judiciary operates Case.net, a free statewide online portal that provides public access to civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and municipal case information from circuit courts across the state. MissouriCourts.us may also help users navigate available court resources. Beyond online tools, records are accessible in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office, by email, by telephone, and through written requests sent by mail. The county also provides public-access terminals at the courthouse for visitors who prefer to search case indexes on-site.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Johnson County?
There are several ways to search for court cases filed in Johnson County, depending on the type of record and the level of detail required.
Online via Case.net
Missouri’s Case.net system is the primary online tool for locating Johnson County court records. This free database, operated by the Missouri Judicial Branch, provides real-time access to publicly available case information, including docket entries, party names, hearing dates, charges, and dispositions. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date
- Case type
- Calendar date
Case.net covers civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and municipal filings. Confidential records — such as juvenile cases, sealed files, and expunged records — are excluded from public results. Under Missouri Court Operating Rule 2, public documents filed in court are also available remotely through the Case.net platform.
In-Person Search
Visitors may search records directly at the Johnson County Justice Center during business hours (court time begins at 8:30 a.m.):
Johnson County Circuit Court — Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 101 West Market Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: (660) 422-7413
Fax: (660) 422-7417
Note: The Johnson County Courthouse (300 North Holden Street) is currently closed for renovation. County offices that were located in the courthouse have temporarily relocated to 301 West Market Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093. The Circuit Court continues to operate from the Justice Center at 101 West Market Street. Confirm current arrangements before visiting.
Contact by Email or Phone
The Circuit Clerk can be reached by email at Marcy.Anderson@courts.mo.gov or by phone at (660) 422-7413. Staff can assist with case-status inquiries and provide guidance on obtaining copies.
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records should be sent to the Circuit Clerk at 101 West Market Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Include the full name of the party or parties, case number (if known), type of case, approximate filing date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copy fees must be prepaid by check or money order.
Are Court Records Public in Johnson County?
Missouri law establishes a strong presumption of openness for court records. The Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610, RSMo) provides the public with broad rights to inspect government records, and Missouri Court Operating Rule 2 (COR 2) specifically governs access to judicial records statewide, including those in Johnson County.
General Access Policy
Under COR 2.02, records of all courts are presumed open to any member of the public for inspection or copying. Court records are made available during regular business hours, and they should not be provided in a manner that interferes with the court’s daily operations. Requests for records may be submitted orally or in writing, and the requesting person is not required to disclose the purpose of the request.
Records Available to the Public
The following Johnson County records are generally accessible:
- Circuit Court civil and criminal case files, including complaints, answers, motions, judgments, and docket entries
- Associate Circuit Division case records
- Probate files, including wills, estate inventories, and letters testamentary
- Marriage records maintained by the Recorder of Deeds
- Property records, deeds, and liens
- Municipal court case information available through Case.net
Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
COR 2.02 and Missouri statute exempt several categories of information from public inspection:
- Juvenile court records involving misdemeanor offenses
- Names of individuals known to be minors
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and state identification numbers
- Financial account numbers, credit/debit card numbers, and associated passwords or PINs
- Dates of birth (year of birth may appear; full date is redacted)
- Names, addresses, and contact information of victims, informants, and witnesses
- Case numbers referencing confidential, expunged, or sealed proceedings
- Pleadings in child abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights cases (accessible only at the court facility)
- Cases filed under Chapter 455, RSMo (adult and child protection orders) are searchable only by exact case number until a full order of protection is granted
Fees
COR 2.11 authorizes reasonable fees for services provided. Copy charges and certification fees are set by statute and local practice. Contact the Circuit Clerk at (660) 422-7413 for specific fee amounts.
Johnson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Johnson County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. Felony cases are assigned to the circuit division, while many misdemeanors and traffic offenses are heard by the associate circuit judge. Municipal courts within the county — including those in Warrensburg, Knob Noster, Holden, Centerview, Chilhowee, Kingsville, and Leeton — handle local ordinance violations.
Circuit Court Criminal Jurisdiction
The Johnson County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all state-law criminal offenses committed within the county. Criminal case files maintained by the Circuit Clerk include:
- Felony and misdemeanor charging documents (informations and indictments)
- Arraignment records
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts and exhibits
- Sentencing orders
- Probation records
- Restitution payment records
Criminal case information is searchable on Case.net by defendant name, case number, or filing date. Data elements available online for criminal cases include the defendant’s name and address, pending charges, violation descriptions, bail amounts, hearing dates, docket entries, findings, sentences, and assigned judges.
Court Costs in Criminal Cases
Court costs assessed upon conviction are established by RSMo § 488.012 and related statutes. Amounts vary by offense type and court level.
Municipal Courts
Several municipal courts operate in Johnson County. Most municipal divisions are housed at the Justice Center, except for the following standalone courts:
Knob Noster Municipal Court
Address: 201 North State Street, Knob Noster, MO 65336
Phone: (660) 563-2595
Fax: (660) 563-5634
Warrensburg Municipal Court
Address: 102 South Holden Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: (660) 747-9132
Fax: (660) 747-1867
Municipal court case information is available through Case.net.
Arrest Records and Criminal Histories
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and booking data for the county. The office can be reached during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.):
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 278 SW 871, Centerview, MO 64019
Phone: (660) 747-6469
The Sheriff’s website provides access to the current inmate roster and information on individuals released within the past 48 hours.
Expungement
Missouri law permits the expungement of certain criminal records under RSMo § 610.140. Eligible individuals may petition the court to have qualifying arrests, charges, or convictions sealed from public view. Once an expungement order is entered, the records are removed from Case.net and are no longer available for public inspection. The court must rule on a petition within six months of filing.
Johnson County Civil Court Records
The Johnson County Circuit Court handles all civil litigation filed within the county. The circuit division hears cases involving larger monetary claims, while the associate circuit division handles matters within its statutory jurisdiction, including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes.
Types of Civil Cases
Civil case files maintained by the Circuit Clerk encompass a wide range of disputes:
- Breach of contract
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Suits on account
- Employment disputes
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Evictions and landlord-tenant matters
- Small claims (associate circuit division)
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in the Circuit Court are governed by RSMo § 488.012 and the fee schedule established under RSMo § 483.530. Key filing costs include:
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil action — circuit court | Set by statute; contact clerk |
| Civil action — associate circuit court | Set by statute; contact clerk |
| Trial de novo (misdemeanor cases) | $45 |
| Each additional defendant beyond first | $15 |
| Counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint | Set by statute |
Contact the Circuit Clerk at (660) 422-7413 for current filing fee amounts applicable to a specific case type.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case data is publicly accessible through Case.net. Online records include attorneys’ names and addresses, party names and addresses, docket entries, filing dates, judgments, and disposition types. In-person searches can be conducted at the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the Justice Center.
Property Records
Real estate documents — deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and powers of attorney — are recorded and maintained by the Johnson County Recorder of Deeds. The Recorder’s office provides an online public searching portal for researching recorded instruments.
Johnson County Recorder of Deeds
Address: 300 North Holden, Suite 305, Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: (660) 747-6811
Recording fees at the Recorder’s office include:
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard document — first page | $24.00 |
| Each additional page | $3.00 |
| Non-standard document — first page | $49.00 |
| Each additional page | $3.00 |
| Copies — first page | $2.00 |
| Copies — each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certification | $1.00 per document |
The Recorder also offers free DD-214 military discharge recording for veterans. The full fee schedule is available on the Recorder’s website.
Johnson County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Johnson County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption — are adjudicated within the Circuit Court’s family law division. The Circuit Clerk maintains all family case files.
Divorce
Divorce petitions are filed with the Circuit Clerk at the Justice Center. Johnson County divorce records include petitions, responses, temporary orders, discovery documents, settlement agreements, and final dissolution decrees.
Certified copies of divorce records from the Circuit Clerk can be obtained by visiting the office or submitting a written request. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce (not a full copy of the decree) for divorces that occurred in Missouri. To order one:
- Download and complete the Vital Records Application Form
- Include payment of $15 per record
- Submit the application in person (by appointment) or by mail to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-6387
Appointment hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (final slot at 2:30 p.m.)
Divorce case information is searchable on Case.net by party name or case number.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Petitions for adult and child protection orders are filed under Chapter 455, RSMo. Under COR 2.04, these cases are searchable on Case.net only by exact case number until a full order of protection is granted; after that point, the case appears in standard search results. Victim names are excluded from remote access under 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)(3).
Adoption and Guardianship
Adoption and guardianship proceedings are heard by the Circuit Court. Adoption records are confidential under Missouri law and are not available through Case.net or at public-access terminals.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Johnson County are issued and recorded by the Recorder of Deeds at 300 North Holden, Suite 305, Warrensburg, MO 64093. The minimum legal age to marry in Missouri is 18, with no exceptions. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $9 each and can be obtained by visiting the office, calling (660) 747-6811, or mailing a written request.
Birth and Death Records
Although not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently needed alongside family court matters. The Johnson County Community Health Services office maintains birth certificates from 1920 onward and death certificates from 1980 onward. Requests require a completed Birth and Death Certificate Application Form, valid photo identification, and payment.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate (certified copy) | $15 each |
| Death certificate (first copy) | $14 |
| Death certificate (additional copies) | $11 each |
Under RSMo § 193.255, vital records may only be issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest, such as the person named on the record, a parent, spouse, child, or legal representative.
Johnson County Community Health Services
Address: 723 PCA Road, Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: (660) 747-6121
Mail requests should include the completed application, a notarized copy if mailed, a check or money order for the appropriate fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Records older than those available locally can be obtained from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records.
Johnson County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Johnson County are handled by the Circuit Court’s probate division. The division oversees the administration of decedents’ estates, the appointment of personal representatives, will contests, guardianships for incapacitated persons, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, and certain proceedings involving sexually violent predators. The Circuit Clerk maintains all probate case files.
Types of Probate Records
Probate records in Johnson County include:
- Last wills and testaments admitted to probate
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories and appraisals
- Creditor claims and notices
- Annual and final accountings
- Orders of distribution
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions, reports, and orders
- Involuntary commitment records
How to Access Probate Records
Probate case information is publicly searchable on Case.net using party names or case numbers. This includes docket entries, filing dates, party information, and assigned judges.
For certified copies or complete case files, contact the Circuit Clerk:
Johnson County Circuit Clerk — Probate Division
Address: 101 West Market Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093
Phone: (660) 422-7413
Fax: (660) 422-7417
Email: Marcy.Anderson@courts.mo.gov
Requests can be made in person, by phone, by email, or by mail. Written requests should include the decedent’s full legal name, case number if available, and the specific documents needed. Prepayment of copy fees is required for mail requests.
Restrictions on Probate Records
Most probate records in Johnson County are public. However, certain guardianship and conservatorship files may contain medical or financial information that is restricted from public view. Involuntary commitment proceedings carry additional confidentiality protections. Records accessible only at the court facility — not remotely through Case.net — include findings of non-paternity (RSMo § 210.846) and pleadings in termination of parental rights cases (RSMo § 211.319), when those matters intersect with probate proceedings.
Wills and Codicils
Filed wills and codicils are maintained as part of the probate case file and can be inspected at the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Copies of wills on file with the Recorder of Deeds or the County Clerk may also be available; contact the appropriate office for guidance. The Johnson County Clerk’s Office can be reached at (660) 747-6161 at 300 North Holden, Suite 205, Warrensburg, MO 64093.