Case Search gives residents of St. Louis County a direct pathway to official court records without leaving home. By entering a case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date, users can retrieve civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and traffic case information from the 21st Judicial Circuit. The system matches queries against a live case database that updates regularly, showing the case title, status, assigned judge, and docket details. Whether you need to find a recent filing, verify a historical judgment, or explore a specific case type, the interface organizes results by relevance and date, helping you narrow court case search results with filters such as division, status, and date range. Keywords like “how to search for a court case” or “case search by case number” trigger precise matches, reducing the time spent sorting through unrelated entries. The platform also displays linked docket sheets, party roles, and any publicly available filings, ensuring that each record reflects the current case status and court jurisdiction.
Case Search streamlines the effort of locating public court records by presenting multiple entry points that align with common user intent. Typing a party’s full name or the attorney’s bar number instantly pulls matching entries, while selecting a filing date range returns all cases filed between those dates, from recent motions to archived judgments. Users can focus on a particular division, such as probate or family, and limit output to active or closed status, making it easy to answer questions like how to find a court case by name or how to search a case by case number. The results page lists case identifiers, plaintiff and defendant names, filing numbers, and the exact court division, enabling prompt verification of the correct record. Advanced filters let you sort by case type, date, or status, and the interface highlights any sealed or restricted entries, explaining why a case might not be found. This structured approach supports both casual inquiries and detailed legal research without requiring specialized knowledge.
How to Search Case Search
Case Search through the St. Louis County 21st Judicial Circuit connects you with public court records using a state-maintained online system. Residents can also access official criminal history to verify current details. You can look up civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and traffic cases by entering a case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date. The portal pulls live data from the official Missouri CaseNet system, so the records you see reflect the current status, assigned judge, and docket entries. Each search returns a results list you can narrow with filters for division, status, or date range.
You do not need an account to use Case Search. Open the official portal, type your query into one of the search fields, and review the matching cases the system displays. Filters help you cut down large result lists, and clicking any case number opens the full case detail page. The platform organizes information by relevance and filing date, giving you a clear path from query to verified case information.
Official Search Portal: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
Steps to Search
- Visit the Missouri CaseNet portal at courts.mo.gov and select the St. Louis County court option from the location list.
- Choose your search type from the drop-down menu, such as case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date.
- Type your search term in the field provided, entering the full legal name or complete case number for the best match.
- Add optional filters like court division, case type, or date range to narrow your result list.
- Review the matching cases shown in the results table and identify the correct record by checking party names and filing date.
- Click the case number link to open the detailed case information page, where you can view the docket, judge, and current status.
Case Search Results
After you submit a query, the Case Search results page lists every case that matches your search terms. The table shows key identifiers side by side, so you can quickly scan and compare entries before opening any individual record. Each row shows the case number, case title, party names, attorney of record, court division, filing date, and current status.
Case Number and Case Title
The case number is the unique identifier the court assigns when a filing is accepted. Missouri case numbers follow a format that shows the year, court location code, case type, and sequence number. The case title lists the plaintiff versus the defendant or, in family and probate matters, the matter name as it appears on the docket. These two fields together confirm you have located the correct record.
Party Names and Roles
Each result row identifies the parties tied to the case and their legal role. In civil matters, you see the plaintiff listed first and the defendant listed second. In family cases, you see a petitioner and respondent. Criminal records show the prosecuting authority and the accused person. Roles tell you who initiated the case and who is responding to the action.
Attorney Information
The attorney of record appears next to the party they represent. This field shows the lawyer’s full name and, in some cases, their bar number. Searching by attorney name lets you see every case that attorney has filed in St. Louis County. The system shows both active counsel and any withdrawn attorneys who previously appeared in the matter.
Court and Judge
The court and judge fields show the specific division handling the case and the judicial officer assigned. St. Louis County cases are heard in divisions such as civil, criminal, family, probate, or juvenile court. The assigned judge entry names the judicial officer overseeing the matter at the time of your search. Reassignments may occur, and the system reflects the current assignment.
Filing Date
The filing date shows when the case was first accepted by the court clerk. This field helps you sort cases chronologically and verify that you have the right record when names or case types repeat. Filing dates also let you measure how long a case has been active, which matters for statute of limitations questions and recordkeeping purposes.
Case Type
The case type label categorizes the legal matter. Examples include civil suit, dissolution of marriage, felony criminal charge, misdemeanor traffic offense, probate estate, or juvenile petition. The case type drives which division handles the matter and which procedural rules apply. You can filter your search results by case type to focus on a specific category of record.
Case Status
Case status tells you whether the matter is active, pending, dismissed, or closed. An active status means hearings or filings are still in progress. A pending status shows the case is awaiting a future court date or ruling. A dismissed or closed status indicates the court has issued a final order. Status updates appear in the record as the case moves through each stage.
| Result Field | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Case Number | Unique court identifier | Confirms exact record |
| Case Title | Party names or matter name | Identifies the dispute |
| Party Roles | Plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent | Shows who initiated and who responds |
| Attorney of Record | Lawyer name and bar number | Confirms legal representation |
| Court Division | Civil, criminal, family, probate, or juvenile | Locates the correct division |
| Assigned Judge | Judicial officer name | Identifies decision-maker |
| Filing Date | Date the case was opened | Tracks case age and history |
| Case Type | Legal category | Filters by matter type |
| Case Status | Active, pending, closed, or dismissed | Shows current stage |
Case Search by Case Type
Filtering your Case Search by case type helps you skip unrelated matters and reach the records that match your specific need. The St. Louis County system separates cases into eight main categories, each tied to a court division with its own procedural rules. Choosing the right case type narrows your results and improves match accuracy.
Civil Case Search
Civil case search covers disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations seeking monetary damages or specific court orders. Examples include contract disagreements, personal injury claims, property disputes, and debt collection actions. These cases are filed in the civil division and follow the Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure. Use civil case search when you need to verify a judgment, check on a pending lawsuit, or confirm a filing history.
Criminal Case Search
Criminal case search displays records of felony and misdemeanor charges prosecuted by the state. The prosecuting authority appears as the party, with the accused listed as the defendant. Results show the charge level, filing date, and current status of the case. This search helps you confirm charges, view plea entries, and check for final dispositions.
Family Case Search
Family case search returns records for marriage dissolutions, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and orders of protection. These matters are filed in the family court division and follow specialized procedural rules. You can search by party name to find a divorce filing or by case number to track a custody modification.
Probate Case Search
Probate case search covers estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Probate matters are handled by the probate division and often involve multiple filings under one case number. Use this search type when you need to confirm an executor appointment, view an estate inventory, or track a guardianship review.
Juvenile Case Search
Juvenile case search returns records of matters involving minors, including delinquency petitions, status offenses, and child protection cases. Access to juvenile records is restricted under Missouri law, so only publicly available information appears in the search results. Many juvenile filings are sealed, and the system will display limited details for those cases.
Misdemeanor Case Search
Misdemeanor case search covers lower-level criminal charges such as petty theft, simple assault, minor drug possession, and first-offense DUI. These cases are heard in the misdemeanor division and typically resolve faster than felony matters. The search results show charge descriptions, plea entries, fines, and sentencing orders.
Felony Case Search
Felony case search returns records of serious criminal charges prosecuted in the circuit court. Examples include burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, major drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Felony cases move through arraignment, pretrial motions, plea, or trial stages, and the search results show each major event on the docket.
Traffic Case Search
Traffic case search covers moving violations, driving while suspended charges, and certain municipal ordinance violations handled by the associate circuit court. Tickets that become court cases appear here with the citation number linked to a case number. This search helps you confirm a fine amount, check for a failure to appear, or verify completion of traffic school.
| Case Type | Division | Typical Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | Civil Division | Contracts, injuries, property disputes |
| Criminal | Criminal Division | Felony and misdemeanor prosecutions |
| Family | Family Court | Divorce, custody, support, adoption |
| Probate | Probate Division | Estates, wills, guardianships |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court | Delinquency, child protection |
| Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor Division | Lower-level criminal charges |
| Felony | Criminal Division | Serious criminal charges |
| Traffic | Associate Circuit Court | Moving violations, license issues |
Case Search by Person
Searching by person is one of the most common ways to use the Case Search system. You can enter a name and pull every public case tied to that individual, whether they appear as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, or attorney. Residents can also access official traffic court records to verify current details. Person-based searches are useful for background checks, legal research, attorney lookups, and confirming past court involvement.
Search by Plaintiff or Defendant
Plaintiff and defendant searches apply to civil and criminal cases. Entering a plaintiff name returns cases that person filed. Entering a defendant name returns cases where that person is being sued or prosecuted. The system searches first and last names separately, so partial matches appear in the result list. Review each row carefully to confirm you have located the correct individual.
Search by Petitioner or Respondent
Petitioner and respondent labels appear in family, probate, and juvenile cases. The petitioner is the person who filed the case, and the respondent is the person responding to the petition. Family court records often show one spouse as the petitioner and the other as the respondent. Use the petitioner field to find cases someone initiated and the respondent field to track responses.
Search by Attorney
Attorney searches return every case where a specific lawyer has appeared. Enter the attorney’s full name or bar number to see their full case history in St. Louis County. The results page shows the attorney’s role in each case, the parties they represented, and the case status. This search helps clients confirm their counsel’s record and helps lawyers verify their own active caseload.
Search by Party Name
A general party name search covers all party types, including plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, respondents, and third parties. This is the broadest person-based search and returns the largest result list. Use additional filters such as case type or date range to cut the list down to the records that match your specific interest.
Handling Common or Similar Names
Common names produce large result lists that can make identification hard. To narrow the list, add the person’s full middle name or initial, their date of birth if known, or a date range that matches when the case was filed. Review each result’s address, attorney, and case type to confirm the match. Avoid relying on first and last name alone when the name is common.
Case Search by Date
Date-based searches help you find cases filed during a specific time window. You can search by exact filing date or set a date range that spans weeks, months, or years. Date searches are useful for tracking recent filings, researching historical judgments, or pulling all matters filed by a specific attorney during a billing period.
Search by Filing Date
Entering a single filing date returns every case opened on that exact day. The result list reflects the court’s intake volume for that date, which can range from a few dozen to over a hundred matters depending on court activity. Filing date searches work best when you already know the approximate time the case was opened.
Search by Date Range
A date range search returns every case filed between your start date and end date. Use this approach when you want to track activity over a week, month, quarter, or year. Date range searches pair well with case type filters, so you can pull all felony cases filed in the last 30 days or all family cases opened in a specific year.
Recently Filed Cases
Recent filings appear at the top of date-based search lists when you sort by filing date in descending order. You can use the system’s date filter to pull only matters filed within the past 7, 14, or 30 days. Recent case searches are useful for journalists, attorneys monitoring opposing counsel, and individuals tracking their own pending matters.
Historical Case Searches
Historical case searches reach back through archived records, often going back many years or decades. Older cases appear with their original filing date and full docket history. Some archived records may display limited detail if the original file was transferred to offsite storage. Historical searches help researchers, genealogists, and attorneys tracing precedent or prior judgments.
Case Search Results and Filtering
Raw search results can run long, especially when you use broad terms or search common names. The Case Search system gives you filtering and sorting tools to manage large result lists. These controls let you focus on the records that match your interest without scrolling through dozens of unrelated entries.
Reviewing Matching Cases
Open the results page and scan the table from top to bottom. The system displays matches in order of relevance, with the closest matches appearing first. Each row shows the case number, title, party names, attorney, division, and status. Skim each row before clicking any link to make sure the case fits your search goal.
Filtering Search Results
Filters narrow your results by court division, case type, case status, and filing date range. Apply filters one at a time and check how the list changes. Combining a case type filter with a date range filter usually cuts the list to a small, focused set. Filter controls sit at the top of the results page in most Case Search layouts.
- Court division filter limits results to civil, criminal, family, probate, or juvenile court.
- Case type filter limits results to civil suit, felony, misdemeanor, traffic, or family matter.
- Status filter limits results to active, pending, closed, or dismissed cases.
- Date range filter limits results to filings made between your start and end dates.
Sorting Case Results
Sorting controls let you reorder results by filing date, case number, or party name. Sort by filing date in descending order to see the newest cases first. Sort by case number when you want to browse a specific sequence or range. Sort by party name when you are scanning for a particular individual across many cases.
Identifying the Correct Case
Match the case number, party name, filing date, and case type against the information you already know. If you have a document, court notice, or attorney reference, cross-check those details with the result row. When two records look similar, click both to compare full docket details before settling on the right entry.
Opening Detailed Case Information
Click any case number link to open the detailed case information page. This view shows the full docket sheet, party list, attorney of record, filing history, hearing schedule, and orders entered in the matter. You can review every public event in the case timeline, from initial filing through final judgment, on a single scrollable page.
Case Search Problems
Most Case Search queries return usable results, but some searches hit obstacles. Knowing the common reasons a search fails or returns incomplete information helps you adjust your approach. The system displays messages or empty lists when a record is restricted, delayed, or not yet entered into the database.
Case Not Found
A “case not found” message means the system could not match your query to any record in the database. Check the spelling of the case number or party name, confirm the correct court location, and try alternative search terms. A missing record often points to a data entry delay rather than a true lack of information.
Too Many Search Results
Large result lists appear when your query terms are too broad. Common surnames or partial names can pull hundreds of unrelated cases. Add a middle initial, narrow the date range, or apply a case type filter to shrink the list. Review only the rows that match the additional filters you set.
Incorrect Search Information
Typos, transposed digits, and wrong location codes lead to wrong or missing results. Double-check each character of the case number, the spelling of the name, and the court division you selected. Residents can also access official criminal records to verify current details. If you are searching by attorney, confirm the full name and bar number against the official roll.
Recently Filed Cases
Newly filed cases may not appear in search results for a short period after filing. The clerk’s office enters new records into the database in batches, and updates can take a few hours to a few days to post. If a recent filing is missing, wait and run the search again later.
Incomplete Case Information
Some results show partial details because the full record has not been digitized or transferred from older paper files. Older cases or recently migrated records may display limited docket entries. Contact the court clerk’s office for older cases that need full paper records pulled from storage.
Sealed or Restricted Cases
Sealed and restricted cases do not display full information in public search results. Juvenile matters, mental health commitments, and cases under a court-ordered seal appear with redacted party names or no docket entries. To access a sealed record, you usually need a court order or specific statutory authority.
Delayed Record Updates
Court records update on a set schedule, and some updates take longer to post than others. Recent filings, sealed entries, and expunged records may take extra time to clear processing queues. If your search returns older data than expected, try the query again later when the database has refreshed.
Case Search and Related Court Information
Case Search is one of several tools the St. Louis County court system uses to share public information. Each tool has a specific role, and knowing the boundaries of each tool helps you pick the right resource for your task. The terms case search, case lookup, court records, court docket, and court calendar often overlap in everyday use.
Case Search vs. Case Lookup
Case Search and case lookup refer to the same basic function: finding a case by number, name, or date. The Missouri CaseNet portal labels this function as case search, but other court systems may use the term case lookup. Both tools return the same set of identifying details, including case number, parties, and status.
Case Search vs. Case Information
Case information is the detail page you reach after locating a case through search. The search step helps you find the right record, and the information page gives you the docket sheet, party list, and hearing history. Use search first to locate the case, then open the information page to review full details.
Case Search vs. Court Calendar
The court calendar shows scheduled hearings, trials, and motions for a specific date or division. Case Search helps you find a case, and the court calendar helps you see when that case is set for its next event. Many court calendars link back to the case record so you can move between the two views easily.
Case Search vs. Court Docket
The court docket is the chronological list of filings and orders in a single case. Case Search locates the case, and the docket shows each event in that case from filing to final judgment. Attorneys, parties, and researchers use the docket to track procedural progress and prepare for hearings.
Case Search vs. Court Records
Court records is the broad category that includes every document a court keeps, including case files, dockets, orders, judgments, and archived material. Case Search is the lookup tool that helps you locate a specific record within that larger archive. After search, the system shows you which records are public and which require clerk assistance.
| Term | Purpose | How It Connects to Case Search |
|---|---|---|
| Case Lookup | Find a case by name or number | Same function, different label |
| Case Information | Show full case detail | Opens after search finds a case |
| Court Calendar | List upcoming hearings | Links back to case record |
| Court Docket | Chronological filings and orders | Appears on case detail page |
| Court Records | All court files and orders | Search locates specific records |
Contact Information
If you need help with a Case Search query, docket entry, or sealed record question, contact the St. Louis County Courts office at the details listed below. Phone support is available during regular business hours for general questions about court records, case status, and search methods.
- 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 Website: https://stlcountycourts.com/
- Direct Search Portal: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
Frequently Asked Questions
The St. Louis County 21st Judicial Circuit offers a free online case search that connects citizens with public court records. Using the state‑maintained Missouri CaseNet portal, you can view civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, and traffic matters. The system updates daily, showing case status, assigned judge, and docket number. Access is open during normal office hours, and support is reachable at the county clerk’s phone line.
How can I find a court case by name in St. Louis County?
Start at the official court website and click the “Case Search” link. Choose the “Party Name” option, then type the full or partial name of the individual or organization. Press the search button. Results list matching cases with docket numbers, filing dates, and case types. Click a docket number to view full details, including parties, attorney names, and current status. If many results appear, refine the search by adding a middle name or narrowing the filing date.
How to Find a Case by Number on Missouri CaseNet?
Open the CaseNet homepage and select “Case Number” from the search menu. Enter the ten‑digit case identifier exactly as it appears on any document you have. Click “Search.” The system returns the case record, showing the court division, case title, filing date, and any recent actions. Review the docket for hearings, orders, and judgment information. If the number is incorrect, double‑check the format and retry; a typo will prevent any match.
How do I search for cases filed within a specific date range?
Choose the “Filing Date” filter on the case search page. Input the start date in the mm/dd/yyyy format, then enter the end date. Submit the query. The portal displays every case filed between those dates, sorted by most recent filing. Each entry includes the case number, type, and involved parties. To focus on a particular case type, apply the “Case Type” dropdown before running the search.
Why might a case not appear in my search results?
A case may be excluded if it is sealed, under a protective order, or belongs to a juvenile proceeding. Records that are still being processed might also be missing. Verify by contacting the clerk’s office at the listed phone number during business hours. Provide the case title or docket number; staff can confirm whether the record is restricted or still pending entry into the online system.
Can I Find Attorney Information and Case Status Online??
Yes. After locating a case by number, name, or date, open the docket detail page. The “Attorney” field lists the representing counsel for each side. The “Status” line shows whether the case is open, dismissed, or closed. For the most recent updates, check the “Last Action” entry, which records motions, hearings, and judgments. If an attorney’s name is missing, it may indicate a pro se party or a sealed filing.