Cape Girardeau County Warrant Search

We want to thank you for stopping by. We hope this page helps you with your Cape Girardeau County MO Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We aim to make this clear and easy to follow.

If you need to check for warrants right now, you can start your Cape Girardeau County MO Warrant Search here: https://missouriwarrantrecords.com/cape-girardeau-county-warrant-search/. This resource provides a way to look into warrant information quickly. It can be a first step in finding out if an active warrant exists in the county. Please use official sources as well to check information.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office and Warrants

The County Sheriff plays a key role with warrants. They often serve warrants issued by the courts. You can reach out to them for info. Their main office is a place to start.

Sheriff's Office Contact and Location

You can find the Sheriff's Office here:

• Address: 216 N Missouri St, Jackson, MO 63755

• Non-Emergency Phone: 573-243-3551

• Website: https://www.capecountysheriff.org/

• Hours: Office staff are usually there Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Law enforcement works 24/7.

Checking with the Sheriff

How can you ask about warrants? You have a few ways. You can call the non-emergency phone number. Ask staff how to check for a warrant. Be ready to give the person's full name. A date of birth may also be needed. You can also go to the office in Jackson. Ask at the front desk about warrant checks. Bring ID if you go in person. They need facts to search their files. This helps them find the right person. The Sheriff must follow state laws, like Missouri Revised Statute 479.100, when handling warrants. This law guides how warrants are given out and served in the county.

Circuit Court Warrants and Records in Cape Girardeau County

The Circuit Court handles many case types. These include felony cases and major civil suits. Warrants can come from these cases. The Circuit Clerk keeps court records. These records might show if a warrant was made.

Circuit Clerk Contact Information

Here is how to reach the Circuit Clerk's office:

• Address: Cape Girardeau County Courthouse, 203 N High Suite 129, Jackson, MO 63755

• Phone:

  • Criminal Divisions I & II: (573) 243-1755

  • Misdemeanors/Traffic: (573) 243-8446

  • Civil Division: (573) 335-8253

• Fax:

  • Criminal: (573) 204-2405

  • Misdemeanors/Traffic: (573) 204-2367

  • Civil: (573) 331-2565

• Hours: Court offices are open weekdays. Usual hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM. They close for state holidays.

Searching Public Court Records Online

Missouri Case.net is the state's online court record system. You can search it for free. Go to https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/welcome.do. You can search by name or case number. Be sure to select the correct court circuit. For Cape Girardeau County, choose the "32nd Judicial Circuit". Look for case details. It shows filings, dates, and case status. A case status might hint at a warrant. For instance, it might show a "capias issued" note. This often means a bench warrant exists. Case.net may not list every single active warrant clearly as "warrant active". It shows court actions taken in a case.

Accessing Records Through the Circuit Clerk's Office

You can ask for records at the Clerk's office. Go to the courthouse address in Jackson. Ask the clerk staff for help. You will need the case number or person's name. They can search their files for you. There might be a small fee for copies. The Missouri Sunshine Law sets rules for record costs. It says fees can be ten cents per page (for standard size). Research time might add cost if it takes long to find records. You may need to fill out a form. The County Clerk uses a Public Records Request Form, found here. The Circuit Clerk might have a similar form or process. Ask staff for details.

City of Cape Girardeau Municipal Court Warrants

The City of Cape Girardeau has its own court. This court handles city rule violations. Examples are traffic tickets or code issues. Warrants can be issued from this court too. This often happens if someone misses a court date. Or if they do not pay fines.

Municipal Court Contact Details

Here is the contact information for the city court:

• Address: 2536 Maria Louise Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

• Phone: 573-339-6323

• Fax: 573-339-6308

• Email: municipalcourt@cityofcape.org

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Website: https://www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/municipal_court

Municipal Warrant Issuance and Checks

City laws allow judges to issue warrants. Cape Girardeau Code Chapter 16, Section 16-13 covers this. It states warrants go to the police chief or officers. You can check for city warrants. Call the court clerk at 573-339-6323. You can also email them or visit the office. Have the person's name and date of birth ready. You might also search on Missouri Case.net. Look for the municipal court option under the 32nd Circuit. Some city cases appear there. Paying fines for some tickets can be done online through Case.net. This might resolve some types of warrants. Check the court website or call them for payment options.

Understanding Different Types of Warrants in Missouri

Not all warrants are the same. They serve different goals. Knowing the type can help you act.

Overview of Warrant Categories

Warrants are official court orders. Most order an arrest or a search. A judge must sign them. They are based on good reason, called probable cause.

Specific Warrant Types Explained

Here are common types of warrants in Missouri:

• Arrest Warrant: Orders police to arrest someone. Issued when there is probable cause they committed a crime.

• Bench Warrant / Alias Warrant: Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court. Also used if someone does not follow a court order. An Alias Warrant often means failure to appear before a plea.

• Search Warrant: Allows police to search a specific place for evidence. Requires strong facts showing evidence is likely there. See RSMo 542.276.

• Civil Capias Warrant: Used in civil cases. Issued if someone ignores court orders repeatedly.

• Governor's Warrant: Used for extradition. If someone commits a felony in another state and flees to Missouri, the Governor can issue this warrant for their arrest and return. See RSMo 548.071.

• Fugitive Warrant: Issued for someone believed to be a fugitive from another state. Allows their arrest in Missouri.

Legal Framework for Warrants in Missouri

State law sets rules for warrants. These rules aim to protect rights. They make sure warrants are used right.

Issuance Requirements

A warrant needs a judge's review and signature. Police or a prosecutor must show probable cause. This means good reason to believe a crime occurred, or evidence exists at a location. Missouri laws like RSMo 479.100 (municipal warrants) and RSMo 542.276 (search warrants) detail these rules. The warrant must list who or what is to be searched or seized. Or it must name the person to be arrested. It must be specific.

Public Access Laws

Are warrants public? Yes, most are. The Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo Chapter 610) treats most government records as open. This includes many warrants once issued or served. Anyone can ask to see public records. However, some limits exist. Laws like RSMo 610.021 list exceptions. Info might be closed if release could harm someone. Like a victim, witness, or police source. Details in an active search warrant might stay sealed until after the search. But arrest warrants are often public once issued.

Addressing an Outstanding Warrant in Cape Girardeau County

If you think you have a warrant, act. Do not ignore it. First, check if it is real. Use the steps above to confirm.

Importance of Verification and Action

An active warrant means police can arrest you. This can happen any time. Like during a traffic stop. Or even at home or work. It is best to deal with it head-on. Confirm the warrant with the court or sheriff first. Get details like the case number and the reason.

Options for Resolving a Warrant

Here are steps you might take:

• Seek Legal Counsel: Talk to a lawyer. They can explain your rights. They can help plan the best way to handle it. They may go to court for you.

• Arrange Surrender or Court Appearance: You may need to turn yourself in. Call the Sheriff's Office (573-243-3551) or the court that issued the warrant. Ask about the process. Or, your lawyer can help arrange this. You might get a new court date.

• Pay Fines/Fees: Some warrants, like for unpaid traffic tickets, might be cleared by paying. Check with the Municipal Court (573-339-6323) or use Missouri Case.net payment options if available for your case. See payment info on the Municipal Court page or Case.net.

Consequences of Inaction

Ignoring a warrant leads to more problems. You risk arrest at any time. Your driver's license could be suspended. Fees and costs might go up. It is always best to face the issue. Take steps to clear the warrant soon.