Laclede County

Laclede County is located in south-central Missouri, established in 1849 and named after Pierre Laclède, the founder of St. Louis. Laclede County seat is Lebanon, a city of approximately 36,000 residents that is the commercial and governmental hub of Laclede County. Laclede County includes approximately 768 square miles and has a total population of around 36,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Laclede County is positioned at the crossroads of Interstate 44 and U.S. Route 54, making it a strategic transportation center in Laclede County. Major landmarks include Bennett Spring State Park, one of Missouri's most popular state parks known for its trout fishing, and the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, celebrating the historic Mother Road that passes through Laclede County. Laclede County Courthouse, located at 200 North Adams Avenue in Lebanon, houses the primary county government offices. Laclede County Recorder's office maintains all land records and is located within the courthouse complex. Laclede County Clerk, also at 200 North Adams Avenue, handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Laclede County Assessor's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessment, operates from the same governmental complex. Laclede County's economy historically centered on agriculture, timber, and mining, but has diversified to include manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Laclede County's location along Interstate 44 has made it an attractive location for distribution centers and service industries supporting travelers along this major corridor connecting St. Louis to Tulsa.

The Laclede County Circuit Court serves Laclede County and is located at 200 North Adams Avenue in Lebanon. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Missouri online court portal.

Laclede County Circuit Court is located in Lebanon, Missouri and is the court of general jurisdiction for Laclede County. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, citizens can submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
• Missouri law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within three business days, either providing the records, stating when they will be available, or citing a specific statutory exemption.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through the jail's online roster or by requesting copies from the detention facility.
• Processing fees may apply for physical copies or extensive record searches.

• The Associate Circuit Court division handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for statutory fees: $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.

• Laclede County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, legal description, or document type.
• Some services provide free name searches with fees charged for viewing or printing actual document images, typically ranging from $1.00 to $3.00 per document.
• Recording fees are established by Missouri statute: $24.00 for the first page of most documents and $3.00 for each additional page.
• The Assessor's office provides an online GIS parcel viewer allowing free public access to property maps, ownership data, sales history, and assessment information.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates for deaths occurring in Laclede County are also available from the Recorder's office for $15.00, with the same identification and eligibility requirements.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is readily accessible, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
• State office fees are $15.00 for birth or death certificates, with online ordering available through VitalChek for an additional processing fee.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Laclede Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the $51.00 license fee.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The registration fee is typically $7.00 and must be renewed every five years.
• This database includes all businesses registered to operate in Missouri, including those based in or operating within Laclede County.