Case Net Missouri Cases: What It Is and How to Remove Your Information

If you’ve recently searched for your name and found it listed on Missouri’s CaseNet, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised to discover their legal history displayed for anyone to see. But what exactly is CaseNet, and is there a way to remove your information from it? In this guide, we’ll break down what CaseNet is, why your information might be listed, and what steps you can take to regain control of your digital footprint.

What is CaseNet Missouri?

CaseNet is the Missouri Judiciary’s public access portal that provides information on state court cases. It includes details about everything from minor traffic violations to significant civil and criminal cases. The goal is to keep the judicial system transparent and accessible, but it can sometimes feel invasive—especially when private individuals find their personal information published without their consent.

The system displays your full name, case number, case type, charges, status updates, and other related details. This means that even a minor dispute or dismissed charge can show up on CaseNet, potentially creating a negative impression for those who might be searching for you.

Why Is My Information on CaseNet?

CaseNet gathers information from public court records. Any time you have been involved in a court proceeding in Missouri—whether it’s a civil lawsuit, a traffic violation, or a criminal case—your details may be entered into the system. By law, most court records are considered public information. The Missouri Judiciary makes these records available online, so people can look up case histories, check case statuses, and stay informed about ongoing legal matters.

While this is designed for transparency, it can sometimes backfire, exposing sensitive information that you might not want publicly accessible. CaseNet doesn’t require consent to display your information because it’s legally a public record. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

How to Check If You’re Listed on CaseNet

Before you can take steps to protect your information, you need to see exactly what’s listed on CaseNet. Here’s how to do a quick search:

1. Go to the CaseNet Missouri website.

2. Click on “Litigant Name Search.”

3. Enter your first and last name and click “Find”.

4. Browse through the results to see if your name appears in any cases.

Make note of the case numbers and details of any listings you find. You’ll need this information for any potential expungement or removal steps.

Can You Remove Yourself from CaseNet?

Unfortunately, removing your information from CaseNet isn’t as straightforward as opting out from commercial data brokers. Since it’s run by the Missouri Judiciary, it’s considered a public record, and the default setting is that this information remains available. However, if your case qualifies, you may be able to get it removed or sealed through expungement.

Here’s what you need to know about the two main options:

1. Expungement: If your case was dismissed, if you were acquitted, or if it meets certain conditions, you can file a motion for expungement. An expungement legally clears your name from the record, making it as if the incident never happened.

2. Sealing a Record: Sealing a record restricts public access to the case. It won’t be visible on CaseNet to the general public, but some entities (like law enforcement) may still have access.

How to Expunge or Seal a CaseNet Record

If you’re eligible, you’ll need to file a formal motion with the court where the case was handled. Follow these steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Missouri has specific criteria for expungement. Generally, you may qualify if the charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or if the offense is eligible under state law. Consult with a legal professional to be sure.

2. File a Petition for Expungement or Record Sealing:
   You or your attorney will need to file the necessary paperwork in the appropriate court. This often involves submitting a formal Petition for Expungement and paying a filing fee.

3. Attend a Court Hearing:
   After submitting your petition, you’ll likely need to attend a court hearing where a judge will decide whether to grant your request.

4. Follow Up with CaseNet:
   If the judge approves your motion, your record should be updated within a few weeks. Double-check CaseNet to ensure your information has been removed or sealed.

What to Do If You Can’t Remove Your CaseNet Record

If you’re not eligible for expungement, you still have options to protect your privacy. One of the biggest risks of having your information on CaseNet is that data brokers can scrape these records and add them to their own databases. This means your court record could appear on people search sites, making it even easier for others to find you.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Use CleanData’s Free Data Removal Tool:
   Our tool helps you identify where your information is listed on major data broker sites and guides you through the opt-out process step-by-step.

2. Manually Opt Out from Data Brokers:
   If your name appears on people search sites like FastPeopleSearch or Spokeo, visit their opt-out pages and follow the instructions to have your information removed.

3. Monitor Your Online Presence:
   Regularly check CaseNet and other public record sites to ensure no new information has been added without your knowledge.

Why It’s Important to Protect Your Information

Even if you’ve never been involved in a serious legal matter, having your name on CaseNet can impact your reputation. Potential employers, landlords, or even acquaintances could search your name and form opinions based on these records, which might not reflect your current circumstances.

At CleanData, we believe that privacy is a fundamental right. While it’s difficult to remove yourself from government-operated systems like CaseNet, taking control of your digital presence on other platforms can help mitigate the impact. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions about your online footprint.

FAQs

Q: Is CaseNet the same as a criminal background check?
A: No, CaseNet is simply an online access portal for Missouri state court records. It includes civil and criminal cases but isn’t designed as a comprehensive background check.

Q: Can I delete my CaseNet record myself?
A: You can’t delete it directly. Only a court order, through expungement or sealing, can result in the removal of your information from CaseNet.

Q: How long does an expungement take?
A: The process can take several weeks to months, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of your case.

Conclusion

Having your name listed on CaseNet can feel like an invasion of privacy, but understanding the system is the first step to protecting yourself. Whether you pursue an expungement or focus on managing your online footprint elsewhere, CleanData is here to help you every step of the way.

For more information on how to manage your online privacy, check out our free tools or contact us for a consultation!