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How Do You Read Missouri CaseNet Docket Entries?
Missouri CaseNet docket entries are the chronological case activity log — every filing, motion, order, hearing, and judgment recorded in sequence by the circuit court clerk. Each entry contains a date, a docket code (JE, OG, WARI, CONT), and a description. This guide decodes 50+ Missouri CaseNet docket codes and explains every section of a Missouri court case record — so you understand exactly what happened in any case, step by step.
50+Docket codes defined
6Case record sections
3Case types covered
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What Is a Missouri CaseNet Docket Entry?
A Missouri CaseNet docket entry is a single line in the chronological activity log of a court case — recording the date, a standardized code, and a brief description of one specific court event. Every time a document is filed, a motion is ruled on, a hearing is scheduled, or a judgment is entered, the circuit court clerk creates a docket entry. The complete docket is the authoritative record of everything that has occurred in a case.
The Docket Entries tab is accessible from any open case record on Missouri CaseNet. It is the most information-dense section of the case record and the section most users struggle to interpret — because Missouri courts use standardized abbreviation codes that are not defined anywhere within the CaseNet interface itself. Understanding these codes converts a confusing list of abbreviations into a clear narrative of the case’s history.
📌 What docket entries are NOT: Docket entries are index records — they confirm that a document was filed or an event occurred, but they do not reproduce the document’s content. The actual text of a motion, order, or judgment requires either opening the linked PDF (available for documents filed after July 1, 2023) or visiting the courthouse to request copies of older documents.
Docket Entry — Entity Attributes
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Location in CaseNet | Case record → Docket Entries tab (second tab after Case Header) |
| Sort order | Descending by default (newest first); toggle to ascending to read chronologically |
| Entry components | 3 fields: Event Date, Docket Code, Description/Memo |
| Document links | Blue hyperlink or PDF icon appears next to entries with viewable documents (filed after July 1, 2023) |
| Pre-2023 documents | No PDF link; entry is visible but document requires courthouse terminal access |
| Update frequency | Real-time as clerks enter data; most courts batch-upload at end of business day |
| Who enters docket entries | Missouri Circuit Court clerks — not attorneys or parties directly |
| Authoritative record | CaseNet docket is the public index; the official record is the physical court file held by the circuit clerk |
What Are the 6 Sections of a Missouri CaseNet Case Record?
A Missouri CaseNet case record contains 6 navigable sections accessed via tabs: Case Header (identifying information and status), Docket Entries (chronological activity log), Charges (criminal cases), Scheduled Hearings (upcoming events), Judgments (final court rulings), and Documents (PDF filings post-July 1, 2023). Each tab reveals a different dimension of the case’s legal history and current status.
Section 1: Case Header — Case Identity and Status
The Case Header tab is the top-level summary of the case’s administrative information. It is the first section visible when you open any case record.
Case Header — Fields Explained
Case Number
The unique assigned identifier. Format:
24SL-CC01234 (year + circuit code + case type + sequence). This is the primary key for the case across all CaseNet searches.Case Type
The category code:
CC = Civil, CR = Criminal Felony, CM = Criminal Misdemeanor, TR = Traffic, DP = Domestic/Divorce, P = Probate, SC = Small ClaimsFile Date
The date the case was formally filed with the circuit court clerk — not the date of the incident, arrest, or injury. Criminal cases may be filed weeks after an arrest.
Status
Active = case ongoing; Pending = filed, awaiting initial action; Disposed = final resolution entered; Closed = administratively closed after all proceedings complete
Parties
Lists all named parties with their role: Plaintiff, Defendant, Petitioner, Respondent, Appellant, Appellee, Garnishee, and their attorneys of record with MOBAR numbers.
Court / Division
The specific Missouri Circuit Court and division (courtroom/judge assignment). A single circuit court may have 5–30+ divisions depending on county size.
Judge / Commissioner
The judicial officer currently assigned to the case. May change throughout the case if a judge recuses, retires, or the case is transferred.
Section 2: Docket Entries — The Case Story in Sequence
The Docket Entries tab is the chronological log of everything that has happened in the case. Reading it from oldest to newest tells the complete case narrative.
💡 Change the sort order: CaseNet defaults to newest-first (descending). Click the Sort toggle to switch to ascending order so you read the case from beginning to end — most useful for understanding how a case developed.
Docket Entry — Fields Explained
Event Date
The date the clerk entered the docket record. This is typically the same as the filing date for documents but may be 1–3 days later in busy courts that batch-process entries.
Docket Code
The standardized abbreviation identifying the type of event. Examples:
JE = Judgment Entered, MOFL = Motion Filed, HRGSCH = Hearing Scheduled. Full code guide below.Description / Memo
A brief clerk-written note describing the specific event — e.g., “Motion to Dismiss Filed by Defendant” or “Guilty Plea Entered — Class D Felony.” Content quality varies by clerk and court.
Document Link
A blue hyperlink or PDF icon appears when a viewable document is attached (filed after July 1, 2023). Clicking it opens the PDF in-browser. No link = document not online (requires courthouse access).
Section 3: Charges — Criminal Cases Only
The Charges tab appears only in criminal cases (case types CR, CM, TR, IF). It lists each count as filed by the prosecutor, not just the final conviction.
Charges — Fields Explained
Charge Description
The statutory offense as charged by the prosecutor — includes the RSMo section (e.g., “Assault 2nd Degree — RSMo §565.052”). This is the charge as filed, not necessarily the final conviction.
Charge Class
The offense classification: Class A–D Felony or Class A–C Misdemeanor under Missouri law. Class A Felony carries up to life imprisonment. Class C Misdemeanor carries up to 15 days jail.
Disposition
How the specific count was resolved: Guilty, Not Guilty, Dismissed, Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor dropped), Acquitted. A case with 3 charges may have different dispositions on each count.
Sentence
For guilty counts: sentence imposed (imprisonment length, probation term, fine amount, SIS/SES designation). SIS = Suspended Imposition of Sentence — no conviction on record if probation is completed successfully.
Section 4: Scheduled Hearings — Future Court Dates
The Scheduled Hearings section (also accessible via the main Scheduled Hearings Search) lists only future court events — past hearings appear in Docket Entries, not here.
Scheduled Hearings — Fields Explained
Date & Time
The scheduled hearing date and time in CST. Always confirm directly with the circuit clerk the morning of a hearing — last-minute continuances (reschedulings) may not yet appear in CaseNet.
Hearing Type
The proceeding type: Arraignment, Bond Hearing, Preliminary Hearing, Pretrial Conference, Motion Hearing, Bench Trial, Jury Trial, Sentencing. See the Scheduled Hearings guide for definitions.
Location
Courtroom and division number within the courthouse. If the courthouse has multiple buildings, the building designation is included.
Judge / Commissioner
The judicial officer presiding at this specific hearing — may differ from the case’s primary judge if the matter is before a commissioner or visiting judge.
Section 5: Judgments — Final Court Rulings
The Judgments section lists any final judgments entered in the case. This is the data source for the CaseNet Judgment Index search.
Judgments — Fields Explained
Judgment Date
The date the court formally entered the judgment — the official start date for appeal deadlines (30 days in Missouri under RSMo §512.020) and judgment enforcement periods (10 years under §516.350).
Judgment Type
Civil: Default Judgment, Summary Judgment, Consent Judgment, Trial Judgment. Criminal: Guilty Verdict, Acquittal, Nolle Prosequi. The type determines enforcement options available to the winning party.
Amount
For civil money judgments: the dollar amount entered against the judgment debtor. Note: this is the judgment amount, not the amount already paid. Check docket entries for Satisfaction of Judgment filings.
Against / For
Identifies which party the judgment was entered against (judgment debtor) and which party it was entered in favor of (judgment creditor). This is what appears in a Judgment Index search result.
Section 6: Documents — PDF Court Filings
Documents filed on or after July 1, 2023, are viewable as PDFs from within the case record. The Documents tab (or the blue links in Docket Entries) provides direct access.
Documents — Key Facts
Available online
All public documents filed on or after July 1, 2023 (Remote Public Access rollout date per Missouri Supreme Court order)
Not online
Documents filed before July 1, 2023 — viewable only at courthouse public access terminals
Restricted documents
Sealed, confidential, or redacted documents do not appear even if filed after July 1, 2023
Download
PDFs can be downloaded from the browser. They are not certified copies — for certified copies that can be used in legal proceedings, contact the circuit court clerk.
Redactions
Filers are responsible for redacting sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, minor names in family cases) before filing. Missouri Supreme Court Rule 103.08 governs redaction requirements.
What Does Your Missouri CaseNet Docket Code Mean?
Missouri CaseNet uses standardized abbreviation codes — defined nowhere in the CaseNet interface — to record every case event. Enter any code from your case’s docket entries below to see its full definition, what it means for your case, and what action (if any) it requires from you.
🔍 Missouri Docket Code Lookup
Enter a code exactly as it appears in CaseNet (example: JE, WARI, CONT, SIS, NOLLE).
Try:
What Are the Most Common Missouri CaseNet Docket Codes?
The 15 most common Missouri CaseNet docket codes across all case types are: JE (Judgment Entered), OG (Order Granted), OD (Order Denied), MOFL (Motion Filed), HRGSCH (Hearing Scheduled), CONT (Continuance — hearing rescheduled), DISMD (Dismissed), NOTAPL (Notice of Appeal Filed), SATJ (Satisfaction of Judgment), DIS W/P (Dismissed With Prejudice), DIS W/O P (Dismissed Without Prejudice), SERV (Service Completed), SUMI (Summons Issued), ANSW (Answer Filed), and FTA (Failure to Appear).
| Code | Full Name | What It Means | Practical Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| JE | Judgment Entered | The court entered a final written judgment in the case — the ruling is now official and enforceable | Civil: creditor may begin collection (garnishment, liens). Criminal: sentence begins. Appeal window opens (30 days under RSMo §512.020). |
| OG | Order Granted | The court granted a filed motion — the requesting party’s position was accepted by the judge | Review the linked document to see what was ordered. The case proceeds under the terms of the granted order. |
| OD | Order Denied | The court denied a filed motion — the requesting party’s position was rejected | The case continues as-is. The denying party may file a renewed motion or appeal the denial depending on the motion type. |
| MOFL | Motion Filed | A party filed a written motion asking the court to take a specific action | A ruling (OG or OD) typically follows. Watch for a HRGSCH entry scheduling a motion hearing if oral argument is required. |
| HRGSCH | Hearing Scheduled | A future court hearing was added to the court’s calendar for this case | Note the date, time, courtroom, and hearing type in the description. Confirm the day before — CONT (continuance) may follow. |
| CONT | Continuance | A scheduled hearing was rescheduled (postponed) to a future date | Look for a follow-up HRGSCH entry showing the new hearing date. Continuances are extremely common and do not indicate any substantive case development. |
| DISMD | Dismissed | The case was dismissed by the court — proceedings ended without a trial or full judgment | Check whether DIS W/P (with prejudice) or DIS W/O P (without prejudice) — the distinction determines whether the case can be refiled. |
| DIS W/P | Dismissed With Prejudice | The case was dismissed permanently — the plaintiff/prosecutor cannot refile the same claims | Final resolution favorable to the defendant/respondent. The record remains visible in CaseNet. Expungement may be available for qualifying criminal dismissals. |
| DIS W/O P | Dismissed Without Prejudice | The case was dismissed but may be refiled — the dismissal is not permanent | The plaintiff/prosecutor retains the right to refile within applicable statutes of limitations. Watch for a new case number in the same court. |
| NOTAPL | Notice of Appeal Filed | A party filed formal notice of their intent to appeal the judgment or order to a higher court | The case moves to the Missouri Court of Appeals (Eastern, Western, or Southern District) or Missouri Supreme Court. A new appellate case number will be assigned. |
| SATJ | Satisfaction of Judgment | A civil judgment was paid in full and the creditor filed formal notice of satisfaction with the court | Under RSMo §511.640, creditors must file satisfaction within 10 days of payment. A satisfied judgment cannot be enforced but remains visible in CaseNet. |
| SERV | Service of Process Completed | The defendant/respondent was formally served with the lawsuit or summons as required by Missouri Supreme Court Rule 54 | Service starts the clock on the defendant’s response deadline. For civil cases, a defendant typically has 30 days to file an Answer after service. |
| SUMI | Summons Issued | The court clerk issued a formal summons ordering the defendant to appear or respond to the lawsuit | Precedes SERV. If SUMI appears but SERV does not follow, the defendant may not have been served — the case may stall until service is achieved. |
| FTA | Failure to Appear | A party (usually the defendant) failed to appear at a scheduled court date as required | In criminal cases, an FTA almost always results in WARI (Warrant Issued) within 24–48 hours. In civil cases, a default judgment (JE) against the absent party typically follows. |
| ANSW | Answer Filed | The defendant filed a formal written Answer to the plaintiff’s Complaint, either admitting or denying the allegations | The Answer starts the active litigation phase. After ANSW, expect entries for MOFL (motions), discovery, and eventually a trial setting or settlement. |
What Are Missouri CaseNet Criminal Case Docket Codes?
Missouri CaseNet criminal case docket codes record the progression from charges to disposition: WARI (Warrant Issued), WARS (Warrant Served), ARNG (Arraignment), BOND (Bond Set), PREH (Preliminary Hearing), PLGU (Guilty Plea), PLAL (Alford Plea), NOGU (Not Guilty Plea), SNTN (Sentence), SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence), SES (Suspended Execution of Sentence), NOLLE (Nolle Prosequi — charges dropped), PRBT (Probation), REVK (Revocation), and EXPU (Expungement Ordered).
WARI
Warrant Issued
The judge signed a warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest the person. Appears after FTA (failure to appear) or at case initiation for arrest-first criminal cases.
What it means: Active warrant — the person has not yet been taken into custody
WARS
Warrant Served
The arrest warrant was executed — the person was taken into custody by law enforcement. The case moves to arraignment phase.
What it means: Person is in custody or was arrested on this warrant
ARNG
Arraignment
The defendant’s first court appearance — charges are formally read, and an initial plea (Guilty, Not Guilty, or Alford) is entered. Bond conditions are set or reviewed.
What it means: Case has formally begun — defendant appeared before a judge
BOND
Bond Set
The court set a bail amount or released the defendant on recognizance (OR — no cash bond required). The description notes the dollar amount and any conditions.
What it means: Defendant’s release terms are established pending trial
PREH
Preliminary Hearing
A felony-only proceeding where the prosecution must show probable cause. If the court finds probable cause, the case proceeds to trial. The defendant may waive this right.
What it means: Felony case survived or waived probable cause review
PLGU
Guilty Plea
The defendant entered a formal guilty plea — either negotiated (plea agreement with the prosecutor) or open (no agreement). Sentencing hearing is typically scheduled next.
What it means: A conviction will be entered unless the plea is later withdrawn
PLAL
Alford Plea
The defendant maintains factual innocence but acknowledges the prosecution has sufficient evidence to convict. Treated legally identically to a guilty plea under North Carolina v. Alford (1970).
What it means: Conviction entered — functionally equivalent to PLGU for sentencing purposes
NOGU
Not Guilty Plea
The defendant entered a not guilty plea — the standard plea at arraignment that preserves all rights. Does not indicate actual innocence — it means the case will proceed to trial unless resolved otherwise.
What it means: Case proceeds toward trial or plea negotiations
SNTN
Sentence
The judge imposed the formal sentence after a guilty verdict or guilty plea. The description includes sentence length, fine amount, probation term, and any SIS/SES designation.
What it means: Criminal punishment officially imposed — sentence begins on this date
SIS
Suspended Imposition of Sentence
The judge accepted a guilty plea but suspended imposition of the sentence — no sentence is formally entered while the defendant completes probation. If probation succeeds, the conviction may not appear on a criminal record. Governed by RSMo §557.011.
What it means: No conviction on record yet — depends entirely on probation success
SES
Suspended Execution of Sentence
A sentence was imposed but its execution is suspended — the defendant serves probation instead of imprisonment. Unlike SIS, SES creates a conviction on the record. If probation is revoked, the original sentence is executed.
What it means: A conviction exists but imprisonment is deferred pending probation
NOLLE
Nolle Prosequi
The prosecutor formally declined to proceed with the charges — all counts are dismissed. Often abbreviated “Nolle” in docket descriptions. The record remains visible in CaseNet but the charges are dropped.
What it means: Prosecutor abandoned the case — no conviction was or will be entered
PRBT
Probation
Probation was granted as part of the sentence. The defendant must comply with conditions (reporting, drug testing, no new offenses) for the probation term. Duration appears in the description.
What it means: Person is under court supervision — probation conditions apply
REVK
Probation Revoked
The court revoked probation after finding a violation. For SES cases, revocation triggers the originally-suspended sentence. For SIS cases, revocation triggers imposition and then execution of a new sentence.
What it means: Original suspended sentence is now activated — prison or jail likely follows
EXPU
Expungement Ordered
The court granted a petition for expungement under RSMo §610.140 — the record is ordered removed from public CaseNet access. After processing, the case typically disappears from public CaseNet searches within 30 days.
What it means: Record will be removed from public view — case will no longer appear in CaseNet searchesWhat Are Missouri CaseNet Civil Case Docket Codes?
Missouri CaseNet civil case docket codes track the litigation lifecycle from filing to enforcement: COMP (Complaint Filed), SUMI (Summons Issued), SERV (Service Completed), ANSW (Answer Filed), DISC (Discovery), DEPO (Deposition), JE (Judgment Entered), DEFAULT (Default Judgment), GARN (Garnishment), EXEC (Execution), and SATJ (Satisfaction of Judgment Filed). Civil cases use the same motion codes (MOFL, OG, OD) as criminal cases.
| Code | Name | Stage | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP | Complaint Filed | Initiation | The plaintiff filed the initial lawsuit. The filing date triggers the case number assignment and starts the service-of-process clock. |
| SUMI | Summons Issued | Initiation | The clerk issued the formal summons requiring the defendant to respond. Must be served with a copy of the Complaint. |
| SERV | Service Completed | Service | Process server or sheriff’s deputy formally served the defendant. Defendant’s 30-day answer deadline begins on this date (Mo. Sup. Ct. Rule 55.25). |
| ANSW | Answer Filed | Pleadings | The defendant responded to the Complaint — admitting, denying, or claiming lack of knowledge on each allegation. Active litigation begins. |
| DEFAULT | Default Entered | Default | Defendant failed to file an Answer within the deadline. The court clerk enters a default — a prerequisite to seeking a Default Judgment (JE). |
| DISC | Discovery | Pre-Trial | Parties are exchanging documents, interrogatories, and requests for admission. A generic entry; specific discovery tools (depositions, subpoenas) have separate codes. |
| DEPO | Deposition | Pre-Trial | A party or witness’s deposition was taken (sworn testimony before trial). Deposition transcripts are not typically filed in the court record — they are held by attorneys. |
| SETTLE | Settlement Reported | Resolution | The parties notified the court they reached a private settlement. A dismissal (DISMD) or Consent Judgment (JE) typically follows. |
| GARN | Garnishment | Enforcement | After a money judgment (JE), the judgment creditor is garnishing the debtor’s wages or bank account to collect the amount owed. Appears in Missouri as a separate sub-case or within the original case docket. |
| EXEC | Execution Issued | Enforcement | The court authorized a writ of execution — allowing a sheriff to seize and sell the debtor’s non-exempt property to satisfy the judgment. Governed by RSMo Chapter 513. |
| SATJ | Satisfaction of Judgment | Closure | The judgment was paid in full. The creditor is required by RSMo §511.640 to file this within 10 days of receiving full payment. A satisfied judgment cannot be enforced but remains visible in CaseNet. |
How Do You Read a Missouri Court Case Docket from Start to Finish?
To read a Missouri CaseNet docket chronologically: open the case, click Docket Entries, change sort order from descending to ascending (oldest first), then read each entry in sequence to understand the case narrative. The first entries show how the case was filed and initiated. Middle entries show motions and hearings. Later entries show how the case was resolved.
- Open the case in CaseNetSearch by litigant name, case number, or filing date on courts.mo.gov/casenet and click the case number to open the case record.
- Click the Docket Entries tabThe Docket Entries tab is the second tab in the case record, immediately after Case Header. Click it to see the complete activity log for this case.
- Switch to ascending order (oldest first)CaseNet defaults to newest-first. Click the sort toggle to change to ascending chronological order so you read the case narrative from beginning to resolution — much easier to understand than reading backward.
- Identify the first entry — case initiationThe oldest entry shows how the case began: COMP (civil complaint), INFO or INDT (criminal charges filed), or a traffic/infraction citation. Note the filing date, case type code, and court.
- Look for service entries (SUMI, SERV)Civil cases: look for SUMI followed by SERV to confirm the defendant was properly served. If SUMI exists but SERV is absent, the defendant may never have been served and the case may be inactive.
- Track the motion activity (MOFL, OG, OD)Multiple MOFL entries followed by OG or OD entries show pre-trial motion practice. This phase can last months in complex cases. Look for CONT entries showing rescheduled hearings during this period.
- Find the resolution entryThe most important entry: JE (Judgment Entered), DISMD (Dismissed), NOLLE (charges dropped), PLGU/PLAL (guilty plea), or a verdict after trial. This tells you the final outcome.
- Check for post-judgment entriesAfter JE, look for GARN, EXEC (civil enforcement), PRBT, REVK (criminal supervision), SATJ (judgment paid), or NOTAPL (appeal filed). These show what happened after the initial resolution.
💡 Can’t find a code you see in CaseNet? Missouri courts occasionally use court-specific or case-specific memo text in the description field that is not a standardized code. If a code in your case doesn’t appear in this guide, check the full description text — the memo often explains what occurred in plain language even when the code is unclear.
What Does a Real Missouri CaseNet Docket Sequence Look Like?
A typical Missouri criminal misdemeanor case progresses through 6–10 docket entries over 3–6 months: INFO (charges filed) → ARNG (arraignment + plea) → HRGSCH (pretrial hearing scheduled) → CONT (hearing rescheduled) → MOFL (pre-trial motion) → OG or OD (motion ruling) → PLGU (guilty plea entered) → SNTN (sentence imposed). Each entry confirms one specific court event occurred.
| Case Type | Typical Docket Sequence (chronological) |
|---|---|
| Criminal Misdemeanor (CM) | INFO → ARNG → BOND → HRGSCH → CONT → MOFL → OD → PLGU → SNTN (SIS + 1yr probation) |
| Criminal Felony (CR) | WARI → WARS → ARNG → BOND → PREH → HRGSCH × 3 → CONT × 2 → PLGU → HRGSCH (sentencing) → SNTN → PRBT |
| Civil (CC) — Debt Collection | COMP → SUMI → SERV → ANSW → MOFL → OG (summary judgment) → JE → GARN |
| Civil (CC) — No Defense | COMP → SUMI → SERV → [no ANSW] → DEFAULT → JE (default judgment) → EXEC |
| Traffic (TR) | CITA (citation issued) → HRGSCH → [pleads guilty] → JE (fine amount) → [payment received] → DISMD |
| Domestic/Divorce (DP) | COMP → SUMI → SERV → ANSW → MOFL × multiple → SETTLE → JE (dissolution decree) |
| Probate (P) | PETN (petition filed) → HRGSCH (hearing scheduled) → OG (letters testamentary issued) → [estate administered] → DISMD (estate closed) |
⚠️ Dismissal ≠ expungement: A DISMD or NOLLE entry means the case was dismissed or charges were dropped — but the case record remains visible in CaseNet. Dismissal does not remove the record from public view. Only a court-ordered expungement (EXPU docket entry) under RSMo §610.140 removes the record. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney for expungement eligibility.
How Do You Access Court Documents Linked in Docket Entries?
Missouri court documents filed on or after July 1, 2023, are directly viewable as PDFs from docket entries — click the blue hyperlink or PDF icon next to any docket entry that has an attached document. Documents filed before July 1, 2023, require a visit to a public access terminal at the courthouse in the county where the case was filed. No login is required to view publicly accessible documents.
| Document Type | How to Access | Available Online? |
|---|---|---|
| Filed after July 1, 2023 — public case | Click blue link or PDF icon in Docket Entries tab | ✔ Yes — free, no login |
| Filed before July 1, 2023 | Visit courthouse public access terminal in the filing county | ✖ Not online |
| Sealed or confidential documents | Court order required; filed documents may be redacted in online versions | ✖ Restricted |
| Documents in sealed cases | Case does not appear in CaseNet public access at all | ✖ Not accessible |
| Certified copies (for legal use) | Request from circuit court clerk in person or by mail — fee required (typically $1–$2 per page) | Only uncertified PDFs online |
| Appellate court documents | Missouri courts.mo.gov appellate opinions; case records at respective Court of Appeals clerk office | Opinions yes; full records varies by court |
Frequently Asked Questions — Missouri CaseNet Docket Entries
The 10 most common questions about Missouri CaseNet docket entries address why entries sometimes have no code, what the difference is between a dismissed and expunged case, how to confirm a hearing from a docket entry, why documents don’t appear for pre-2023 filings, what SIS means for a criminal record, why docket entries sometimes show errors, and how to get certified copies of documents found in docket entries.
Why do some Missouri CaseNet docket entries have no clickable document link?
A docket entry with no link means one of 4 things: (1) the document was filed before July 1, 2023 — online access requires documents filed after that date; (2) the document is sealed, redacted, or confidential and cannot be publicly accessed; (3) the docket entry records an event (a hearing occurred, a plea was entered) rather than a filed document — events have no PDF; or (4) the clerk has not yet uploaded the document even though it was recently filed. For recently filed documents, wait 24–48 hours and refresh the case record. For pre-2023 documents, visit the courthouse’s public access terminal.
Does “Dismissed” on a Missouri CaseNet docket mean the record is gone?
No. A DISMD (Dismissed) or DIS W/P (Dismissed With Prejudice) docket entry means the court ended the case — but the case record remains fully visible in Missouri CaseNet as a public record. Employers, landlords, and background check services can still see a dismissed case. The only way to remove a dismissed criminal case from public CaseNet view is to successfully petition for expungement under RSMo §610.140. For criminal arrests without charges, a separate petition under RSMo §610.122 (18-month waiting period) is available. Dismissals and acquittals do not trigger automatic record removal in Missouri.
What does “SIS” on a Missouri CaseNet docket entry mean for a criminal record?
SIS stands for Suspended Imposition of Sentence (RSMo §557.011). When a judge enters SIS, the defendant pleaded guilty but no formal sentence was imposed — instead, the defendant was placed on probation. While on SIS probation, no conviction exists on the record. If probation is successfully completed, the case may be eligible for expungement under RSMo §610.140. However, the SIS case record itself remains visible on CaseNet during probation and until expunged. Important: SIS is not an automatic expungement — it only creates eligibility. A separate expungement petition must be filed after probation ends.
What is a “CONT” entry and does it mean my hearing was cancelled?
CONT = Continuance. A continuance means a previously scheduled hearing was rescheduled (postponed) to a future date. It is not cancelled — it will happen on a new date. After a CONT entry, look for a follow-up HRGSCH (Hearing Scheduled) entry showing the new hearing date. Continuances are extremely common in Missouri courts, often occurring 2–5 times before a hearing actually proceeds. Important: never assume a CONT means you don’t need to appear at a future date. Always check for the new HRGSCH entry and confirm the date with your attorney or the circuit clerk’s office.
How do I know if a docket entry means a warrant is currently active?
A WARI (Warrant Issued) entry that is not followed by a corresponding WARS (Warrant Served) entry typically indicates the warrant is still outstanding — the person has not yet been arrested on it. However, CaseNet docket entries may lag real-time warrant status by 24–72 hours. For a definitive answer on whether an arrest warrant is currently active in Missouri, contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the warrant was issued, or check with local law enforcement. Some Missouri counties also publish active warrant lists separately from CaseNet. A BENCH warrant (bench warrant for failure to appear in court) is issued under WARI as well — look for FTA (Failure to Appear) in the entries preceding the WARI to distinguish bench warrants from arrest warrants in new criminal cases.
What is the difference between “Nolle Prosequi” (NOLLE) and “Dismissed” (DISMD)?
Nolle Prosequi (NOLLE) is specific to criminal cases — it means the prosecuting attorney unilaterally declined to proceed with the charges and filed a formal notice of that decision. The case is dismissed as a result. DISMD (Dismissed) is a broader term that covers court-initiated dismissals (for procedural defects, failure to prosecute, or legal insufficiency), party-agreed dismissals, and dismissals following a settlement in civil cases. In practical terms, both result in the case being closed without a trial or conviction — but neither removes the record from CaseNet. Both can precede an expungement petition if the person is otherwise eligible under RSMo §610.140.
Can I get a certified copy of a court document from CaseNet?
No. Documents viewed and downloaded through CaseNet’s remote public access are NOT certified copies. A certified copy is a court-stamped official document that verifies the document is a true and accurate copy of the court file — CaseNet PDFs do not carry this certification. Certified copies are required for many legal purposes: submitting evidence in another court, proving a judgment for enforcement, recording a lien on property, or using a court order in administrative proceedings. To obtain certified copies, contact the circuit court clerk in the county where the case was filed — in person, by mail, or by calling the clerk’s office. Fees typically range from $1–$3 per page plus a certification fee of $1–$5 depending on the county.
Why does a CaseNet docket entry show a hearing that already happened?
A past hearing may appear in the Docket Entries tab as a HRGSCH entry that was never updated to show the outcome. This happens because HRGSCH records that a hearing was scheduled — a separate OG, OD, JE, or CONT entry records what happened at the hearing. If the clerk entered the hearing result in the description field of the HRGSCH entry rather than creating a separate outcome entry, the hearing result may appear only in the memo text of that original HRGSCH entry. Additionally, docket entries may take 1–3 business days to appear after a hearing occurs. If you attended a hearing and the outcome is not yet in CaseNet, wait 2–3 business days or call the circuit clerk’s office to confirm what was entered.
What does “Judgment Against” mean in a Missouri CaseNet docket entry?
A “Judgment Against” entry identifies who lost the case and is legally obligated under the court’s final ruling. In civil cases: the judgment debtor (the party against whom a money judgment was entered) is listed under “Judgment Against” — this party owes the judgment amount to the creditor. In criminal cases: the defendant receives the criminal sentence and is identified as the judgment party. The “Judgment Against” field is the primary search criterion for the CaseNet Judgment Index search — if you’re checking whether someone has a judgment against them, the Judgment Index searches this specific field across all case records in the database.
How long does it take for new docket entries to appear in Missouri CaseNet after a court event?
Missouri CaseNet updates in real-time after circuit court clerks enter data into the MCAP case management system. In practice, the delay between a court event and its docket entry varies by court: high-volume courts (St. Louis County, Jackson County) often batch-upload entries at the end of each business day, meaning an afternoon hearing may not appear until the following morning. Smaller county courts may enter entries more quickly. For same-day accuracy after an important hearing — a bail decision, motion ruling, or sentencing — do not rely solely on CaseNet. Contact the circuit clerk directly or check with your attorney for immediate confirmation of what was entered on the record.