Find Monroe County Bench Warrants
Monroe County bench warrants are issued by judges in the 10th Judicial Circuit when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or does not comply with a court order. The county seat is Paris, and Sheriff Joe Colston leads law enforcement for the area. Monroe County covers 670 square miles with a population of about 8,700 people. You can search for active bench warrants by calling the sheriff, checking the sheriff's website, or using Missouri Case.net. This page explains the options for finding and resolving bench warrants in Monroe County.
Monroe County Quick Facts
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Joe Colston runs the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 300 N. Main St. in Paris. You can call 660-327-4060 to ask about active bench warrants. Fax requests go to 660-327-5188. The office has two email addresses: sheriffsoffice@monroecountymo.gov and monroecountyso@gmail.com. When you call, provide your full name and date of birth so staff can check the system for any active warrants.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office website includes information about services, a Plead and Pay online ticket payment system, and FAQ answers about filing complaints and bond procedures. The screenshot below shows the sheriff's website.
The site covers jail visitation hours, bond information, and contact details for the department.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff's FAQ page, jail visitation is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If someone is arrested on a bench warrant, there is a 24-hour hold limit without a new warrant. Cash bonds require the full amount to be posted and are returned minus fees after the case resolves. Surety bonds are posted through a bonding agent for a fee that is not returned.
| Office | Monroe County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Sheriff | Joe Colston |
| Address | 300 N. Main St. Paris, MO 65275 |
| Phone | 660-327-4060 |
| Fax | 660-327-5188 |
| sheriffsoffice@monroecountymo.gov |
Monroe County Circuit Court
The Monroe County Circuit Court operates in the 10th Judicial Circuit alongside Marion and Ralls counties. The courthouse is at 300 N. Main St. in Paris. You can reach the circuit clerk at (877) 433-3061 ext. 425. Fax goes to 660-327-1019. Bench warrants in Monroe County are filed with the circuit clerk's office and can be looked up by visiting the courthouse or calling the clerk.
The prosecuting attorney's office is in the same building at 300 N. Main St. #303, Paris. The phone number is 877-433-3061 x430. Victim services are available through the same extension. The Missouri DPS page for Monroe County lists regional support services, including Safe Passage Domestic Violence at 800-616-3754 and AVENUES services at 800-678-7713.
For online searches, Missouri Case.net covers all 10th Circuit cases including Monroe County. Search by name and review the docket entries for bench warrant information.
How to Check Monroe County Bench Warrants
Call the sheriff at 660-327-4060 for the quickest check on bench warrants in Monroe County. Give your name and date of birth. Staff will let you know if anything comes up. You can also call the circuit clerk at (877) 433-3061 ext. 425 for court record inquiries. Both offices are at 300 N. Main St. in Paris.
Online, Case.net is free and covers all Monroe County court cases. Visitation at the county jail is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For statewide background checks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol MACHS system costs $15 per name search.
Note: Monroe City is the largest city in Monroe County, but the county seat and all court operations are based in Paris.
Resolving Monroe County Bench Warrants
Get a lawyer before dealing with a bench warrant in Monroe County. An attorney can contact the 10th Circuit Court and work on getting your hearing rescheduled. This approach often avoids jail time. If you cannot afford a private attorney, the Missouri Public Defender may be available. Victim services through the prosecuting attorney at 877-433-3061 ext. 430 can help if you are involved as a victim.
Turning yourself in at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Paris is another option. Bring a valid ID. You will be processed and see a judge within 24 hours. The judge sets bail or releases you on your own recognizance. Under RSMo 544.665, bench warrants do not expire in Missouri. They are enforceable statewide. Taking care of a bench warrant voluntarily always looks better to the court than waiting to be picked up. The Monroe County Sheriff's FAQ page notes that the jail has a 24-hour hold policy, meaning the court must act on your case within that window.
Monroe County Court Fees
Checking for bench warrants by phone through the Monroe County Sheriff or circuit clerk is free. Case.net searches are also free. When a bench warrant is resolved, the court may add failure to appear fees on top of any existing fines. The exact amount depends on the nature of the case and the judge's decision. Certified copies of court documents from the circuit clerk usually cost a few dollars per page in Monroe County.
For statewide criminal background checks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol MACHS system charges $15 for a name search and $31.50 for fingerprint-based results. These fees are consistent across all Missouri counties. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office follows Missouri Sunshine Law rules for public records requests, which allow for reasonable copying fees.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Monroe County in northeast Missouri. Each has its own circuit court and bench warrant records.