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RECORD RETENTION Chapter 610, COR 8. Shara Meyer, Columbia Municipal Court. CLOSED RECORDS DEFINED. Records that are closed IMMEDIATELY: Nolle Prosse Not Guilty Dismissed. CLOSED RECORDS DEFINED. Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS)
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RECORD RETENTIONChapter 610, COR 8 Shara Meyer, Columbia Municipal Court
CLOSED RECORDS DEFINED • Records that are closed IMMEDIATELY: • NolleProsse • Not Guilty • Dismissed
CLOSED RECORDS DEFINED • Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS) • If imposition of sentence is suspended, the records are closed when the case is finally terminated (probation successfully completed) RSMo. 610.105 and 610.120
CLERK’S DUTIES/PROCEDURES • Identify confidential records (index cards, case records, docket sheets) • Confidential records should be stored in a way that is inaccessible to the public • If the record contains both open & closed, make the entire record inaccessible • If trial de novos are closed at disposition, treat your copy the same
INSPECTING CLOSED RECORDS • Have a policy in place to deal with these requests • Refer these requests to the judge • Have individuals submit a request in writing using the Application to Inspect Closed Criminal Records Form • Make a docket entry of the request and the judge’s decision
Public records • Each public governmental body must appoint a custodian of record • Each request must be acted upon no later than the third business day following the date of request • If access is denied, the custodian must explain in writing why access was denied as well as provide the statute that authorizes the denial • If part of the record is closed under this statute, the open portion must be made available • The law requires that if the request is made in a particular format, the custodian shall provide the record in that format if possible
CLOSED RECORDS AVAILABLE TO: • Criminal Justice Agencies – for purposes of prosecution and employment • Law Enforcement Agencies – for purposes of issuing or renewal of a license/permits (watchmen, security personnel, private investigators, and persons seeking permits to purchase or possess firearms) • DOR – for driver license administration • Health & Human Services – licensing of individuals working with the elderly, children or disabled • Presidential Executive Order
Purging at Disposition • The following documents can be removed after disposition prior to microfilming or storing: • Briefs • Photo copies of case law • Copies of items received in evidence • Discovery documents • Duplicates • Requests for continuance • Memoranda of law • Miscellaneous correspondence
Purging at Disposition (Continued) • Notice of hearings • Notices of filing of depositions • Payout orders • Subpoenas • Witness & exhibit lists • Pre-sentence investigation reports • Probation progress reports • Probation violation reports
RETENTION OF RECORDS • For records retained for more than 20 years, it is recommended to microfilm in accordance with microfilm guidelines • Records retained in paper format only need to be retained until the retention period is met • Any record not listed in the records retention schedule must be maintained permanently or unless provided for otherwise by the State Judicial Records Committee • Previous provision requiring notice to the Missouri State Archives offering municipal court records is no longer valid
DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS-open • Identify records that are eligible to be destroyed • Separate open records from closed records • Complete GN 14- Order of Destruction of Confidential Records & GN15-Order of Destruction – noting the method of destruction (burning or shredding) • Make and keep copies of the completed form. Submit original to the presiding judge. • Once signed order is returned, destroy!! • Destruction orders are permanent records under the records retention schedule
Retention schedule • Abbreviated version: • 12 Year retention – DUS/DUR, Leave Scene Accident, No Operators License, Proof of Insurance, Assault, Peace Disturbance by Fighting, Property Damage, Resisting Arrest, Tampering • 50 year retention – DWI/BAC & Stealing • 3 year retention – All others not listed above; search warrants
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING! • Please fill out the conference survey: • http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BRD7BMG