If a case has been filed with a court, you may be able to view public case information through Missouri Case.net. Case.net may include information about Belton Municipal Court cases, Cass County Circuit Court cases, state criminal charges and Orders of Protection.
Information available through Case.net may include court dates, charges filed, case numbers, attorneys, court orders, case status, docket entries and other public court information.
Case.net only displays information after a case has been filed with a court. It does not show the status of a police investigation, and court information may not appear immediately after a case is filed.
If you cannot find a case on Case.net, that does not necessarily mean no action is being taken. The case may still be under investigation, under review by a prosecuting attorney or not yet entered into the court system.
Understanding the Process
Law enforcement investigates incidents and submits cases for review.
The prosecuting attorney reviews the case and determines whether charges will be filed and what charges are appropriate.
The court handles hearings, pleas, trials, sentencing and other court proceedings.
Belton Municipal Court
Belton Municipal Court handles cases filed under Belton ordinances.
Cass County Circuit Court
State criminal charges are generally filed through the Cass County Circuit Court.
Court procedures and victim notification may be different from Belton Municipal Court. If your case has been filed in Cass County Circuit Court, the Victim Services Unit can help you understand what court you need to attend, what the next court date means and which office is handling the case.
Arraignment
This is a court appearance where the defendant is advised of the charge. The defendant may please guilty, not guilty, or request additional time before entering a plea.
Victims are not required to attend arraignment. If the defendant pleads guilty while you are present, you may be asked questions about the case or how the incident affected you.
Trial Court
If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case may be scheduled for trail.
At trail, the prosecutor must present evidence to prove the case. Police officers, victims and other witnesses may be called to testify. The defendant has the right to questions witnesses and present their side of the case.
If you receive a subpoena, you are required to appear in court as directed. Even if you are not subpoenaed, you may choose to attend.
Victim Advocate Support at Belton Municipal Court
A Victim Advocate from the Belton Police Department Victim Services Unit is available at Belton Municipal Court dates.
The advocate can:
- Sit with you for support
- Answer questions about the court process
- Explain what to expect next
- Help you understand available resources and services
Victim Advocates are generally located near the court check-in area. If you cannot locate an advocate, ask court staff for assistance.
Victim Impact Statements
A victim impact statement gives you an opportunity to explain how the crime affected you and what outcome you would like the prosecutor or court to consider.
The Victim Services Unit can provide a statement form and answer questions about completing it.