When You Are Charged (Court is Mandatory for ALL offenses)

A person alleged to have committed a violation of City ordinance receives a citation or complaint which is filed with the Court by either an authorized law enforcement officer or the City Prosecutor.
 
 Persons charged are typically referred to by the Court as the “accused” or the “defendant”. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by the Prosecution.
 
 Generally, defendants must answer to the charges filed by Appearing in court in person and/or by way of an attorney appearing on their behalf, on the designated court date that is noted on their copy of the citation. 

Failure to appear by the designated court date may result in an order from the Court seeking the defendant’s arrest on a warrant. It may also result in the suspension of driving privileges for the accused with the State of Missouri and/or their home state if not a resident of Missouri.
 
 Defendants who have warrants for failure to appear in Court have the right to post bond or bail to seek recall of the warrant and receive a new court date.

Sentences May Be Satisfied By

• Paying the fine in full
• Performing community service at minimum wage