13th Judicial Circuit of MissouriMunicipal Courts

Municipal Courts have jurisdiction to hear cases involving city ordinance violations (city tickets).

Please see below for more information on individual courts.

A Municipal Judge may designate certain violations to be paid without the need of a court appearance, and to set the fines and costs for each violation (Supreme Court Rule 37.49). To pay a ticket without going to court, a party must plead guilty to the violation. These violations are listed in the Violation Bureau Schedule for each municipality. Each municipality provides online payment options, or accepts payment by mail.

If an individual decides to plead “not guilty,” they must appear before the judge on their assigned court date. Law enforcement officers provide written instructions, including a court date, on any citation issued. The judge may order a warrant if an individual does not pre-pay for a ticket and fails to appear at court.

Some offenses require appearance at court. Offenses which CANNOT be paid prior to a court appearance include:

• Any violation resulting in personal injury or property damage;
• Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of intoxicants or drugs;
• Operating a vehicle with a counterfeited, altered, suspended, or revoked driver’s license;
• Fleeing or attempting to elude an officer; and
• Any other violation excluded by law.

That means whether a person is going to plead “guilty” or “not guilty,” they have to appear in court on the pre-set date.

The Supreme Court of Missouri adopted the “Notice of Rights for Defendant Appearing in Municipal Divisions” effective July 1, 2017. Please CLICK THIS LINK.