What happens at a plea hearing in Missouri?

This is the first formal presentation of charges to the defendant, who must enter a plea. The defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, and if the defendant refuses to enter a plea, the judge will enter a plea of not guilty on their behalf.

What happens at a preliminary hearing in Missouri?

Preliminary Hearing. When the State proceeds under a felony complaint, the associate circuit judge hears evidence against the defendant in order to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges.

Who is the presiding judge in Missouri Court of Appeals?

Presiding judges are exercising their assignment authority throughout the State of Missouri. Many cases, which formerly were within the exclusive jurisdiction of the circuit judges, are increasingly being handled by associate circuit judges upon assignment by the presiding judge.

What kind of courts are there in Missouri?

Court Organization. The Missouri Judiciary consists of three levels of courts: The trial courts (also known as the circuit courts), an intermediate appellate court (the Missouri Court of Appeals) that is divided into three regional districts, and the Supreme Court of Missouri . The circuit courts are the primary trial courts in Missouri…

What happens during the pre-trial period in Missouri?

During the pre-trial period both parties will submit pleadings and motions to the court. There will also be the gathering of evidence, including the discovery process. Missouri is unique in that it permits both parties to obtain orders requiring opposing witnesses to submit to depositions.

How does the court system work in Missouri?

It helps to understand how the Missouri state court system works when you’re trying to find court records. The Missouri trial court system consists of Circuit Court, Municipal Courts, and Administrative Hearing Commission. Circuit Courts are the primary trial courts in Missouri and have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases.

Preliminary Hearing. When the State proceeds under a felony complaint, the associate circuit judge hears evidence against the defendant in order to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges.

Which is the primary trial court in Missouri?

Circuit Courts are the primary trial courts in Missouri and have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases.

Who are the Circuit Court judges in Missouri?

The new judicial article mandates there be at least one resident associate circuit judge in each county and that the number of associate circuit judges be authorized according to the county populations. The third type of judge in Missouri’s circuit court system is the municipal judge.