Camden County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Camden County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Camden County.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The term “Burden of Proof” means that the prosecutor is required to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot provide proof of the defendants guilt, then the judge or jury in a trial must find the defendant not guilty. In the United States the principle innocent until proven guilty derives from this that the defendant is assumed innocent and the prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
Camden County Criminal Court
Camden County Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Camden County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
Arraignments in Camden County
During an arraignment in Camden County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Camden County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Camden County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
I need help for my Camden County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Camden County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Camden County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Who is the prosecutor for Camden County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Camden County criminal cases will either be a representative of Camden County or a representative from Missouri. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
Plea Agreements
A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In Camden County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Camden County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Required Court Appearances in Camden County
Any required court appearances in Camden County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Camden County Criminal Court Locations
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Camden County Circuit Court
Address: Phone: 573-346-4440, Ext. 3130 Fax: 573-346-5422
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Camdenton Municipal Court
Address: 437 West US Highway 54, Camdenton, MO 65020
Phone: 573-346-3600 Fax: 573-346-2926 -
Linn Creek Municipal Court
Address: 102 East Valley Drive, PO Box 1177, Linn Creek, MO 65052
Phone: 573-346-6200 Fax: 573-346-5867 -
Osage Beach Municipal Court
Address: 1000 City Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065
Phone: 573-302-2000 Fax: 573-302-2041 -
Sunrise Beach Municipal Court
Address: 32 Sunset Hill Drive, PO Box 348, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
Phone: 573-374-8782 Fax: 573-374-6456 -
Village of Four Seasons Municipal Court
Address: 133 Cherokee Road, Four Seasons, MO 65049
Phone: 573-365-3833 Fax: 573-365-5292