Greene County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Greene County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Greene County.
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.
Who is the prosecutor for Greene County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Greene County criminal cases will either be a representative of Greene 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.
Greene County Criminal Court
Jury Deliberations in Greene County
In Greene County, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Greene County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Greene County will take place at the Greene County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Greene County Criminal Court Locations.
Appealing a Criminal Conviciton
A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.
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.
Arraignments in Greene County
During an arraignment in Greene 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 Greene 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 Greene County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Greene County Required Court Appearances
In Greene County, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Sentencing in Greene County
In Greene County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
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.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Greene County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Where can I get help for my Greene County criminal case?
The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Greene County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.
Greene County Criminal Court Locations
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Greene County Circuit Court
Address: 1010 North Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-868-4074 Fax: 417-868-4050 -
Ash Grove Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 235, Ash Grove, MO 65604
Phone: 417-751-2333 -
Battlefield Municipal Court
Address: 5434 South Tower Drive, Battlefield, MO 65619
Phone: 417-447-0085 Fax: 417-447-0087 -
Fair Grove Municipal Court
Address: 81 South Orchard, PO Box 107, Fair Grove, MO 65648
Phone: 417-759-2353 Fax: 417-759-6480 -
Republic Municipal Court
Address: 540 Civic Blvd, Republic, MO 65738
Phone: 417-732-3880 Fax: 417-732-3889 -
Rogersville Municipal Court
Address: Phone: 417-753-2884, Ext. 321 Fax: 417-753-2871
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Springfield Municipal Court
Address: 625 North Benton, Springfield, MO 65806
Phone: 417-864-1890 -
Strafford Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 66, Strafford, MO 65757
Phone: 417-736-2174 Fax: 417-736-2190 -
Walnut Grove Municipal Court
Address: 101 South Washington, Walnut Grove, MO 65770
Phone: 417-788-2596 Fax: 417-788-2673 -
Willard Municipal Court
Address: 224 West Jackson Street, PO Box 187, Willard, MO 65781
Phone: 417-742-3033 Fax: 417-742-3080