Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court

Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Ste. Genevieve County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Ste. Genevieve County.

Appealing a guilty verdict

A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.

Sentencing in Ste. Genevieve County

In Ste. Genevieve 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.

Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court

Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court

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 Ste. Genevieve County?

Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Ste. Genevieve County criminal cases will either be a representative of Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve 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.

Jury Deliberation

In a jury trial in Ste. Genevieve 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.

Right to Jury Trial

For “Serious Crimes”, those that can have a potential penalty of 6 months in jail OR a minimum $500 penalty, the US Constitution guarantees a right to trial by jury. This is guaranteed by Article III of the Constitution and the 6th Amendment. The accused has the ability to waive their right to trial by jury.

Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court locations

Criminal proceedings take place in the Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.

Required Court Appearances in Ste. Genevieve County

Any required court appearances in Ste. Genevieve 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.

What happens in Ste. Genevieve County at an arraignment?

In Ste. Genevieve County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.

Who can help me in Ste. Genevieve County?

For general information about your case the Ste. Genevieve County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.

Right to an attorney

The US Constitution’s Sixth Amendment ensures the right to an attorney regardless of whether or not you can afford one. In Ste. Genevieve County a public defender will be appointed by the judge if you cannot afford private representation.

Ste. Genevieve County Criminal Court Locations

  • Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Court

    Address: 55 South 3rd Streeet, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
    Phone: 573-883-2705 Fax: 573-883-9351

  • St. Mary Municipal Court

    Address: PO Box 107, St. Mary, MO 63673
    Phone: 573-543-2279 Fax: 573-543-5203

  • Ste. Genevieve Municipal Court

    Address: 165 South 4th Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
    Phone: 573-883-5400 Fax: 573-883-8105

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