Municipal Court FAQs

Where is the Court located?
Buchanan County Courthouse Basement
411 Jules
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Do you have a payment drop box?
No. Individuals may pay in person in the basement of the Buchanan County Courthouse, or mail payments to:
Buchanan County Courthouse
Municipal Court Division
411 Jules St., Box 10
St. Joseph, MO 64501

How can I contact-
City Prosecutor Rebecca Spencer (816) 271-4688 (secretary)
Judge John Boeh (816) 271-4686 (clerk)

What are Court Hours?
Court is in session at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday, Code Violations and Animal Control dockets are heard at 1:00 every other Wednesday. Payments can be made between 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Can I change my Court Date?
Yes, but you will only be allowed one continuance. If you do not contact the Court about a change in court date within 7 days prior to your court date, you will be expected to appear before the Judge.

Do I have to see the Judge?
It depends on the charges filed. If they are related to accident, assaults, operator license suspension, drugs/alcohol or not on the fine schedule, then yes you do. Otherwise, you can plead guilty by signing the back of the ticket and pay the fine.

Do you take debit/credit cards?
Yes, Mastercard, Visa, & Discover.

I've become aware that a warrant has been issued for my arrest. What do I need to do to resolve this?
The City issues arrest warrants for individuals who either fail to appear for a court case or fail to comply with a court order to pay fines due. The warrant will only be removed by an appearance before the Judge or a plea of guilty and payment of fines due. If the case is due to an accident, stealing or an assault, the appearance before the Judge is mandatory.

I will be in today to pay my fines. Will you take the warrant off?
A warrant will only be taken off when at least half of the fines are paid. You must see the Judge during regular court hours for an extension.

How many points will be deducted from my license if I am convicted of a particular offense?
To find out that information, you must contact the Department of Revenue at (816) 232-1211, or search their web site at http://dor.mo.gov/.

Can I talk to the Judge over the phone?
The Judge cannot discuss a pending case. You must see the Judge during regular court session at 8:00am or 9:30 a.m., on a first come, first serve basis.

What does “first come, first serve” mean?
Court is in session at 8:00am (for arraignments) and 9:30am (for trials) Monday through Friday. Cases are heard in the order that individuals check in. Code violations and Animal Control cases are heard at 1:00 pm on Wednesdays.
The Clerk’s window opens at 7:30 am each day for defendant check-in. You must pass through the courtroom and turn left to find the Clerk’s window. Drop-ins after 8:00 am will have to reschedule. Those arriving earlier are inserted with the day's docket.
Visitors paying in person may pay during regular court office hours 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Can I clear someone else’s warrant?
Yes, but you must appear before the Judge during regular court sessions.

Can I satisfy someone else’s traffic accident ticket(s)?
Yes, if the violation listed is not an assault, drug/alcohol related, or a license suspension. The defendant must sign the back of the ticket.

I just got this ticket yesterday, can I pay it now?
No, the ticket must be filed by the City Prosecutor prior to taking payments. It may take up to a week for the filing and processing of your citation. We do not accept payment prior to the filing of the case.

Can I change my trial date?
No, you must appear before Judge and request an extension.

When I was arrested, I was required to post a cash bond. How do I get my bond money back?
You must appear in person at Municipal Court with a picture ID to request a return of bond money. When a ruling is made on the outstanding balance due, a Consent to Forfeit bond money is filled out. A check is usually given to the defendant at that time of appearance.

City contact phone numbers:

Court Staff	271-4686
Warrants	271-4889
Booking Desk	271-4775
Mayor	271-4640
Parking Tickets – City Hall	271-4751
Police Chief	271-4701
Police Records	271-4705

There are also Circuit Court Divisions, other State and County offices and a Buchanan County Prosecutor in which you may be trying to reach.

Child Support	271-1466
Circuit Court - Division 1	271-1447
Circuit Court - Division 2	271-1441
Circuit Court - Division 3	241-1444
Circuit Court - Division 4	271-1477
Circuit Court - Division 5	271-1454
Circuit Court – Division 6	271-1448
Circuit Court – Traffic	271-1450
County Clerk -Voter Registration	271-1412
County Prosecutor	271-1480
Divorce	271-1456
Driving Record	387-2225
Ex parte	271-1456
Jury Duty	271-1445
Juvenile Hall	271-1421
Small Claims Court	271-1456
Legal Aid	364-2325
Recorder of Deeds -Marriage License	271-1437
Probation & Parole	387-2233
Public Administrator	271-1442
Public Defender - State	387-2026