
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 |