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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
When the Police Department indicates that it will be referring the case to the City Prosecutor, what steps do I need to take to follow up on the problem and the possibility of charges being filed?
The Police Department will send its written report (or information card) to the City Prosecutor's Office for review. However, just because the Police Department advises that the information is being forwarded to the City Prosecutor's Office does not mean that the City Prosecutor will automatically file charges. The City Prosecutor may decline prosecution based upon the information in the report due to the fact that the ultimate discretion on whether or not to file a charge rests with the City Prosecutor. This is because cases filed in Municipal Court are brought by the City of St. Joseph, not by the victim/citizen. (Many victims believe that when charges are filed, it is their own personal case against the defendant. This is not the case.) If you wish to follow up on the possibility of charges being filed, you will need to make an appointment with the City Prosecutor.

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1. Does the city attorney's office provide legal advice to citizens?
2. What does the City Prosecutor do?
3. Will it cost me extra to talk to the City Prosecutor?
4. When the Police Department indicates that it will be referring the case to the City Prosecutor, what steps do I need to take to follow up on the problem and the possibility of charges being filed?
5. What if I hire an attorney to represent me?
6. Who can I talk to about a ticket?
7. Why can't I talk to the City Prosecutor about my ticket over the phone?