I have heard that Missouri courthouses are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Is that true?
Generally, that is correct. The Missouri Supreme Court has suspended all in-person proceedings in all appellate and circuit courts – including all associate, family, juvenile, municipal, and probate divisions – as well as grand jury proceedings. All other proceedings such as those proceedings that do not require in-person appearances of parties or counsel, are not suspended and may continue or be suspended at the discretion of the judge in the matter as circumstances allow.
However, there are important exceptions to this order.
What types of cases are still being heard by the courts?
According to the Missouri Supreme Court Order entered on March 22, 2020, the following cases shall be heard by Missouri courts:
•Proceedings necessary to protect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy trial, and the rights afforded under section 544.676.3;
•Proceedings pursuant to chapters 210 and 211 pertaining to juvenile delinquency and abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights;
•Proceedings pursuant to chapter 453 pertaining to adoption;
•Proceedings in which civil or criminal jury trials are already in progress as of March 16, 2020;
•Proceedings pursuant to chapter 455 pertaining to orders of protection;
•Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders;
•Proceedings related to petitions for temporary restraining orders or other forms of temporary injunctive relief;
•Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders;
•Proceedings pursuant to Chapter 475 for emergency guardianship or conservatorship;
•Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency;
•Oral arguments regarding time-sensitive matters; and
•Other exceptions approved by the Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court.
What can I do if I have a warrant?
If you have a warrant, we are still able to communicate with our judges to request that your warrant be withdrawn. This is especially important at this time so that, once your warrant is withdrawn, you will not be arrested and placed in jail where the chance for exposure to COVID-19 may dramatically increase.
What if I have a loved one in jail? What can you do to get them out?
Judges consider our requests for release on a case-by-case basis depending upon a number of factors associated with each particular case. However, we are still able to bring each case before the Court and argue for our client’s immediate release from jail whenever it is appropriate in order to protect the constitutional rights of criminal defendants.
Is your office still open for business?
Yes! We are still open for business with our normal schedule as we have been defined by the Greene County, Missouri Health Department’s Civil Emergency Order as an “Essential Business”. We believe it is vital to remain accessible to our current clients and also to potential new clients in order to help them with their important legal issues.
How can I contact you for assistance with a case?
We are available to you whenever you need us. Please call us at 417-869-4680 and we would be pleased to assist you. Due to increasing demand, please leave us a message if necessary and we will contact you as soon as possible.
