INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTORNEYS ONLY (LAST UPDATED: September 2019)

If you are an attorney and wish to handle your traffic infraction without appearing in Court, please see the instructions below on how to handle your traffic ticket through without an appearance. Please be advised that if you do not resolve your case prior to the Court date listed on the ticket, your client will still have to appear in Court. Your client’s failure to appear for your schedule Court date may result in a warrant being issued for their arrest.

NOTE: Only certain offenses can be handled without your client’s appearance. The following offenses will require your client’s personal appearance:

  • Exceeding the posted speed limit by 25MPH or more
  • Driving at a speed 90MPH or greater
  • Driving without a valid license
  • Driving with a suspended, revoked or cancelled license
  • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • Tickets for marijuana possession or possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Any offense involving a crash with another motor vehicle
  • Any offense involving a fatality
  • Any offense that occurred while operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
  • Any offense that occurred while the operator had a Commercial Drivers’ License
  • Any offense which the prosecuting attorney’s office is unwilling to make a “mail-in” offer

STEPS TO HANDLE TICKETS WITHOUT AN APPEARANCE (FOR ATTORNEYS)

  1. File an entry of appearance.
  2. Upon our office filing your ticket with the Associate Circuit Court, please submit a written request for a plea recommendation. Your written request should include the case number (not the ticket number) and your client’s name. Please do not submit requests for offers before the case has been filed – your request will be returned to you.
  3. Depending on case load, you will receive a recommendation via the Missouri eFiling system. Recommendations typically (but don’t always) consist of amendments to no-point violations. Suspended Imposition of Sentences or other forms of probation will not be granted by mail. You must have an entry of appearance on file with the court to receive this recommendation. Due to the 46th Circuit Court’s adoption of eFiling, offers will no longer be mailed or faxed!
  4. If your client wishes to accept the offer, follow the instructions on the recommendation, mailing your payment as a money order, cashiers check or attorney trust account check to the Associate Circuit Clerk’s office, along with a written plea of guilty. The Associate Circuit Clerk can also take payments with a credit/debit card over the phone for a nominal fee.
  5. If you do not resolve your case before the Court date on the ticket or your client does not wish to accept the recommendation, your client MUST appear in Court or a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
  6. You can verify that your payment has been received and your case has been resolved by contacting the Associate Circuit clerk at (417) 546-7212.

Your recommendation will include fines and costs. For current costs or how a specific case is classified as either a misdemeanor or infraction please contact the Circuit Court Clerk.

NOTE: The Associate Circuit Court has the right to reject any plea agreement. Additionally, it may take several weeks before a guilty plea and an amended charge is reflected on Case.Net.

WHERE TO MAIL YOUR PAYMENT

The Associate Circuit Court accepts money orders, cashiers checks, and attorney trust account checks. Additionally, they will accept credit/debit cards over the telephone or via Missouri Case.net’s “Pay By Web” site for a nominal fee. Please send you payment upon receipt of your recommendation to:

Associate Circuit Court, Division 1
PO Box 129
Forsyth, Missouri 65653
(417) 546-7212

PRO SE / PRO PER (UNREPRESENTED) DEFENDANTS

Unfortunately, because of staff constraints we cannot negotiate tickets with unrepresented defendants by Email or phone. However, we can work with you to resolve your case on your court date in the Associate Circuit Court. Your failure to appear in court may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

Punishment for most traffic tickets can range anywhere from a small fine up to a fine and jail time. You always have the right to contact an attorney to find out what your legal options are. If you are not sure who to contact, please call the Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (573) 636-3635 or www.mobar.org. Since we represent the State of Missouri, we cannot and will not give you legal advice. Furthermore, we cannot recommend particular attorneys or provide referrals to attorneys. Additionally, if you have a question about a court date or the status of an outstanding warrant, you must contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office – our office cannot answer any questions about court dates or warrants in person or over the telephone. Additionally, our office cannot change your court date – you must appear on or before the date listed on your summons or traffic ticket.

QUESTIONS

If you have traffic questions please contact the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (417) 546-7260. Please be advised that we are legally prohibited from giving you legal advice.