ATTORNEYS
If you are an attorney and wish to handle your client’s traffic infraction without appearing in court, please contact our Traffic Services unit for instructions on how to handle your traffic ticket through the mail. Please be advised that if you do not resolve your case prior to the Court date listed on the ticket, you and/or your client will still have to appear in Court. Your (or your client’s) failure to appear for your scheduled Court date may result in a warrant being issued for your client’s arrest.
NOTE: Only infractions can be handled by mail. If your client is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while license suspended/revoked, no-operators license, an infraction surrounding an auto accident, or exceeding the posted speed limit by 25mph or more there will have to be a court appearance. If you are unsure if your client’s ticket qualifies as an infraction, feel free to contact our office.
STEPS TO HANDLE TICKET BY MAIL
- File an entry of appearance. This will alert our office of your involvement in the matter. We are unable to communicate with you about the matter absent this entry of appearance.
- The traffic prosecutor will then review the file and create an offer letter.
- In 1-3 days you should receive a letter by e-mail with a proposed disposition and instructions for accepting said disposition.
- Follow the instructions in the e-mail, mailing your payment as a money order or attorney trust account check to Associate Circuit clerk’s office. (NOTE: All checks must be payable to the Circuit Clerk)
- If you do not resolve your client’s case before the Court date on the ticket or summons, you MUST appear in Court or a warrant may be issued for your client’s arrest.
- Verify that your payment has been received and your case has been resolved by contacting the Associate Circuit Clerk at (417) 582-5160
WHERE TO MAIL YOUR PAYMENT
The Associate Circuit Court only accepts money order or attorney trust account checks. They do not accept personal checks or credit/debit cards. Please send your payment upon receipt of your e-mail to:
Associate Circuit Court, Division IV
110 West Elm, Room 105
Ozark, Missouri 65721
(417) 582-5160
PRO SE (UNREPRESENTED) DEFENDANTS
Unfortunately, due to ethical rules, we are not permitted to negotiate tickets with unrepresented defendants by mail or phone. However, we can work with you to resolve your case on your court date in the Associate Circuit Court. Please be advised that if you do not resolve your case prior to the Court date listed on the ticket or court summons, you will have to appear in Court. Your failure to appear for your scheduled Court date may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
The possible punishment for traffic tickets can range anywhere from a small fine up to both 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.
Because we represent the State of Missouri, We CANNOT give legal advice.
QUESTIONS
If you have traffic questions please contact the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at (417) 581-7915. Please be advised that ethically we cannot give out legal advice.