Missouri tickets that require a court appearance

Which tickets can never be on the fine schedule?

RSMo 476.385 says the schedule can't include offenses involving:

1. "Any violation resulting in personal injury or property damage to another person"
2. Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence
3. Operating a vehicle with a counterfeited, altered, suspended or revoked license
4. Fleeing or attempting to elude an officer

What do individual courts add?

Each court can require appearances for more. Three examples from court websites:

Court	Also requires an appearance for
Boone County Circuit Court	Driving without a valid license, no insurance or no proof of insurance, speeding in excess of 25 mph, tickets where an accident was involved
Columbia Municipal Court	Any violation the prosecutor submits for a court appearance, and any violation for which a summons to appear is issued
Kansas City Municipal Court	Any ticket with no fine amount printed on it, and a payable ticket issued along with a non-payable one or during an accident

How do I tell which kind I have?

• Look at the ticket. Kansas City says a case is non-payable "if no fine amount is printed on your ticket."
• Look on Case.net. No Plead and Pay button means the ticket isn't eligible.
• Call the clerk of the court on your citation.

If you got several tickets at once, check each one. Some may be payable and others not.

What happens if I miss the court date?

The courts say your license may be suspended or a warrant may be issued. Kansas City's court says the judge "will issue a failure to appear warrant."

Can I get a new date?

Ask the court before the date passes. Kansas City allows a first-time continuance if you request it at least three days before the court date on the ticket.

Is a court appearance bad for keeping points off?

No. It's the place to ask. The Missouri Safety Center says a driver "must appear in court and request the court's permission" for the Driver Improvement Program. If your violation is one the program covers, ask the judge or prosecutor at the appearance.

Speeding more than 25 over is still speeding, which the program covers. DWI, driving while suspended and no insurance aren't covered.

Should I get an attorney?

For a misdemeanor or anything involving an accident, consider it. We don't give legal advice.