Receiving a St. Louis County speeding ticket can be an unwelcome and often confusing experience. For residents and visitors in the St. Louis County areas of Bridgeton, Florissant, Ferguson, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights, St. John, and St. Ann, understanding your options is the first crucial step. At James Law Group, LLC, we are a local law firm dedicated to serving the legal needs of our community, and we recognize the stress that a traffic citation can bring.
This guide is designed to provide you with practical information and valuable resources to help you navigate the process of dealing with a speeding ticket in these specific municipalities. It’s important to understand that simply paying the ticket without considering the potential repercussions might not be the most advantageous path forward. This post will outline key aspects of local court procedures and Missouri traffic laws to empower you to make informed decisions.
Why Ignoring Your Speeding Ticket is a Mistake: The Hidden Costs and Consequences
Ignoring a speeding ticket can lead to far more serious problems than the initial fine. In Missouri, failing to address a traffic citation can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. This can happen if you miss your court date or fail to pay the required fines and court costs. Furthermore, your driving privileges could be suspended. This suspension can significantly impact your ability to commute to work, take care of family responsibilities, and maintain your daily life.
If you received such a suspension, some local courts will not lift the suspension even after you have shown up to court and are trying to resolve the ticket. Such courts effectively use your current suspension to force a rapid resolution to your case on their terms. It not only creates a significant problem in your day-to-day life, it can also make it more difficult to obtain a favorable resolution.
Navigating the Municipal Court System in the St. Louis Area: A Practical Guide
St. Louis County speeding tickets are typically handled in municipal courts, which operate within city limits and have jurisdiction over ordinance violations, including traffic tickets. These municipal courts are divisions of the 21st Circuit Court but have their own specific procedures and payment options that can vary from one city to another. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific rules and processes for the municipality where you received your ticket.
If your speeding ticket requires a court appearance, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Dressing appropriately and being respectful to all court personnel are crucial. When you arrive at court, you will typically need to check in with the court clerk and then wait for your case to be called. Once your name is announced, you will approach the bench to address the judge. In many cases, you may have the opportunity to speak with the prosecuting attorney before your case is heard by the judge to discuss the possibility of a resolution or plea agreement.
When you appear in court, you will generally have three plea options: guilty, not guilty, or “guilty with explanation.” Pleading guilty means you admit to the violation, which will typically result in fines and points being assessed to your driving record. Pleading not guilty is NOT the same as refusing to ever plea guilty and it is NOT a flat denial of speeding. Pleading not guilty at the first court date is most common and essentially means that you want to explore your options before deciding what to do.
Pleading guilty with explanation means that you admit to committing the offense but wish to provide the judge with additional context or mitigating circumstances, which may or may not affect the assessed penalty. Importantly, “an explanation” may lower the fine assessed or, in more serious cases, result in a fine or probation rather than jail time – but a judge cannot “amend” (change or lower) the charges against you. You will still be pleading guilty to speeding.
Most court now try to make it as easy as possible to plea guilty and pay a fine, usually with on-line payment options. While these options are extremely convenient, they are almost never in your best interest and almost always cost you more money in the long run – along with other potential problems.
Dealing with a Speeding Ticket in Your Municipality: Specific Information and Resources
To provide you with the most practical assistance, here is specific information and resources for dealing with a speeding ticket in some of the largest municipalities in St. Louis County:
Several, but not all courts provide a link to a “know your rights” in municipal court pamphlet distributing by the Missouri Court system, which can be found here.
Bridgeton Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website
- Physical Address: 12355 Natural Bridge Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044
- Phone Number: 314-739-1145
- Cases filed after January 2020 can be found on CaseNet
- Payment Options: Payments can be made in person (cash, check, money order), by mail, or online through Show Me Court (credit card not accepted at the Violation Bureau window).
- The Court website provides minimal information about your rights and general procedures here.
Florissant Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website
- Physical Address: 4575 Washington Street, Florissant, MO 63033
- Phone Number: 314-921-3322
- Online Resources: For cases on or after November 1, 2019, visit CaseNet.
- Payment Options: In person (cash, check from defendant, money order, credit card), online, by mail, or via drop box (no cash recommended).
- The Court website only provides a link to the “know your rights” pamphlet discussed above and appears mostly geared towards providing information to lawyers.
Ferguson Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website
- Physical Address: Ferguson City Hall Building, 110 Church Street, Ferguson, MO 63135
- Phone Number: 314-524-5264
- For citations after May 5, 2021, visit CaseNet.
- Payment Options: In person (money order or cashier’s check), by mail (money order or cashier’s check), or online for eligible tickets.
- The Website has detailed information about the court’s policies and procedures.
Hazelwood Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website:
- Physical Address: 415 Elm Grove Lane, Hazelwood, MO 63042
- Phone Number: 314-839-2212
- Online Resources: For case information after January 13, 2020, visit CaseNet.
- Payment Options: In person, or online via the mentioned portal.
- The court’s website offers minimal information.
Maryland Heights Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website:
- Physical Address: 11911 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
- Phone Number: 314-291-6036
- Online Resources: For tickets after January 23, 2021, pay online at CaseNet.
- Payment Options: In person (cash, check, money order, credit card via nCourt), online, or via after-hours drop box (no receipt mailed).
- This court’s Website has a detailed description of its policies and procedures.
St. John Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website:
- Physical Address: 8944 St. Charles Rock Road, Second Floor, St. John, MO 63114
- Phone Number: 314-427-8700, Ext. # 6
- Online Resources: Ticket information can be found at www.municourt.net, www.casenet.com, and www.yourstlcourts.com. Online payment is available at www.stjohntix.com and www.yourstlcourts.com.
- Payment Options: In person (cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check), online, or by phone.
- This court’s Website has minimal information, but does provide the court’s schedule.
St. Ann Speeding Ticket:
- Official Municipal Court Website
- Physical Address: 10405 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074
- Phone Number: 314-428-6811
- Online Resources: 24/7 case and payment information is available at CaseNet.
- Abbreviated court procedures and the court calendar are available online.
How James Law Group, LLC Can Help You Fight Your st. louis county speeding ticket
At James Law Group, LLC, we have extensive experience representing clients in traffic law cases in Bridgeton, Florissant, Ferguson, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights, St. John, St. Ann and in all other St. Louis County state and municipal courts. We understand the nuances of each municipal court’s procedures and are committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to protect your rights and driving record.
If you have received a speeding ticket in any of these areas, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys can assess your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategic plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome.