Municipal Court

Overview 
The Municipal Court of the City of Des Peres is the judicial branch of the City government and by state law is a division of the Twenty First Circuit Court of St. Louis County. Traffic violations and other City ordinance violations are heard by the Court, which is housed at the Des Peres City Hall located at 12325 Manchester Road.

Municipal Judge
The Municipal Court is headed by the Honorable Charles H. Billings, who was initially elected Municipal Judge in 1987 and subsequently been reelected to two year terms ever since. The position of Municipal Judge is a part-time position. Mr. Billings is an attorney in private practice with the law firm of Bruntrager & Billings.

Case Loads
The Municipal Court primarily handles cases filed by the Des Peres Department of Public Safety and the Department of Public Works These cases include: 
  1. Traffic violations
  2. Non-traffic violations
  3.  Zoning and building code violations
Court Teleconferencing Sessions 
In light of the continuing COVID-19 public health emergency, all court hearings by the Des Peres Municipal Division will be conducted using a teleconferencing program called Zoom. Those individuals with cases pending before this Court will receive notice by mail with information on the exact date and time, as well as the meeting ID required to access their designated court appearance. You may also visit www.courts.mo.gov/casenet to review the status of your case or contact the Des Peres Municipal Division office directly at 314-835-6119 for guidance on using the Zoom platform. 

If you do not obtain a notice in the mail prior to your scheduled court date, we ask that you contact the court for assistance. If you need to update your address with the Court, please call us at 314-835-6119. If you have legal representation (an attorney) please contact your attorney prior to your hearing date and time as your case status may change with little notice and/or you may not be needed at the hearing. Your attorney will advise you accordingly.

March 1, 2021 Municipal Court Notice and Zoom Invitation - Click here for information on your scheduled online appearance including your meeting ID. Defendants are advised to pre-install the free Zoom application on your device prior to accessing your court appearance to improve the overall experience. 

Why Zoom?
On April 17, 2020 the Missouri Supreme Court issued an Order to the Courts of Missouri regarding the continued mandate to cease all in-person hearings due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Within that order, the use of video conferencing was encouraged to ensure the continued access to justice for the public to the judicial system. 

As of August 1, 2020 the Municipal Divisions within the 21st Judicial Circuit remain closed to in-person contact under the administrative authority of the Presiding Judge. Until such time as we are able to resume hearings at this location we have chosen to proceed in an electronic format as approved by the Missouri Supreme Court. Both Zoom and WebEx have been vetted by the State for use in judicial proceedings. We are currently operating with the assistance of Zoom due to the ease of functions for all those involved.

Attorney Information
Your Rights In Court
City of Des Peres Municipal Courtroom Rules
Missouri Driver's License Information
Transportation Information

Municipal Court Operating Orders:
Municipal Court Operating Order #4 - Supervision of Courts Hearing Ordinance Violations
Code of Conduct for Municipal Division

Indigent and community service forms available upon request from the Municipal Judge

Violations Bureau Schedule of Offenses and Fines
If you would like to view a list of the Municipal Court Offenses and Fines, please see the schedule listed below or if you have questions regarding the court or a violation, please contact the Court Clerk at 314.835.6119.
Violations Bureau Schedule

Compliance documentation for House Bill 103 amending Section 302.341.2 RSMo relating to accounting of the percent of annual general operating revenue from fines and court costs for "minor traffic violations".

Payment Information
The City of Des Peres Municipal Court has the following options for accepting payments:
Please allow 2 weeks from the time your citation is issued before making your payment. The Court requires this time frame for processing. 

1. Pay in person at the Court Office during normal business hours:
  • Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
  • Payment accepted: cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card (please note that a processing fee is assessed when using nCourt). If you received your citation prior to June 1, 2019 you may pay using nCourt. Please refer to CaseNet for citations received after June 1, 2019. 
  • There is a drop box located at the back entrance of City Hall (at the accessible entrance) for payments made after hours.  DO NOT PUT CASH IN THE DROP BOX.

2. Pay by mail: Check or money order accepted by mail addressed to the Court Office. Please make check or money order payable to the City of Des Peres.

Additional Information

  • Your fine must be paid in full by the Court date indicated on your citation or appear in Court  
  • If you are on a Payment Agreement, payments are due on the 1st Monday of the month. If you are unable to make your payment, you must appear on the next available Court date to inform the Judge.
  • You can search for your ticket information using https://www.municourt.net/ or https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
  • Failure to pay fines in a timely manner or appear in court may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
Other Contacts
NamePositionPhoneEmail
Amie ClemondsCourt Administrator314.835.6119Email