A Misdemeanor is an offense for which, on some cases, the maximum sentence could be a fine of up to $1000 or up to one year in county jail or both a fine and county jail sentence. If jail is a possibility, you may be able to have an attorney appointed to represent you if you are unable to afford one yourself.
On the following type offenses, you may be able to receive a plea offer and reach agreement with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney prior to going to court.
Most misdemeanors may be disposed at the first court appearance. In some limited cases you may not be required to appear in court at all if a plea agreement is reached and the fine paid before the first court date.
Generally, there are three types of sentences that can be offered and agreed to online.
First, you may be offered a fine only. (This does not apply to infraction traffic offenses. If you have a traffic ticket that does not require a court appearance and wish to pay the fine before your court date, please contact a traffic clerk at the court clerk’s office directly.)
Secondly, you may be offered probation where a sentence is given but you are placed on probation for a period of time between 6 months and 2 years, and not required to serve the sentence unless you violate the terms of probation. This is called a SUSPENDED EXECUTION OF SENTENCE (SES).
Thirdly, you may be offered probation for a period of time between 6 months and 2 years, where you are placed on probation, but no sentence is given unless you violate the terms of your probation. This is called a SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE (SIS). This type of probation does not count as a conviction unless you violate your probation, and a sentence is given.
Please use this link to a form to email the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney regarding your case. By reaching an agreement on your case prior to your first court appearance, you may be able to avoid having to make more than one court appearance.
Plea Agreement Request
Request by fax: 816-901-1608, ATTN: Traffic Division
Request by Mail: Traffic Division
Buchanan County Prosecutor
411 Jules, Room 132
St. Joseph, Missouri 64501
*****Be sure to include a copy of the ticket, your fax number, address, or phone number so you can receive a response.
If you received a ticket for No Proof of Insurance, you must submit proof that the vehicle was insured at the time the ticket was issued. This proof must be sent prior to the court date. The proof can be brought to our office, emailed, faxed, or mailed.
If you received a ticket for Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Suspended or Revoked or a ticket as a result of an accident, you will have to appear in court on your assigned court date.
Department Name
Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Address
411 Jules Street, Room 132, Saint Joseph, MO 64501
Phone
816-271-1480
Fax
816-901-1608
Email Office
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM