Trials

If you pleaded ‘not guilty’ to one or more charges against you, your case will be set for trial.  Please arrive on your assigned trial date with any evidence and witnesses you want to present to the judge.  Trials in the Valley Park Municipal Court are tried to a JUDGE, not a jury.  The judge will listen to the evidence and render a decision.

If the decision is in favor of the defendant, then the case is over and the file is closed.  If the decision is in favor of the City, the judge will assess an appropriate penalty consisting of a fine, jail, community service, restitution (if warranted) and any classes such as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP) or Victim Impact Panels (VIP).  If the judge finds in favor of the City, an appeal may be filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court.

A jury trial may be available by Certifying the case to St. Louis County Circuit Court.