Charged With DUI in Clay County?
Call Today for a Free Initial Consultation 816.361.0964
Defending DUI Charges in Clay County Missouri Since 1993
Charged With a DUI or Criminal Complaint in Clay County? The Law Offices of Charles R. Green has been defending Clients on DUI and Criminal matters in Liberty for more than twenty years. Being arrested and charged can be a frustrating, impersonal, and overwhelming experience. Once you have posted your bond and been released from jail you will receive a complaint (ticket) with the first court date on the front. Take a breath, get your vehicle back, and then talk to an experienced Clay County DUI Lawyer.
Steps to Take Before the First Court Date:
The first court appearance, or arraignment, is a formal reading of the charges against you and may be four to six weeks from the arrest date. However the clock starts running immediately on the right to contest the potential suspension of your Missouri Driving Privileges. In Missouri you have fifteen days from the date of a chemical test failure (Breathalyzer result of .08 or greater) to request a Drivers License Hearing. If it is alleged that you refused to submit to testing, a Petition for Review must be filed in Clay County within 30 days. The request for Administrative Hearing is a Civil matter and is a completely separate matter from the criminal case (DUI) filed against you. If the request is not made within the statutorily prescribed time you lose that right to contest the suspension. When you hire the Law Offices of Charles R. Green one of the first steps we take on your behalf is to request the Drivers License Hearing which preserves your right to review and also allows you to continue driving throughout the process.
Is a DUI Filed in State Court Different?
The Clay County Circuit Court hears cases filed by State Agencies, which includes tickets issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Clay County Sheriff's Office, Missouri State Park Rangers, and Missouri Water Patrol. These charges include Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) on Smithville Lake , Possession of Marijuana or other controlled substances, Trespassing or other unlawful activity on Riverboat Casino Property,(i.e. Harrah's or Ameristar Casino ) Speeding Tickets and other Traffic Violations. A First-time DUI offense is still generally a Class B Misdemeanor, the same as if it was issued by a Municipal Officer. Being charged in State Court does not necessarily mean the charge is more serious, however Circuit Court (State Court) proceedings are usually more formal than in a Municipal Court, and defendants are charged under Missouri State Law, rather than with a violation of City Ordinances.
Clay County History
Clay County Circuit Court is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court and is located in Liberty, Missouri, a few blocks south of the Historic Liberty Square. Liberty was founded in 1822 and is the County Seat ; Liberty, Missouri was named for the American Concept and Vision of Liberty. Historic Downtown Liberty includes numerous historical markers and attractions such as the Jesse James Bank Museum and the Liberty Jail Historic Site.
Clay County Resources:
Clay County Courthouse:
James S. Rooney Justice Center
11 S Water Street
Liberty, Mo., 64068
Phone: 816.407.3900
Clay County Detention Center (Jail): 816.407.3800
Clay County Court Website: http://www.circuit7.net/
Case.net: https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet
