Municipal Court Information

The Willow Springs Municipal Court is a court of law and does not allow the following:

  • Weapons of any kind, items that could be used as a weapon, any items of suspect to the safety of the Court.
  • Shorts, shirts with straps that expose underclothing, torn and dirty clothing, hats.
  • Purses, baby bags, or any type of bag containing personal items.
  • Cell phones, unless turned off; any recording equipment.
  • Young children, unless the parent(s) are able to keep them under full control at all times.
  • Loud, disruptive behavior.

If you are asked to leave because your appearance is inappropriate, or your behavior is a safety risk to the Court and you miss your Court appearance because of that, it does NOT excuse you from possible normal Court repercussions.


COURT OPERATING RULES

The Willow Springs Municipal Division operates by rules set by the United States Constitution, the Missouri Constitution, Missouri statutes, Missouri Supreme Court rules and operating standards, the 37th Judicial Circuit local court rules, and  the Willow Springs Municipal Code.


VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING DEVICES PROHIBITED

Pursuant to Court Operating Rule 16.04, no person may use any device capable of media coverage in a courtroom or court clerk's office unless specifically authorized under the provisions of this operating rule, under the provisions of a local court rule, or by a judge in a judicial proceeding. A judge may authorize media to use electronic devices solely for textual notetaking and writing if they are configured to operate quietly and in such a manner as to avoid undue distractions.


MUNICIPAL DIVISION PERSONNEL CODE OF CONDUCT

Court staff MAY:

  • Explain and answer questions about how the court works.
  • Provide you with the number of the local lawyer referral service and any legal services program.
  • Provide you with the number of any family court programs, parent/child education, mediation, community services and domestic violence resources.
  • Give you general information about court rules, procedures and practices.
  • Provide court schedules and information about how to set a case scheduled for a hearing.
  • Provide your court file for your review.
  • Provide you with court forms and instructions that are available.
  • Usually answer questions about court deadlines.

Court staff MAY NOT:

  • Tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
  • Tell you what words to use in your court papers. (However, court staff can check your papers for completeness. For example, check for signatures, notarization, correct county name, correct case number and presence of attachments.)
  • Tell you what to say in court.
  • Give you an opinion about what will happen in your case.
  • Talk to the judge for you.
  • Let you talk to the judge outside of court or arrange for you to talk to the judge outside of court.
  • Change an order signed by a judge.
  • Provide you with contact information for another party.


WILLOW SPRINGS MUNICIPAL COURT STANDING ORDER

1. All persons entering this courtroom, and their personal belongings in their possession, are subject to search or electronic monitor prior to entry. Any weapons seized may be subject to destruction and the person said weapon subject to criminal charges.

2. All persons shall be appropriately attired. No persons attired in clothes with obscene pictures or words will be allowed in the courtroom.

3. No wearing of hats in the courtroom.

4. No smoking or chewing tobacco in the courtroom.

5. No food or drinks permitted in the courtroom.

6. No loud talk, whispering, or laughing in the courtroom.

7. No person shall enter or leave the courtroom except at recess or as may be permitted by the Court or Bailiff.

8. No cameras, photographic equipment, microphones, or recording equipment shall be permitted in the courtroom without prior approval of the Judge.

9. Cellular phones, bluetooth devices, and similar devices shall be turned off. These items may be confiscated and returned outside of the courtroom upon completion of the matter.

Any violation of this Order may result in criminal and/or civil contempt of Court ruling against the violator.

Dated: July 3, 2014
William T. Hass
Municipal Judge