The following procedures shall be followed by counsel relative to cases in this court as a result of recent amendments and/or changes to the law including, but not limited to, Supreme Court Rule 37.
Entry of Appearance
An attorney who intends to represent a defendant in this court shall e-file an Entry of Appearance Memorandum if the case is on Casenet. Otherwise, the attorney shall forward an Entry of Appearance to the court. The Memorandum (not letter) should be directed to the court and may be filed by mail or facsimile. The Court’s fax number is (314) 261-7225.
The Memorandum should contain the caption of the case, including the defendant’s name, case number, court date, attorney’s name, bar number and contact information. If submitting by facsimile, attorney’s fax number should be included as well. The Entry shall be dated and shall include a certificate of service indicating a copy has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney. A self-addressed stamped envelope shall be included with the Entry if requesting a file stamped copy. Attorneys may e-file the Entry of Appearance for the court. All other correspondence for the Prosecutor must be mailed directly to the Prosecuting Attorney. The Court will not accept prosecutorial correspondence via e-file.
An attorney remains entered on a case unless and until the case is disposed, the attorney withdraws or is discharged by the client. The Court cannot communicate with a defendant that is represented by counsel.
Continuances
Continuances can only be granted by the Judge or by the court administrator as authorized by the Judge. Request for continuances are not granted until approved by the Court. Attorneys should not assume their request has been granted for continuance and should contact the Court prior to the court date to determine the same. In the event your request for continuance is filed less than three business days prior to the court date, you may be required to appear in court. It is the responsibility of the counsel to contact the court to determine the status of their request for continuance.
The prosecuting attorney may request a case be continued for purposes of obtaining acceptance of a Recommendation by submitting a copy of their request for a new court date to the court.
Representation
An attorney who has entered their appearance is the attorney of record until the case is closed, a motion to withdraw has been filed and granted, or the attorney is otherwise discharged from the case. Until such time, you should appear with or on behalf of your client for all court dates. An attorney who wishes to withdraw as counsel of record shall file a Motion for Leave to Withdraw as Counsel with the Court and comply with St. Louis County Circuit Court Rule 21.4 regarding notice to client. Said notice shall include the next court date on which the defendant is scheduled to appear. Attorney appearance is not required if they comply with the local rules.
Warrant Recall
If an attorney seeks to have a warrant recalled they shall file an Entry of Appearance with the court. The attorney must file a separate Motion to Recall Warrant. Upon cancellation of warrant, the court shall provide defense counsel with a new court date.
Setting Aside FTA Suspensions and Lieu of Bail Holds
If an attorney seeks to have their client’s suspensions or holds set aside, counsel must e-file or fax a written Motion to the Court. Verbal request will not be granted.