Overview of the Criminal Courts in Stone County, MO

Facing a criminal charge in Stone County often creates confusion not only about what the charge means, but about where the case will actually be heard. Many people assume there are separate courthouses for felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic cases. In Stone County, that is not the case. Instead, all state criminal matters are handled within the same circuit court system, with different divisions and judicial assignments determining how a case is classified and where it proceeds.

Scrivner Law Firm, LLC is led by criminal defense attorney and former Stone County prosecutor Dayrell Scrivner. His background gives clients a practical understanding of how Stone County’s courts operate in real terms, not just how they appear on paper. Understanding which court handles which type of charge is the foundation for making informed decisions from the start of a case.

The Stone County Circuit Court System

Stone County is part of Missouri’s 39th Judicial Circuit. All state criminal cases are handled through the Stone County Circuit Court, which is located at the Stone County Judicial Center in Galena, Missouri.

There is one courthouse, but multiple court divisions operate within it. Which division hears a case depends on the severity of the charge, not on where the arrest occurred or which agency made the arrest.

Inside the Stone County Judicial Center, courtrooms are used by both circuit judges and associate circuit judges. These judges have different authority levels under Missouri law, and that distinction determines where felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and some municipal cases are handled.

Felony Criminal Courts in Stone County

Where Felony Cases Are Heard

Felony cases in Stone County are handled in a circuit court division of the Stone County Circuit Court. These cases are presided over by a circuit judge, not an associate circuit judge.

While some felony cases begin with early appearances in an associate division, any felony that proceeds past the initial stages will be transferred to a circuit division for formal proceedings. This includes felony arraignments, contested motion hearings, jury trials, and felony sentencing.

If you are charged with a felony in Stone County, you should expect your case to be heard in a circuit courtroom at the Galena courthouse, even if your first court date appears in an associate division.

Types of Felony Cases Handled in Circuit Court

Circuit court divisions in Stone County handle all felony-level criminal matters, including:

• Felony driving while intoxicated and repeat intoxication offenses
• Felony drug possession, manufacturing, or distribution cases
• Felony domestic assault charges
• Sexual assault and sex offense cases
• Burglary, robbery, and serious theft offenses
• Weapons offenses charged as felonies
• Probation violations tied to prior felony convictions

Felony cases involve higher potential penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Circuit court proceedings are more formal, slower moving, and governed by stricter evidentiary and procedural rules than associate court matters.

Why Felony Cases Ultimately Leave Associate Court

Missouri law limits the authority of associate circuit judges in felony matters. Although an associate judge may handle early appearances, felony cases must be assigned to a circuit judge for trial-level proceedings and final disposition unless resolved earlier by dismissal or reduction.

This division ensures that serious criminal matters are handled at the highest trial court level within the county.

Misdemeanor Criminal Courts in Stone County

Associate Circuit Court Divisions

Most misdemeanor criminal cases in Stone County are handled entirely in associate circuit court. Associate circuit judges are authorized to preside over misdemeanor criminal cases from start to finish, including accepting pleas, conducting bench trials, and imposing sentences.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense, your case will almost always be assigned to an associate circuit division unless the charge is later amended to a felony.

Common Misdemeanor Cases Heard in Associate Court

Misdemeanor cases typically handled in Stone County associate court include:

• First-offense driving while intoxicated
• Driving while revoked or suspended
• Simple assault
• Misdemeanor domestic assault
• Misdemeanor drug possession
• Stealing and shoplifting
• Trespass
• Resisting arrest without serious physical injury

Although associate court is sometimes viewed as “lower court,” misdemeanor convictions can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and lasting criminal records. These cases are criminal matters, not informal proceedings.

What Associate Court Looks Like in Practice

Associate court dockets move more quickly than felony circuit court dockets, but the consequences are still serious. Defendants are expected to comply with bond conditions, appear on time, and address the court formally.

Many Stone County misdemeanor cases are resolved entirely in associate court without ever being transferred to a circuit division.

Traffic Courts in Stone County

Where Traffic Cases Are Heard

Most traffic cases in Stone County are handled in associate circuit court. There is no separate traffic courthouse.

Common traffic matters heard in associate court include:

• Speeding and moving violations
• Careless and imprudent driving
• Failure to maintain insurance
• Failure to yield
• Minor licensing violations

Even though traffic cases are often scheduled on high-volume dockets, they are still judicial proceedings overseen by a judge and recorded by the circuit clerk.

Criminal Traffic Offenses

Certain traffic offenses are criminal rather than civil in nature. These cases are also heard in associate circuit court unless charged as felonies.

Examples include:

• Misdemeanor driving while intoxicated
• Driving while revoked or suspended
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage

If a traffic-related offense is charged as a felony, such as a repeat DWI or a serious injury case, it will be assigned to a circuit court division instead.

Municipal Courts and Ordinance Violations in Stone County

Municipal Charges vs State Charges

Some cities within Stone County enforce their own municipal ordinances. If a city maintains a municipal court, ordinance violations may initially be heard in that municipal court.

However, many municipalities rely on associate circuit judges to hear municipal matters, or cases may be transferred into associate circuit court if a standalone municipal court is not operating.

Why Municipal Cases Still Matter

Municipal cases are not harmless. Convictions can carry fines, probation, jail time, and license consequences. A plea or conviction in municipal court can also enhance future charges or affect eligibility for certain dispositions later.

Municipal court appearances are still court appearances, and mistakes made there can follow a person long after the case closes.

How Defendants Know Which Court to Go To

Reading the Citation or Summons

The paperwork issued after a citation or arrest identifies:

• The Stone County Circuit Court division
• The judge or courtroom assignment
• The date, time, and location of the court appearance

Felony paperwork often references a future circuit court arraignment. Misdemeanor and traffic citations typically list an associate division.

Confirming Court Assignments

The Stone County Circuit Clerk maintains official case records and division assignments. While public docket systems can show basic information, the most reliable guidance comes from the official court notice or confirmation through the clerk’s office.

Why Division Assignment Matters in Stone County

The court division handling a case affects nearly every aspect of how it proceeds, including:

• Which judge presides
• Whether the case is eligible for jury trial at that stage
• How quickly hearings are scheduled
• What sentencing options are available
• How motions are addressed

Circuit court felony cases are slower and more formal, while associate court matters move faster but can still impose life-altering penalties.

Understanding where your case is actually being heard is critical to protecting your rights.

Local Insight From a Former Stone County Prosecutor

Dayrell Scrivner prosecuted cases in Stone County before transitioning to criminal defense. That experience provides practical insight into how cases are assigned, how different divisions operate, and how judges approach various types of charges.

Stone County courts follow Missouri law, but like all courts, they also operate within local norms. Knowing which courtroom you will be standing in and what that court expects can make a meaningful difference in how a case is handled.

Talk With Scrivner Law Firm About a Stone County Criminal Charge

Scrivner Law Firm, LLC represents individuals charged with felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and municipal violations in Stone County. Whether a case is assigned to circuit court or associate court, early legal guidance can help avoid costly mistakes and protect long-term interests.

If you have a court date in Stone County, understanding which court you are in and why is the first step. The next step is having an advocate who understands how those courts actually work.