The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO) is responsible for the prosecution of all state-level criminal offenses that occur within the boundaries of the City of St. Louis, Missouri.
The CAO seeks to employ a diverse group of highly motivated, skilled professionals who value teamwork, efficiency, and personal accountability in the pursuit of excellence.
The CAO is committed to maintaining a diverse, collegial workplace that is free from discrimination of any kind. Recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion are conducted without regard to an individual’s race, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual preference, age, disability, or other protected status in accordance with state and federal law.
The CAO prohibits harassment of employees based on their race, religion, gender identity, national origin, sexual preference, age, disability, or other protected status. Harassment includes speech or behavior that negatively impacts an employe's ability to do their job or creates a hostile work environment.
Professional development is a top priority of the CAO and is designed to promote skill development and create career advancement opportunities.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office (CAO) employs approximately 150 individuals working to promote the safety and well-being of the citizens of St. Louis, Missouri, including attorneys, investigators, victim rights advocates, diversion counselors, paralegals and support staff.
The CAO prosecutes state felony cases, represents the Missouri Department of Social Services regarding child support enforcement, and provides assistance to witnesses and victims of crime.
To accomplish its work, the CAO has several units and special programs.
The Homicide Unit prosecutes all homicide cases.
The Violent Crimes Unit is devoted to the prosecution of the most serious felonies.
The Special Victims Unit prosecutes all sexual assault and domestic violence cases. This unit also prosecutes all cases in which minors or individuals with special needs are victims of sexual or physical assault.
The General Felonies Unit handles a variety of cases, including arson, assault, drug crimes, burglary, robbery, stealing, and weapons offenses.
The Misdemeanor Unit prosecutes crimes, including Class A through Class D misdemeanors. It also is responsible for conducting preliminary hearings, detention and bond review hearings, and probation revocation hearings. The Misdemeanor Unit also assists in issuing cases and presenting cases to the grand jury to determine probable cause.
The Financial and Civil Matters Unit responds to Sunshine Law requests, collects delinquent City business taxes, pursues bad check reimbursement, processes restitution payments, expungements and asset forfeiture, and conducts civil commitment hearings.
The CAO’s diversion programs give qualified individuals the opportunity to avoid the consequences of traditional criminal prosecution including a trial, conviction, criminal record, and incarceration.
The Victim Services Unit provides counseling, support, and assistance to victims of crime, and help in locating needed community resources.
The Child Support Unit establishes and enforces court-ordered child support in cases referred to the CAO by the Missouri Department of Social Services; the CAO does not initiate cases. The Child Support Unit may also establish paternity.
The Warrant Office is responsible for reviewing police reports, issuing search warrants, and filing of criminal charges on all violations of state law committed in the City of St. Louis.
The Investigators Unit is responsible for locating witnesses and gathering evidence to support prosecutions.
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