Organization Chart CAO

Our Focus

We help children, families, and communities break the cycle of poverty by empowering people of all ages to dream, aspire and achieve.

In The Last 12 Months, We Have...

Received

15,426

Cases From SLMPD

Not Filed

3,972

Cases Due to Lack of Evidence

Filed

2,553

Cases For Prosecution

Disposed

3,156

Resulting in a Conviction or Acquittal

About Our Office

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.


Homicide Unit

The Homicide Unit prosecutes all homicide cases.


Violent Crime Unit

The Violent Crimes Unit is devoted to the prosecution of the most serious felonies.


Special Victims Unit

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.


General Felonies Unit 

The General Felonies Unit handles a variety of cases including arson, assault, drug crimes, burglary, robbery, stealing and weapons offenses.


Misdemeanors Unit 


Financial and Civil Matters Unit

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. Learn More


Diversion Unit

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. Learn More


Victim Services Unit

The Victim Services Unit provides counseling, support, and assistance to victims of crime, and help in locating needed community resources.  Learn More


Child Support Unit

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.   Learn More.


Warrant Office

 The Warrant Office is the first stop for all cases presented to the CAO by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and determines what charges will be filed for any given offense.


Investigators Unit

The Investigators Unit is responsible for locating witnesses and gathering evidence to support prosecutions.

Police Make Arrest

What happens next?

Warrant Office. An assistant Circuit Attorney decides whether to charge and, if so, what crimes to charge.


Not Charged with a crime  - person is released.

  • Charged with a misdemeanor

    What is next?

    Once a person is charged, an arraignment is set where they will plead guilty or not guilty.

  • Plead Guilty

    Sentence is set

    Person appeals

  • Plead Not Guilty

    Trial is held

    Person is found either Guilty or Not Guilty.


    Found Guilty

    Sentence is set, person appeals.


    Found Not Guilty

    Person is released

  • Charged with a Felony

    What is next?

    Person appears in court initially. Bond reviewed.


    Review the evidence

    An independent party - either a judge, at a preliminary hearing or a grand jury - reviews the charges to see if there is enough evidence to merit a trial.


    Is there enough evidence?

    If there is enough evidence, an arraignment is set.

    If there is not enough evidence, the person is released.

  • Plead Guilty

    Sentence is set

    Person appeals

  • Plead Not Guilty

    Trial is held

    Person is found either Guilty or Not Guilty.


    Found Guilty

    Sentence is set, person appeals.


    Found Not Guilty

    Person is released

Education

A solid foundation in education is key to success later in life. Your donation funds teachers, books and extracurricular activities to help get youngsters off to the right start. 

Health

Basic health care that many of us take for granted can be hard for others to access. We ensure that underprivileged youngsters and adults have access to the health practitioners they need. 

Community

Community is the family that goes beyond family. It is the people and places that we come in contact with each and every day. When we strengthen communities, we strengthen individuals.

Our Programs

These are a few of our most recent programs. Each and every year, we carry out more than 1000 programs across the country, involving people of every age, interest and need.

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