Should I be concerned if months pass without hearing from the court or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office?

Unfortunately, crowded court dockets and other delays may cause cases to drag on for what may seem an unreasonable length of time. Please realize that we are continuing to work on your case even when you aren’t hearing from us and that we will do whatever we can to move your case efficiently through the system. Your patience, therefore, is greatly appreciated.

Case Flow Information

The felony case flow chart will help you better understand the criminal justice process. Possible outcomes appear in underlined, italicized type. In addition to the steps listed, a case periodically appears on an Adjourn Docket for an Announcement setting. Adjourn/Announcement settings help keep track of cases not set for a hearing, trial, etc. While you may attend any time open court is in session, you are not required to attend a proceeding unless you have been subpoenaed to appear.

Coming to Court

If you are subpoenaed or called by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, please arrive 30 minutes before the time scheduled for the case. Please report to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as soon as you arrive. If you have trouble finding the Jefferson County Courthouse or are unavoidably delayed, call us at 636-797-5321.

Show All Answers

1. What is a subpoena?
2. How does a complaint become a criminal case?
3. What is a preliminary hearing?
4. What if the judge decides there is not sufficient evidence at the preliminary hearing?
5. Do cases always go to trial if they are not dismissed?
6. What happens if the case gets set for trial?
7. What happens in a trial?
8. How and when is sentencing determined?
9. What if I change my mind about prosecuting or testifying?
10. What if the defense attorney contacts me about the case?
11. What if someone threatens me to drop the charges?
12. Should I be concerned if months pass without hearing from the court or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office?
13. Where do I park?
14. Can I be compensated for losses I have suffered as a victim?