Municipal Court

Judge – W. Laird Hetlage
Prosecuting Attorney – Robert E. Jones
Court Administrator – Carol A. Lay

Sunset Hills Municipal Court

The City of Sunset Hills Municipal Court is a Municipal division of the 21st Judicial Circuit Court of St. Louis County. 

Municipal Court Sessions / Dockets

  • Municipal Court is held at: Sunset Hills Government Center,  3939 South Lindbergh Blvd., Sunset Hills, MO  63127.
  • The Municipal Court has two sessions monthly on the second and third Thursday of each month, evenings at 7:00 PM.  Doors open at 6:30 PM.
  • All persons entering the court are subject to search by the Sunset Hills Police Department .
  • Dress appropriately for a court appearance, generally work casual is acceptable.
  • Court sessions with the City of Sunset Hills Municipal Court are open to the public. 
  • While Court is in session, please remove your hat, turn off your cell phone and electronic devices, and keep talking to a minimum in a low voice.

NOTICE

  • If you have received a ticket or Information, then you have been summoned to attend Court on the date shown on your citation. 
  • You may plead not guilty by attending Court to enter your plea.  A trial will be set at a later date.
  • You may plead Guilty by mail by signing the bottom of your citation and mailing it to the Court with your payment.  (Some violations require attendance at Court)
  • If you cannot pay your fine on the date you appear in Court, you will be given a new date by which to pay your fine and costs.
  • If you intend to plead guilty, but do not have the funds to pay your fine, you must attend Court on your Court date.  You will not be arrested for not having the money to pay your fine.
  • If you do not attend Court on your Court date, and you have not previously paid the fines, then a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
  • If you are indigent, you may be asked to complete financial statements to determine your financial status to determine, your eligibility for reduced fines, costs, payment plans, community service or appointed counsel.

Contesting a Violation

  • To contest a violation, you must appear before the Municipal Judge on your scheduled court date.
  • Municipal Clerks are not allowed to hear your case, and cannot give legal advice.  Please do not present your case to the Municipal Clerks.

Violation Bureau Hours of Operation

  • Violation payments which may be paid outside of court proceedings may be paid in person between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday.
  • The Municipal Court Office is closed on weekends and most holidays.
  • The Municipal Court accepts several forms of payments; cash, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
  • To make an on-line payment visit, https://www.ipaycourt.com/sunsethills
The Municipal Judge and Clerks of the Court are empowered to collect fines, take oaths, sign and issue subpoenas, establish and operate the Violations Bureau and perform all other duties consistent with the Municipal Code, ordinances, state law and the Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Procedure.  The Court prepares, maintains and safeguards all records, reports and documents relating to the court activities in the required manner as established by law.  Records may be requested according to the mandates and limitations of state law.