# Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.040: 542.040 Proceedings before associate circuit judge — jury — verdict — recognizance ..

> Missouri · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.040

## Section

- **Citation:** Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.040
- **Heading:** 542.040 Proceedings before associate circuit judge — jury — verdict — recognizance ..
- **Jurisdiction:** Missouri
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MO Code / Chapter 542 / Section 542.040

## Text

542.040. Proceedings before associate circuit judge — jury — verdict — recognizance — costs. — Upon such person being brought before such associate circuit judge, the associate circuit judge shall summon all witnesses which either party may require, and cause the matters charged in the complaint to be inquired into by a jury of six competent citizens. If the jury find that there is good reason to fear the commission of the offense charged, then they shall render a verdict of guilty against the defendant, and the associate circuit judge thereupon shall require the defendant to enter into a recognizance in such sum, not exceeding one thousand dollars, as he shall direct, with one or more sufficient sureties, conditioned that the defendant will keep the peace toward the people of the state, and particularly toward the complainant, for such time as shall be specified in said recognizance, which shall be not less than three months nor more than one year from the date thereof; and the defendant shall be liable for costs as in other cases of conviction.

(RSMo 1939 § 3793, A. 1949 H.B. 2138) Prior revisions: 1929 § 3403; 1919 § 3748; 1909 § 4956 CROSS REFERENCE: Recognizance taken in open court to be entered on minutes, other recognizances, 544.050

## Nearby sections

- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.010 542.010 Magistrate defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.010.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.020 542.020 Certain officers to preserve peace, issue process.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.020.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.030 542.030 Warrant may issue, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.030.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.040 542.040 Proceedings before associate circuit judge — jury — verdict — recognizance ...](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.040.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.050 542.050 Recognizance — penalty for failure to give.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.050.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.060 542.060 Parties committed, how discharged.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.060.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.070 542.070 Recognizance, where deposited.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.070.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.080 542.080 Recognizance, when broken.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.080.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.090 542.090 Recognizance to be prosecuted, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.090.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.100 542.100 Offense stated in record is evidence of breach.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.100.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.110 542.110 Appeal granted, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.110.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.120 542.120 Recognizance forfeited on failure to prosecute appeal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.120.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.130 542.130 Proceedings on appeal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.130.md)
- [Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.140 542.140 Affray in presence of associate circuit judge.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.140.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MO_C542_S542.040. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.