Request a New Trial (Trial De Novo)

If you have been found guilty after a trial before a municipal court judge, and you do not agree with the judge's decision, you have the right to appeal to the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court.  

To appeal, you must file an application for Trial De Novo ("new trial") with the municipal court within ten (10) days after the date of the judge’s decision.

If you enter a plea of guilty on your case, you do not have a right to an appeal/trial de novo.

You must submit your application for trial de novo at the court’s customer service window.

When you come to the window, you will need:

• a valid picture ID
• a copy of the municipal judge’s decision and/or the case number of the case you want to appeal

To file for a Trial De Novo follow these steps:

1. Download and fill out the Application. The court also has forms for the application available for completion at the window.
2. Bring the application and $30 filing fee to the customer service window at:
   
   1520 Market Street Suite 1120 
   St. Louis, MO 63103
   Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday except City Holidays  

There is $30.00 filing fee payable when you submit your application at the window.

If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you will have to fill out a form concerning your finances that will be submitted to the circuit court along with your case file. The circuit or associate circuit judge will decide whether to waive payment of the filing fee based on your financial situation.

After you file your application for a trial de novo, the court will transmit your case to the circuit court within fifteen (15) days. After your case has been transferred the circuit court will contact you by mail with further instructions.

As always it is important that your keep current contact information on file. You must comply with all instructions from the Circuit Court and attend all scheduled hearings.