Marvin Teer, Jr.

Marvin O. Teer, Jr. is a seasoned legal professional, public servant, and community leader with more than three decades of experience advancing justice, strengthening institutions, and fostering safer communities. As Commissioner of the Office of Violence Prevention, he brings a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, a commitment to collaboration, and a proven track record of leadership across local and state government.

Teer most recently served as Chief Trial Attorney for the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, where he oversaw critical divisions including the Violent Crime Unit, Sexual Assault Unit, and General Felony Unit. In this role, he supervised and mentored attorneys, helped shape prosecutorial strategy, and led the prosecution of complex violent felony cases. His work reflects a career-long dedication to public safety, accountability, and fairness.

Prior to that, Teer served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation, where he presided over hearings, mediated disputes, and issued decisions impacting workers and employers across the state. His judicial experience also includes two full terms as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of St. Louis, where he handled a wide range of cases and contributed to specialty courts addressing housing, mental health, and quality-of-life issues.

Teer has also held key leadership roles focused on community engagement and policy. As Director and General Counsel for the Missouri Office of Community Engagement, established in response to the unrest in Ferguson, he worked to strengthen communication between communities and government while advancing initiatives focused on economic opportunity, youth engagement, and civic participation. His leadership helped support efforts such as job programs, community empowerment initiatives, and the establishment of the Heartland Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis.

Earlier in his career, Teer served as an Assistant Attorney General, Special Prosecutor, and Assistant Circuit Attorney, trying more than 60 felony jury cases, including homicide prosecutions. He also provided counsel to the Missouri Supreme Court and held roles in private practice and civil litigation. Across these positions, he has built a reputation for integrity, legal excellence, and a strong commitment to justice.

A graduate of Lincoln University and the University of Missouri School of Law, Teer has remained deeply engaged in civic and professional organizations. He has served in leadership roles with numerous boards and associations, including as President of the Mound City Bar Association and as a longtime member—and multiple-term president—of the Lincoln University Board of Curators, where he was later named Curator Emeritus.

Throughout his career, Teer has been recognized with numerous awards honoring his service, leadership, and impact, including lifetime achievement honors and community leadership awards from legal, civic, and youth development organizations.

As Commissioner of the Office of Violence Prevention, Teer is committed to advancing data-driven strategies, strengthening partnerships across sectors, and addressing the root causes of violence. His leadership reflects a belief that effective violence prevention requires not only enforcement, but also engagement, opportunity, and trust within the communities served.