June 3, 2026
Not Guilty Chapter 19 | Post Trial (After Trial)
POST TRIAL (AFTER TRIAL).
Anything to be filed with the court after trial, asking the court to reconsider what may have happened during the court proceedings, are subject to very strict time limits.
Post trial motions.
Post trial motions come in different forms but are generally some kind of a request for the court to reconsider a ruling or decision that has already been made. Post trial motions are often limited to thirty days after a ruling, but it depends on what is being requested. If you are needing something to be reconsidered after trial, do not wait, talk to a lawyer immediately.
Appeals.
The defendant is entitled to file an appeal from a finding of guilty after a trial. There are very specific timelines that apply, and if the defendant fails to meet the timelines, the Court of Appeals will not hear his case. The standard to win an appeal is high, and there are no guarantees, but the Defendant is entitled to try if he desires to do so. The trial court’s judgment is generally considered final after thirty days, and an appeal must generally be filed by ten days after the judgment is final. The court of appeals generally does not tolerate late filings. Appeals are their own topic of litigation that are outside the scope or topic of this book. If you are in a position that you are needing to file an appeal, consult an attorney immediately.
Expungements.
An expungement is the process of having an arrest or conviction sealed, effectively removed, off a person’s record. Under Missouri law, a person is entitled to a very limited number of expungements in their lifetime, and only a limited number of offenses qualify for expungements. Many offenses do not qualify for expungement. Certain criteria must be met, and a lengthy wait period is required after completion of whatever disposition/punishment was assigned to the offense. The person seeking expungement must petition the court and notify all parties involved (the sheriff, the prosecutor, etc.), and formally request the expungement. This information is not intended as exhaustive and does not take the place of the advice of licensed counsel reviewing your situation. Discussing court processes with a lawyer is always in a person’s best interest.
*Disclaimer:
This book is intended as an informational resource regarding the criminal court process in the State of Missouri, not to advise you legally concerning your specific legal situation. This book is not intended to take the place of a skilled and competent attorney. If you or a loved one are facing charges in the criminal courts, you have potential rights at risk, and you need to get an attorney. The choice of an attorney is an important decision, not based on advertising alone. You are not represented by the writers of this book, and the writers of this book are not liable for any reliance on the information in this book. You need to get your own attorney to advise and assist you concerning the specific facts of your situation. This book was written in 2024 concerning Missouri law and does not apply to the laws of other States. Sometimes laws change. Different locations have different practices and local rules. This book is not intended to be exhaustive. If you are in need of an attorney, do not rely on this book, GET A LAWYER!
