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What pretrial diversion or drug court programs exist in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Missouri operates the nation's first statewide Treatment Court network under Chapter 478.

1. Pretrial Intervention / Diversion (DA-Run). Each circuit's prosecuting attorney may operate diversion; St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Diversion Program is the largest. No general statute; conditioned on prosecutor consent.

2. Statutory Deferred Adjudication / Judicial Diversion. R.S.Mo. § 557.011 authorizes Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS): court accepts plea but suspends sentencing; successful probation completion = no conviction. Available for most non-violent felonies and misdemeanors.

3. Drug Court (Treatment Court). R.S.Mo. §§ 478.001 to .009 establish Treatment Courts including drug; first established 1993 in Jackson County; statewide certification by Missouri Treatment Courts Coordinating Commission.

4. Veterans Treatment Court. R.S.Mo. § 478.005; veterans courts in 20+ counties.

5. Mental Health Court. R.S.Mo. § 478.001 et seq.; coordinated with Department of Mental Health.

6. DWI Court. R.S.Mo. § 478.007 authorizes DWI courts; ignition interlock under § 302.060.

7. Family Court / Juvenile. Juveniles under Ch. 211; family treatment courts under § 478.001.

8. First-Time-Offender Statute. Expungement under R.S.Mo. § 610.140; SIS completion eligible for expungement after 1 year (misdemeanor) / 3 years (felony) of completion.

9. Effects. SIS completion is not a conviction under Missouri law (though appears on FBI background); diversion completion = dismissal. Federal databases persist.

10. Federal Pretrial Diversion. 18 U.S.C. § 3154; EDMO and WDMO operate PTD.

This is legal information, not legal advice.

When to Talk to a Lawyer
  • You want SIS under § 557.011 rather than SES so completion yields no conviction
  • You need admission to a Treatment Court under Ch. 478
  • You qualify for expungement under § 610.140 after completing SIS
Related Statutes & Laws
  • R.S.Mo. § 557.011
  • R.S.Mo. § 478.001
  • R.S.Mo. § 559.115
  • R.S.Mo. § 610.140

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.