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Table of Contents Divisions ........................................................................... ……..3 Court Administrator’s Introduction ............................................ 4 Court Organization Chart ............................................................ 7 Courtwide Filings ....................................................................... 8 Civil ............................................................................................. 9 Circuit Civil and Associate Circuit Civil ............................ 10 Performance Measures ................................... 14 Domestic Relations/Domestic Violence ............................ 16 Performance Measures .................................. 19 Criminal ................................................................................... 20 Felonies and Misdemeanors ............................................... 21 Performance Measures .................................. 25 Traffic/Municipal Appeals .................................................. 27 Drug Treatment Court ......................................................... 29 Probate ...................................................................................... 31 Family Court ............................................................................. 35 Civil Process ............................................................................. 38 Jury ............................................................................................ 40 16th Circuit and St Louis Comparisons .................................... 42
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Presiding Judge Presiding Judge Circuit Judge Jus ne E. Del MuroCircuit Judge Jus ne E. Del Muro Division 1Division 1 Circuit Judge Sandra C. MidkiffCircuit Judge Sandra C. Midkiff Division 2Division 2 Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Garre IIICircuit Judge Kenneth R. Garre III Division 3Division 3 Circuit Judge David M. ByrnCircuit Judge David M. Byrn Division 4Division 4 Circuit Judge Jus ne E. Del MuroCircuit Judge Jus ne E. Del Muro Division 5Division 5 Circuit Judge James F. KanatzarCircuit Judge James F. Kanatzar Division 6Division 6 Circuit Judge J. Dale YoungsCircuit Judge J. Dale Youngs Division 7Division 7 Circuit Judge S. Margene BurneCircuit Judge S. Margene Burne Division 8Division 8 Circuit Judge Bryan E. RoundCircuit Judge Bryan E. Round Division 9Division 9 Circuit Judge Joel F. FahnestockCircuit Judge Joel F. Fahnestock Division 10Division 10 Circuit Judge Patrick W. CampbellCircuit Judge Patrick W. Campbell Division 11Division 11 Circuit Judge W. Brent PowellCircuit Judge W. Brent Powell Division 12Division 12 Circuit Judge Jennifer M. PhillipsCircuit Judge Jennifer M. Phillips Division 13Division 13 Circuit Judge Charles H. McKenzieCircuit Judge Charles H. McKenzie Division 14Division 14 Circuit Judge John M.TorrenceCircuit Judge John M.Torrence Division 15Division 15 Circuit Judge Robert M. SchieberCircuit Judge Robert M. Schieber Division 16Division 16 Circuit Judge Marco A. RoldanCircuit Judge Marco A. Roldan Division 17Division 17 Circuit Judge Jack R. GrateCircuit Judge Jack R. Grate Division 18Division 18 Circuit Judge Kevin D. HarrellCircuit Judge Kevin D. Harrell Division 19Division 19 Circuit Judge Kathleen A. ForsythCircuit Judge Kathleen A. Forsyth
Commissioner Sco R. ManuelCommissioner Sco R. Manuel
Dep. Commissioner Mark A. Styles, Jr.Dep. Commissioner Mark A. Styles, Jr. Division 25Division 25 Associate Circuit Judge Richard T. StandridgeAssociate Circuit Judge Richard T. Standridge Division 26Division 26 Associate Circuit Judge Jalilah O oAssociate Circuit Judge Jalilah O o Division 27Division 27 Associate Circuit Judge Gregory B. GillisAssociate Circuit Judge Gregory B. Gillis Division 28Division 28 Associate Circuit Judge Jeffrey C. KealAssociate Circuit Judge Jeffrey C. Keal Division 29Division 29 Associate Circuit Judge Jane e K. RodecapAssociate Circuit Judge Jane e K. Rodecap Division 30Division 30 Associate Circuit Judge Twila K. RigbyAssociate Circuit Judge Twila K. Rigby Division 31 Division 31 Associate Circuit Judge Mary F. WeirAssociate Circuit Judge Mary F. Weir Division 32Division 32 Associate Circuit Judge Robert L. TroutAssociate Circuit Judge Robert L. Trout Division 33Division 33 Associate Circuit Judge Jeffrey L. BushurAssociate Circuit Judge Jeffrey L. Bushur Division 40Division 40 Commissioner Geoffrey AllenCommissioner Geoffrey Allen Division 41Division 41 Commissioner Mar na L. PetersonCommissioner Mar na L. Peterson Division 42 Division 42 Commissioner Sherrill L. RosenCommissioner Sherrill L. Rosen Division 43Division 43 Commissioner Susan E. LongCommissioner Susan E. Long Division 44Division 44 Commissioner Molly M.MerriganCommissioner Molly M.Merrigan Division 50Division 50 Commissioner David J. FryCommissioner David J. Fry
Court AdministratorCourt Administrator Jeff EisenbeisJeff Eisenbeis Deputy Court Admin./Family Court ServicesDeputy Court Admin./Family Court Services Mary A. MarquezMary A. Marquez Deputy Court Admin./Jury SupervisorDeputy Court Admin./Jury Supervisor Tracy L. SmedleyTracy L. Smedley
16th Ju
dicial C
ircuit
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2014 was a typically busy and challenging year; nevertheless, the Court
continued to perform its critical functions of resolving disputes and providing access to justice in an effective and efficient manner, which it was able to do because of a dedicated, hard-working, and professional judiciary and staff.
2014 finally brought some stability as the Court experienced minimal
judicial officer and key personnel turnover as compared to 2012 and 2013. There were 63,601 cases filed in the 16th Judicial Circuit in 2014, down slight-ly from 2013. Unfortunately, we still struggled to maintain clearance and time-to-disposition rates that we would prefer, largely because of the numerous judicial vacancies over the two prior years; however, our Court did as well or better than the other two large metropolitan courts in Missouri in all but one area. According to the Missouri Judicial Workload Study, the 16th Circuit’s workload demands 3 additional judicial officers. We are hopeful that the current legislative session will result in the allocation of one additional associate circuit judge which will take the pressure off the existing associate circuit divisions.
As mentioned in the last two reports, the Court implemented the
Missouri electronic filing system in 2013. Our Court was the first large metropolitan court in Missouri to implement electronic filing. As of this writing (March 4, 2015), the court has processed just under 620,000 electronic filings! However, e-Filing is not a perfect system and significant challenges remain for Criminal Records because the initial filings remain as paper filings. In addition, the lack of capability for agency filings (e.g. Missouri Children’s Division, Probation and Parole, and others) continues to challenge us by essentially forcing a hybrid electronic-paper system.
Civil filings have declined slightly, with the greatest number of cases
being suits on account, suits for breach of contract, and rent and possession. Over the last five years, circuit civil and associate civil filings are down by 14% and 26% respectively. Domestic relations case filings have decreased by 1% over the last year and 17% over the past five years. Domestic violence filings were unchanged from 2013, but do show a 7% decrease over the past five years.
Criminal filings increased sharply from 2013 to 2014 with felony and
misdemeanor filings increasing by 11% and 23% respectively; however, the felony filings are still 13% less than they were five years ago.
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The number of jury trials increased by 20% in 2014 but is still 11% lower than it was in 2010. Thirty-three of the jury trials were held at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse while one hundred and one jury trials were held at the downtown KC Courthouse.
Juvenile delinquency filings were up slightly (3%) unlike the adult
criminal filings which were up significantly. Child abuse and neglect filings, and termination of parental rights filings were stable with child abuse and neglect at around one thousand while adoption filings increased 14%. Attendance at parent education programs offered by Family Court Resource Services has increased by 17% over 2013. The Family Court has been diligently working with the Casey Family Foundation on the Judicial Engagement Program. This initiative is designed to safely reduce the num-ber of children removed from their homes. The Jackson County Family Court continues to be on the leading edge of family and juvenile justice. The Court is extremely proud of the work of its Family Court.
Non-abbreviated probate matters filings decreased by 8% and abbre-
viated matters decreased by 20% while decedent estate filings and guardi-an/conservatorship filings decreased by 26%. Mental health filings were up 22% and all filings except abbreviated probate matters are at levels above where they were five years ago.
Civil Process. As one would expect with declining case numbers,
the numbers of pre- and post-judgment papers served were down 13% and 10% respectively, while the delinquent land tax sale conducted by the Court resulted in $2.36 Million in sales, about 75% higher than sales in 2010.
Please see the pages following this section for details regarding case
categories, case types, charges, performance standards, and other details. The Court has continued its efforts to be a good steward of public
funds and other resources. The Court underwent a performance audit from May through September which was performed by the Missouri State Audi-tor. The Court has also awarded a contract for independent annual finan-cial audits which will also strengthen our procedures and practices.
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2015 will be another busy year as we continue to improve our pro-grams and services and undergo the major renovation of the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse which began in late 2014. This project will enable the Court to transfer a circuit division from the western venue to the eastern venue by mid-2015 and will also provide courtroom space to allow for a more frequent probate presence as well as developing additional courtroom space to accommodate the anticipated addition of a new associate circuit di-vision in the eastern venue. I join the entire Court staff in looking forward to meeting those challenges and continuing to “Serve the Community through the Rule of Law” as this Court has done for more than 180 years!
Jeffrey A. Eisenbeis Court Administrator
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C
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Manager, Case Assessment Unit (Matthew Roberts)
Budget & Fiscal Operations Officer (FC)
(Roy Fairchild)
Director, Assessment & Development Services
(Dr. Pamela Behle)
Director, Field Services(Theresa Byrd)
Director, Residential Services
(Diana Turner)
Director, Family Court Resource Services
(Karen Brown)
Director, Support Services
(David Rose)
Director, Office of the Guardian ad litem
(Katherine Rodgers)
Director, Legal Services(William Jackson)
Director, Division Supportand Training
(Mary Ann McClure)
Director, Civil Records(Vacant)
Director, Criminal Records(Verna Proctor)
Director, Civil Process(Jonni Wright)
Jury(Tracy Smedley)
Director, Probate Records(Georgia Proctor) Director, Human Resources
(Lesa Auld)
Legal Counsel(Harlene Hipsh)
Budget and FiscalOperations Officer (CC)
(Cynthia Freeman)
Director, Court Services(Chad Mitchell)
Director, Fiscal Office(Case Accounting)(Roselyn Turner)
Director, Information Technology
(Wayne Terry)
Management Analyst(Mary Cullom)
Public Information Officer(Valerie Hartman)
Presiding Judge(Marco A. Roldan)Court en banc
Family Court Administrative Judge
(John Torrence)
16th Judicial Circuit of Missouri – Jackson County
Court Administration
Court Administrator(Jeffrey A. Eisenbeis
DCA Circuit Court &Jury Supervisor(Tracy Smedley)
Office of Court Administrator
(Jeffrey A. Eisenbeis)
Director, Family Court Services
(Mary Marquez)
Juvenile Officer & Director,Legal Services
(William Jackson)
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*Note: Criminal Traffic includes both the initial Associate felony filing plus the felony filing in Circuit if the defendant is indicted or is bound over from Associate Circuit.
30,13647%
15,05124%
12,85720%
1,8943%
3,6636%
PROBATE
FAMILY COURT
DOMESTIC
CIVIL
CRIMINAL/TRAFFIC
COURTWIDE FILINGS
Case D
istribu
tion of 2014 F
ilings
Case D
istribu
tion of 2014 F
ilings
Case D
istribu
tion of 2014 F
ilings
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C
ivilC
ivilC
ivil In 2014, the State Auditor’s Office performed a Court audit, and plans were made to resume annual audits by an outside firm, commencing in 2015. A major milestone for Civil Records was being "Audit Ready”. The Civil Records management team met several times to review all of the financial procedures and to implement Internal Controls. All finan-cial areas were assessed for possible risks. The staff was challenged to "think outside the box" in order to continue processing work effi-ciently while maintaining internal controls. Courtwide, a Financial Task Force was created to perform a financial clean up. Civil Records loaned three clerks to the Force. During the one year following the implementation of e-Filing, Civil Rec-ords has worked through many workflow and staffing challenges. 2014 marked the one year anniversary for e-Filing in both the Inde-pendence and Kansas City locations. There were 259,000 electronic submissions to Civil Records in 2014, 21,600 monthly. The clerks and attorneys continue to believe the e-Filing process is very efficient. There were challenges Civil Records embraced even while going through a reduction in staff. Civil Records lost several positions due to the State’s clerical weighted workload study, which required several areas to be realigned in order to secure the best workflow. Although attorneys are required to e-File in Civil Records, there are still some documents and some case types that are filed in paper. These include all Pro Se filings and Adult Abuse cases. The paper fil-ings are entered in JIS and scanned within 1-2 days to incorporate them into electronic records.
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ircuit C
ivil and
Associate C
ircuit C
ivilC
ircuit C
ivil and
Associate C
ircuit C
ivilC
ircuit C
ivil and
Associate C
ircuit C
ivil
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Circuit Civil filings decreased 6% court wide,
but disposi ons increased 7%. The greatest percentage of Circuit Civil filings con nued to be Personal Injury—Vehicular (16.2%), followed by Breach of Contract (9.6%). Associate Circuit Civil filings decreased 7%
and disposi ons decreased 9%. The greatest percentages of Associate Circuit
Civil filings con nued to be for Suits on Account (23.6%), followed by suits for Breach of Contract (23.0%), and for Rent and Possession (22.1%) . Jury trials in Circuit Civil cases have increased 18%, and bench trials have increased 93%.
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Circuit Civil filings have decreased 14%, and disposi ons have decreased 4%. Associate Circuit Civil filings
have decreased 26%, and disposi ons have decreased 23%. Jury trials in Circuit Civil cases
have decreased 5%, with a 159% increase in bench trials.
Pending caseloads have decreased 8% for Circuit Civil and 27% for Associate Circuit Civil.
Note: Figures for jury trial disposi ons are captured as recorded in JIS. The trial numbers exclude jury trials that end in se lements, directed verdicts or mistrials.
Circuit Civil 2010 2013 2014 Filings 4,012 3,667 3,454 Dispositions 3,925 3,539 3,783 Jury Trials 62 50 59 Court Trials 170 228 440 Pending Cases 12/31 3,388 3,196 2,803
Associate Circuit Civil 2010 2013 2014 Filings 35,952 28,737 26,682 Dispositions 36,053 30,716 27,849 Jury Trials 7 3 7 Court Trials 3,003 1,259 2,594 Pending Cases 12/31 11,455 8,363 6,985
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ircuit C
ivilC
ircuit C
ivil and
Associate C
ircuit C
ivilC
ircuit C
ivil and
Associate C
ircuit C
ivil
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it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
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ssociate Circu
it Civil
CIRCUIT CIVIL FILINGS BY CASE TYPE
Nature of Action 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
* **
Pers Injury-Vehicular 514 511 471 599 558 16.2% Breach of Contract 465 394 338 377 330 9.6% Pers Injury-Other 336 340 314 302 317 9.2% Other Tort 380 237 244 277 252 7.3% Other Miscellaneous Actions 184 192 250 196 205 5.9% Employmnt Discrmntn 213.111 188 177 235 191 189 5.5% Quiet Title 108 77 116 119 127 3.7% Replevin 96 88 72 94 121 3.5% Pers Injury-Malpractice 103 111 93 119 103 3.0% Wrongful Death 100 111 120 75 98 2.8% Contract-Other 66 57 51 109 89 2.6% Suit on Account 112 69 58 97 91 2.6% Declaratory Judgment 95 59 64 67 81 2.3% Motn, Rules 29.15 or 24.035 120 105 113 83 75 2.2% Reg Foreign Jgmt (excl DR) 122 96 131 118 75 2.2% Property Damage 40 35 40 58 68 2.0% Small Claims Trial de Novo 42 52 53 72 66 1.9% Other Real Estate Actions 115 115 88 75 57 1.7% CAFA Forfeit 513.600-513.64 62 54 64 89 58 1.7% Promissory Note 125 134 88 68 51 1.5% Trial de Novo 52 44 55 58 45 1.3% Out of State Witness 76 61 58 51 37 1.1% Injunction 52 27 33 41 36 1.0% Other Administrative Review 49 30 44 45 34 1.0% Other Filings 410 249 278 287 291 8.4%
4,012 3,425 3,471 3,667 3,454 100.0% * Number filings 2014
**Percentage of 2014 filings
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it Civil an
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ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
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it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
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it Civil
ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT CIVIL FILINGS BY CASE TYPE Nature of Action 2010 2011 2012 2013 * 2014 **
Suit on Account 10,971 10,926 10,698 7,554 6,302 23.6% Breach of Contract 8,294 5,764 5,400 6,343 6,144 23.0% Rent and Possession 5,678 5,115 5,031 5,559 5,882 22.1% Landlord Complaint 2,198 3,034 3,159 2,660 2,339 8.8% Small Claims over $100 1,198 1,074 1,229 1,041 1,070 4.0% Contract-Other 401 296 244 871 1,052 3.9% Unlawful Detainer 1,866 1,740 1,625 1,243 979 3.7% Delinquent Taxes 1,682 974 765 556 684 2.6% Refus Breath 302.750/577.04 593 579 542 550 525 2.0% Property Damage 611 548 516 559 460 1.7% Promissory Note 1,348 1,317 1,406 844 380 1.4% Reg of Foreign Judgment 391 334 334 260 256 1.0% Misc Associate Civil-Other 112 150 164 131 167 0.6% DL Revoc Rvw 302.311 RSMo 57 40 23 65 84 0.3% Other Tort 129 39 68 88 62 0.2% Pers Injury-Vehicular 84 68 117 117 52 0.2% Declaratory Judgment 25 28 36 29 51 0.2% Limit Dr Priv 302.309 RSMo 21 28 26 32 44 0.2% Replevin 119 101 135 65 33 0.1% Other Administrative Review 5 17 19 41 30 0.1% Conceal Carry Appeal 571.114 14 22 22 28 21 0.1% Pers Injury-Other 20 7 17 18 18 0.1% Quiet Title 34 40 39 18 18 0.1% Expunge/Correct Arrest Rec 28 24 24 35 16 0.1% Other Real Estate Actions 73 29 15 30 13 0.0%
35,952 32,294 31,654 28,737 26,682 100.1% * Number filings 2014
**Percentage of 2014 filings
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Circu
it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
The chart above shows the percentage of pending cases on December 31 of each calendar year that are within the time standards. Only 92% of the Circuit Civil cases pending on 12/31/2014 had been filed for less than 30 months where 96% of the Associate Circuit Civil cases pending on that date
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
95%
97%
99%98%
95%
97%
98% 99%
97%97%
TIME TO DISPOSITION
Circuit Civil Associate Circuit Civil
96%
90%
95%
93%
96%
92%
92%
81%
97%
92%
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Percentage of Caseload on 12/31 within Time Standards
Circuit Civil Associate Circuit Civil
Time standards for Circuit Civil cases are the disposition of 95% within 30 months. For Associate Circuit Civil cases, the standard is the disposition of 95% of cases within 12 months. The chart above shows the % of cases dis-posed within these time standards for the calendar years. Both Circuit Civil and Associate Civil cases met or exceeded the time standards in 2014.
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Circu
it Civil an
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ssociate Circu
it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
d A
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it Civil
Circu
it Civil an
d A
ssociate Circu
it Civil
CLEARANCE RATES equal the ratio of dispositions to filings. A clearance rate of 100% is obtained when the number of cases disposed in the year equals the number of cases filed in that year. In 2014, more Civil cases were disposed than were filed. Note: With regard to the low clearance rates in 2012 and in 2013, the Court had multiple judicial vacancies.
90%
95%
100%
105%
110%
115%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
CLEARANCE RATES
Circuit Civil Associate Circuit Civil
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D
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
Dom
estic Relation
s/Dom
estic Violen
ceD
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Domes c Rela ons case filings
decreased 1% and Domes c Violence filings were unchanged. Pro se filings for dissolu ons
with children decreased 9% , and pro se filings for dissolu ons without children increased 3%.
As a percentage of DV filings, 58% of cases filed in 2014 had ex parte orders issued compared to 60% in 2013.
As a percentage of filings, 20% of cases filed in 2014 had full or‐ders of protec on entered as compared to 19% in 2013.
There were 12% fewer bench trials in Domes c Rela ons cases in 2014.
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Domes c Rela ons case filings
decreased 17% and Domes c Vi‐olence filings decreased 7%.
Pro se filings for dissolu ons with children decreased 11% , and pro se filings for dissolu ons without children increased 11%.
Ex parte orders of protec on were entered in 58% of the Do‐mes c Violence cases filed in 2014 as compared to 67% of the filings in 2010.
Full orders of protec on were entered in 20% of the DV cases filed in 2014 compared to 22% of the cases filed in 2010. There were 34% fewer bench trials in Domes c Rela ons cases during 2014.
Domestic Relations 2010 2013 2014 Filings 7,493 6,278 6,196 Dispositions 7,000 6,208 6,205 Court Trials 1,098 825 722 Pending Cases 12/31 4,526 3,728 4,117
Domestic Violence 2010 2013 2014 Filings 7,201 6,671 6,661 Dispositions 7,032 6,946 703
Ex Parte Orders of Protection 4,793 4,022 3,894 Full Orders of Protection 1,571 1,300 1,365 Pending Cases 12/31 176 436 584
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D
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
Dom
estic Relation
s/Dom
estic Violen
ceD
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
3,388
3,749
3,068
3,071
3,113
4,105
4,943
3,301
3,207
3,083
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Domestic Relations Filings
Kansas City Filings Independence Filings
5,1705,022 5,096 4,720
4,700
1,430 1,412 1,309 1,367 1,227600 559 640 580 734
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Domestic Violence Filings by Category
Adult Abuse Adult Abuse with Stalking Child Abuse
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D
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
Dom
estic Relation
s/Dom
estic Violen
ceD
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
324 288 325 319 289
1,2041,067 1,179 1,281
894
Dissolutions w/ Children Filings
Remainder Pro Se Filings
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
522 554 581 562 580
1,250 1,181 1,146 1,434859
Dissolutions w/o Children Filings
Pro Se Filings Remainder
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D
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
Dom
estic Relation
s/Dom
estic Violen
ceD
omestic R
elations/D
omestic V
iolence
12/31/2010
12/31/3011
12/31/2012
12/31/2013
12/31/2014
81%
79%
73%
75%
75%
Age of Pending Caseload Within Time Standards on December 31
90%
93%
96%
90%88%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Time to Disposition
99%99% 104% 101% 99%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Clearance Rate
The time standard for Domestic (including DV ) cases is 95% disposed within 14 months of filing. The top 2 charts show what percentage of disposed cases met this standard in the 5 calendar years shown and the percentage of pend-ing cases on December 31 of each year that were within the time standard. The last chart compares the disposed cases for the year with the filings.
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rimin
alC
rimin
alC
rimin
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During 2014 , Criminal Records continued a dedicated cleanup of finan-cial records that predate the JIS implementation . Reflecting items high-lighted by the performance audit of the State of Missouri in 2014 and in preparation for a financial audit in 2015, internal controls and supporting procedures were developed and implemented. Although the initiation of criminal cases and all filings in traffic cases con-tinue to be by paper, all other filings were electronic during 2014. In the calendar year, there were 31,578 total filings submitted electronically. The design , implementation and testing of an electronic search warrant system commenced in 2014. This system is now in use by all law en-forcement agencies applying to the Circuit Court for search warrants. Finally, in 2014, work commenced on an electronic arrest warrant project with REJIS. When completed, it will permit the transmission of arrest warrants and of recalled arrest warrants electronically to all local law en-forcement agencies other than the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Inde-pendence Police Department. Return information will be provided in an electronic report. The objective of the project is to expedite the flow of information regarding arrest warrants. The actual data entry into JIS will continue to be performed by Criminal Records.
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elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
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isdem
eanors
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Felony filings decreased 13%,
and felony dispositions decreased 27%.
Misdemeanor filings increased 7%, but dispositions decreased 15%.
Recorded jury trials for felonies in 2014 increased 2% over 2010; bench trials were unchanged in number.
Note: Felony filing numbers are ini al filings only and felony disposi ons do not include bind overs or indictments. Figures for jury trials are captured as recorded in JIS. The trial numbers exclude jury trials that end in pleas or mistrials.
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Felony filings increased 11%, but
disposi ons decreased 20%. Misdemeanor filings increased 23%
and misdemeanor disposi ons in‐creased 6%.
The number of search warrants is‐sued have decreased 17%..
Recorded jury trials for felonies in 2014 increased 44% over 2013; bench trials increased 11%.
Felonies 2010 2013 2014 Filings 4,486 3,513 3,891 Dispositions 4,219 3,843 3,071 Jury Trials 48 34 49 Court Trials 10 9 10 Pending 12/31 5,195 5,314 5,602
Misdemeanors 2010 2013 2014 Filings 3,690 3,208 3,949 Dispositions 4,533 3,615 3,842 Court Trials 24 21 21 Jury Trials 2 0 2 Pending 12/31 6,083 5,325 5,471
Search Warrants 2010 2013 2014 Filings 1,296 1,556 1,264 Dispositions 1,285 1,524 1,259
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Note: Figures for jury trial disposi‐ons are captured from division law
clerk reports. Municipal Appeals jury trials are included. The trial numbers include jury trials that end in se lements, directed verdicts or
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
ors
1,787 1,780 2,0001,502 1,525
2,699 2,7152,536
1,9872,366
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Felony Filings
Independence Kansas City
2,573
3,003
2,942
2,969
3,631
1,117
617
591
239
318
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Misdemeanor Filings
Kansas City Independence
17
86
1116
4640 40
31
46
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Criminal Jury Trials 2010 -2014Independence
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Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
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isdem
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FELONY FILINGS BY CHARGE CODE
CHARGE#
CASES %
Possess Controlled Substance 765 20%
Theft/Stealing > $500 < $25000 287 7%Tamper - 1st / Motr Veh 256 7%Burglary 2nd Degree 231 6%Forgery 191 5%Dwi--Alcohol--Persistent Offen 190 5%pW/Int 125 3%Dom Aslt- 2nd Deg 122 3%*Disc-Unlawful Use Weapon-s 107 3%Robbery 1st Degree 98 3%DWR/DWS 84 2%Dwi-Alcohol Aggrvatd Offndr 83 2%Burglary 1st Degree 77 2%Passing Bad Check $500 Or > 75 2%Resist Arrest/Detent/Stop 68 2%Dwi-Alcohol Chronic Offndr 67 2%Receiving Stolen Property 61 2%Robbery 2nd Degree 55 1%Assault 1st Deg-Serious Injury 42 1%Possession Of Firearm 41 1%Assault 1st Degree 35 1%
Assault 2nd Degree 35 1%UUW-Sbsct 1-Carries 32 1%Sub 31 1%Murder 2nd Degree 30 1%Property Damage 1st Degree 30 1%Dom Aslt- 1st Deg 29 1%Dom Aslt 1st Deg Ser Physi Inj 24 1%Theft/Stealing-Value < $500 23 1%Stealing A Motor Vehicle 23 1%Fl To Register As Sex Offndr 20 1%Abuse/Neglect Of A Child 20 1%Fugitive From Out Of State 20 1%
Remaining Cases and Charges 514 13%
3,891 100%
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eanors
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
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isdem
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MISDEMEANOR FILINGS BY CHARGE CODE
2014 CHARGE # CASES %
Owr/Optr Opr MV Wtht Fnl Rspby 780 20% DWR/DWS - 1st Offense 491 12% Failure To Register Motor Veh 488 12% Dwi--Alcohol 416 11% Oper MV W/O Valid DL - 1st Off 249 6% Oper Veh Wth Poor Brakes 233 6%
DWR/DWS - 2nd Or Subsqt Offens 136 3% Possess Up To 35 Grms Marijuan 114 3% Oper Veh W/ Vision Reducng Mtr 98 2% Unlawfl Use Of Drug Parphrnlia 73 2% Fail To Drv Within Single Lane 61 2% Op Othrs MV W/ No Financl Resp 59 1% Violate Adult Protection Order 55 1% Fail To Drive On Rght 1/2 Rdwy 52 1% Dwi--Alcohol--Prior Offender 44 1% Trespassing-2nd Degree 41 1% Pass Bad Check < $500 34 1% Fail To Drv W/I Right Lane 25 1% Fail To Place Veh Rght Of Hwy 25 1% Theft/Stealing-Value < $500 22 1% Remaining Cases and Charges 453 11%
3,949 100%
25
25
F
elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
92%95%
98%93%
88%87%92% 93% 91% 90%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
TIME TO DISPOSITION
Circuit Felony Associate Criminal
95% Time to Disposition and 95% Age of Pending Cases represent the Mis-souri Time Standards which require 95% of Circuit Criminal Cases be dis-posed within 420 days of filing and require 95% of Associate Circuit Cases be disposed within 240 days of filing.
75%
71%
70%
66%
84%
72%
81%
84%
79%
85%
60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
AGE OF PENDING CASES ON 12/31
Associate Criminal Circuit Felony
26
26
F
elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
Felon
ies and
Misd
emean
orsF
elonies an
d M
isdem
eanors
A clearance rate of 100% equates to cases disposition numbers matching case filings. Less than 100% means adding to backlogged cases; more than 100%, backlogs (pending cases) are decreasing. The backlog of Criminal cases has been increasing in recent years.
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
105%
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
CLEARANCE RATES
Circuit Felony Associate Criminal
For the purpose of these performance measures, the Circuit Felony category includes circuit felonies, circuit misdemeanors, and circuit municipal appeals. The Associate Criminal category includes associate circuit felonies, associate circuit misdemeanors, and associate circuit municipal appeals.
27
27
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Traffic case filings increased
40%. Municipal Appeals case filings
decreased 38%. Traffic dispositions increased
15%, and pending Traffic cases at the end of 2014 decreased 4%.
Municipal Appeals case
dispositions decreased 40%, and pending caseloads for Municipal Appeals at the end of 2014 decreased 32%.
Traffic/ M
un
icipal A
pp
ealsT
raffic/ Mu
nicip
al Ap
peals
Traffic/ M
un
icipal A
pp
eals
Note: Figures for jury trial disposi ons are captured as recorded in JIS. The trial numbers exclude jury trials that end in se lements, directed verdicts or mistrials.
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Traffic case filings decreased 2%. Municipal appeals case filings decreased 7%. Traffic dispositions decreased 14%,
and pending traffic cases at the end of 2014 decreased 1%.
The number of Municipal Appeals
disposed increased 1%, and pending caseloads for municipal appeals at the end of 2014 decreased 4%.
Traffic 2010 2013 2014 Filings 2,770 3,937 3871 Dispositions 3,458 4,654 3,983 Court Trials 22 19 21 Jury Trials 0 0 2 Pending 12/31 4,309 4,180 4,138
Municipal Appeals 2010 2013 2014 Filings 389 260 242 Dispositions 432 258 261 Jury Trials 2 5 1 Court Trials 32 29 23 Pending 12/31 158 113 108
28
28
T
raffic/ Mu
nicip
al Ap
peals
Traffic/ M
un
icipal A
pp
ealsT
raffic/ Mu
nicip
al Ap
peals
2,770
3,276
4,199
3,935
3,871
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Traffic Filings
94
104
108
98
75
295
134
213
162
167
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Municipal Appeals Filings
Kansas City Independence
29
29
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Filings increased 18%. Drug felony filings increased
from 25% of all felony filings in 2010 to 33% of all felony filings in 2014, and the drug-related felonies referred to Drug Court increased from 21% in 2010 to 28% in 2014.
Treatment court cases closed
decreased 33%. Participants who successfully
graduated the Drug Court pro-gram decreased 30%.
The defendants in Drug Court
at the end of 2014 increased 45%.
Dru
g Treatm
ent C
ourt
Dru
g Treatm
ent C
ourt
Dru
g Treatm
ent C
ourt
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Filings in the Drug Treatment Court
increased 8%. The percentage of drug-related felony
filings increased from 19% in 2013 to 33% in 2014, but the percentage of those cases transferred to the Drug Court decreased from 38% in 2013 to 28% in 2014.
Treatment court cases closed decreased
8%. Participants who successfully graduat-
ed the Drug Court program decreased 5%..
The defendants in Drug Court at the
end of 2014 increased 6%.
Drug Court 2010 2013 2014 Filings 231 251 272 % Drug Court Filings to Drug-Related Felony Filings* 21% 38% 28% % Drug-Related Felony Filings to All Felony Filings** 25% 19% 33% Dispositions 366 264 244 Successfully Completed 222 163 155 Pending 12/31 394 539 572
* % Drug Court Filing to Drug-Related Felony Filings is the number of cases diverted to Drug Court compared to the total criminal filings with one or more drug charges at the felony level. ** % Drug-Related Felony Filings to All Felony Filings is the percentage of felonies with drug charges compared to the total felony filings for the year.
30
30
D
rug T
reatmen
t Cou
rtD
rug T
reatmen
t Cou
rtD
rug T
reatmen
t Cou
rt
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
231 291 302 251 272
1,1021,309
1,159
652
955
Filings
Drug Court Drug-Related Felonies
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1,102
1,309
1,159
652
955
3,384
3,160
3,377
2,837
2,936
Filings
Other Felonies Drug-Related Felonies
31
31
P
robate
Prob
ateP
robate
During 2014, Commissioner Scott Manuel and Deputy Commissioner Mark Styles, Jr. joined our judicial team. The Records Offices continued to prepare, scan and destroy existing case files while e-Filing gained momentum. There were 22,876 electronic sub-missions to Probate in 2014. In addition, with the assistance of the court’s IT Department, the current settlement forms were moved into Excel spread-sheets making them more user friendly and enabling auditors to export them into work files making settlements easier to audit. Probate is looking forward to the renovations currently underway at the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse which will provide better accommoda-tions for Records staff and will provide a courtroom to allow Commission-ers to hear dockets five days a week instead of only on Mondays.
32
32
P
robate
Prob
ateP
robate
Comparing 2014 to 2013: Filings of non-abbreviated probate
matters decreased 8%. Although decedent estate filings
increased 6% , the number of guardianship/conservatorship fil-ings decreased 26%.
Dispositions increased 25%, and
the number of cases pending at the end of 2014 decreased 2%.
Mental health filings increased
22%; abbreviated probate matters decreased 20%.
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Filings of non-abbreviated probate
matters increased 2%. Decedent estate filings increased
6%; the number of guardianship/conservatorship filings decreased 1%.
Dispositions increased 2% , and
cases pending at the end of 2014 increased 33%.
Mental health filings increased
12%; abbreviated probate matters filed decreased 4%.
Probate 2010 2013 2014 Filings 1,441 1,585 1,463 Dispositions 1,534 1,257 1,571 Pending 12/31 5,632 7,623 7,507 Abbreviated Probate Matters 2,282 2,762 2,200 Mental Health Matters 208 191 233 Decedent Estates Filed 442 440 468 Adult Guardian/Conservator 316 373 318 Minor Guardian/Conservator 391 578 384
33
33
P
robate
Prob
ate P
robate
470551 587 545 558
975 1,0371,011
1,035905
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Probate Filings
Independence Kansas City
44
2
48
9
48
2
43
8
46
8
79
1 89
7
93
8
95
1
76
2
20
8
19
6
17
3
19
1
23
3
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Probate Filings (Estates, Guardianships, Mental Health Petitions)
Decedents' EstatesGuardianships/ConservatorshipsMental Health/Involuntary Detention
34
34
P
robate
Prob
ate P
robate
600
697
699
727
539
1,682
1,689
1,937
2,0351,661
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Abbreviated Probate Filings
Kansas City Independence
45
8 54
0
40
8
43
3 511
68
8 82
3
62
0
63
6 82
6
38
8
19
1
16
6
18
3
23
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Probate Dispositions (Estates, Guardianships, Mental Health Petitions)
Decedents' EstatesGuardianships/Conservatorships
35
35
F
amily C
ourt
Fam
ily Cou
rtF
amily C
ourt
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Formal filings increased 1%, adoptions
filings increasing 14%. Delinquency filings increased 3%, but
formal filings on felony charges de-creased 6%.
Referrals increased 4%, status referrals increasing 71%. Certification filings decreased 28%, and,
of those, cases certified decreased 69%. People utilizing Family Court Resource
Services increased 12%.
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Formal filings decreased 4%, status offense filings declining 41% and termination of parental rights decreasing 30%. Delinquency filings decreased 17%, and Formal filings on felony charges decreased 15%. Referrals decreased 12%, status referrals
decreasing 29%. Certification filings decreased 12%; cases
certified decreased 76%. People utilizing Family Court Resource
Services increased 17%.
Filings by Person (Motions to Modify included) 2010 2013 2014 Abuse-Neglect 1,029 1,014 1,023 Delinquency 438 355 365
Status Offenses 56 35 33 Adoptions 333 356 407
Termination Parental Rights 154 113 108
Referrals 2010 2013 2014 Abuse-Neglect 1,293 1,304 1,256 Delinquency 1,533 1,150 1,264 Status Offenses 133 55 94
Delinquency Formal Filings by Level of Offense 2010 2013 2014 Felony 287 259 244 Misdemeanor 150 96 121 Infraction 1 1 0
Certifications 2010 2013 2014 Filings 59 64 46
Cases Certified 17 13 4
Programs and Services 2010 2013 2014 Prevention & Diversion 1,467, 744 795 Youth Ordered to Probation 262 192 198 Detention Admissions 570 444 378 Resource Services 5,103 5,346 5,973
36
36
F
amily C
ourt
Fam
ily Cou
rtF
amily C
ourt
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Formal Filings by Person(includes Motions to Modify)
Abuse-Neglect DelinquencyStatus Offenses AdoptionsTermination Parental Rights
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Delinquency Formal Filings By Charge Level
Felony Misdemeanor Infraction
37
37
F
amily C
ourt
Fam
ily Cou
rt F
amily C
ourt
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Programs and Services
Prevention & Diversion Probation Services
Admissions to Detention Family Court Resource Services
0 1,000 2,000 3,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Family Court Resource ServicesParent Awareness Courses Scheduled Supervised Visits
Scheduled Exchanges Mediation Referrals
Other Programs and Services
38
38
C
ivil Process
Civil P
rocessC
ivil Process Comparing 2014 to 2013:
13% fewer pre-judgment papers
were received for service, and 10% fewer post-judgment papers were received.
The service rate increased on pre-
judgment process from 64% in 2013 to 65% in 2014.
Although parcels offered for sale
at the delinquent land tax sale de-creased 5%, the number of parcels sold was unchanged, and gross revenue increased 4%.
Comparing 2014 to 2010: 28% fewer pre-judgment papers
were received for service, and 25% fewer post-judgment papers were received.
The service rate declined on pre-
judgment process from 66% in 2010 to 65% in 2014.
10% more parcels were offered for
sale at the delinquent land tax sale, 86% more parcels were sold, and the gross revenue received in-creased 75%
Pre-Judgment Process 2010 2013 2014 Number Served 18,042 14,479 12,878
* % Served 66% 64% 65% Bad Addresses 4,957 3,997 3,220 Unable to Contact 4,139 4,101 3,566
Total 27,138 22,578 19,664 Post-Judgment Process 2010 2013 2014 Levies & Garnishments 22,038 18,211 15,543 Evictions 3,746 3,700 3,331 Attachments & Replevins 138 48 109 Protective Orders Served 1,597 966 1,169 Protective Orders Unable to Contact 4,613 3,665 3,826
Total 32,132 26,590 23,978 Total Papers 59,166 49,168 43,642 Delinquent Land Tax Sales 2010 2013 2014 Parcels Offered for Sale 952 1,103 1,045 Parcels Sold 248 460 461 Gross Revenue Generated ($) 1,348,190 2,259,653 2,360,471
* % Served is the number of papers served expressed as a percentage of the total pre-judgment papers given to Civil Process for service.
39
39
C
ivil Process
Civil P
rocessC
ivil Process
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
27
,13
8
27
,03
4
25
,70
9
22
,57
7
19
,66
4
32
,13
2
32
,46
3
31
,40
8
26
,59
0
23
,97
8
Civil Process Workloads
Pre-Judgment Process Post-Judgment Writs
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
$1,348,190 $1,521,070
$2,422,699 $2,259,653
$2,360,471
Delinquent Land Tax Sales
40
40
Ju
ry Ju
ry Ju
ry Comparing 2014 to 2013: Jury trials increased 20%, jurors
sent to division increased 21%, but the qualified pool only
increased 1%. Juror yield increased from 32%
to 33%. The percentage of the pool qualified and sent to divisions increased from 42% to 51%
Comparing 2014 to 2010: Jury trials decreased 11%, jurors
sent to division decreased 10% , and the qualified pool decreased 15%.
Juror yield increased from 31% to
33%. The percentage of the pool quali-
fied and sent to divisions increased from 47% to 51%
Trials 2010 2013 2014 Civil 87 70 72
Criminal 63 42 62 Total 150 112 134
Available Jurors 2010 2013 2014 Independence 5,068 3,906 4,028
Kansas City 12,873 11,043 11,135 Total 17,941 14,949 15,163
Jurors Sent to Divisions 2010 2013 2014 Independence 2,641 2,086 1,630
Kansas City 5,724 4,128 5,873 Total 8,365 6,214 7,748
*Juror Yield 31% 32% 33% Sent for Jury Selection 47% 42% 51%
Selected as Jurors 12% 11% 13%
* JUROR YIELD is the number of citizens selected for jury service who are qualified and available to serve, expressed as a percentage of prospective jurors summoned.
41
41
Ju
ryJu
ryJu
ry
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
4938 36 39 33
101 9790
73
101
Jury Trials
Independence Kansas City
87
87
80
70
72
63
48
46
42
62
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Civil/Criminal Jury Trials
CIVIL CRIMINAL
42
42
C
omp
arisons to th
e 21st Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
oun
ty) C
omp
arisons to th
e 21st Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
oun
ty) C
omp
arisons to th
e 21st Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
oun
ty) an
d to th
e 22nd
Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
ity)an
d to th
e 22nd
Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
ity)an
d to th
e 22nd
Circu
it (St. L
ouis C
ity)
The fiscal year of the State commences on July 1 and ends on June 30 . Figures shown are for 2014.
95% 95%89%
97%89%
94% 96% 90% 98% 94%
91% 85% 81%
97%91%
Circuit Civil DomesticRelations
Circuit Felony Associate Civil AssociateCriminal
% of Cases Within Missouri Time Standards Limits at
Disposition
16th Circuit 21st Circuit 22nd Circuit
FY 2014 (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014)
16th Circuit 21st Circuit 22nd Circuit Population 679,996 1,001,444 318,416 Judges 28 33 31 Commissioners 8 9 1 Total Filings 65,528 100,120 39,613 Total Dispositions 65,110 99,810 42,397 Cases Pending 6/30/2014 43,300 54,016 23,577