Opinion No. 178-78 (1978)

Dear Dr. Hensley:

This official opinion is in response to your request for a ruling on the following question:

"Do the municipal courts of Missouri have jurisdiction to commit individuals to facilities of the Department of Mental Health for evaluation or treatment pursuant to Sections 552.020 and 552.040, RSMo?"

You ask as to jurisdiction of municipal courts to commit persons to Department facilities under two different circumstances: first, before their trial on charges of violating municipal ordinances, for examination pursuant to Section 552.020, RSMo 1969; and second, after their acquittal…