Terms Used In Missouri Laws 544.060

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
  • State: when applied to any of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" includes such district and territories. See Missouri Laws 1.020

When an indictment is found, the court may direct the clerk to issue a warrant returnable forthwith; and if no order is made he must issue warrants upon all indictments as soon as practicable after the close of the term, unless otherwise ordered by the judge or prosecuting attorney; provided, that no warrants shall be issued for persons who may be in custody at the time of the finding of such indictment, and in cases where two or more indictments are found against one person, but one warrant shall be issued, which shall enumerate the several offenses charged in the indictments. At the time of issuing a warrant, the clerk shall issue subpoenas for the witnesses on behalf of the state, but such subpoenas shall not be served until the defendant is arrested or in custody.