Missouri § 56.540 - Circuit attorney — assistants, investigators, clerical employees, duties — oath — compensation.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 56.540 — Circuit attorney — assistants, investigators, clerical employees, duties — oath — compensation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56.540. Circuit attorney — assistants, investigators, clerical employees, duties — oath — compensation.
1. The circuit attorney of such circuit may appoint one first assistant circuit attorney, one chief trial assistant, one warrant officer, one chief misdemeanor assistant and such additional assistant circuit attorneys as the circuit attorney deems necessary for the proper administration of his office. The appointments shall be in writing and shall be entered upon the minutes of the criminal divisions.
2. The circuit attorney may also appoint one chief clerk, grand jury reporters, and as many clerks, criminal legal investigators, reporters, and stenographers as he deems necessary for the proper administration of his office. It is the duty of the clerks, reporters and stenographers to act as clerks, reporters and stenographers for the circuit attorney, and, when so directed by him, the reporters and stenographers shall take down and transcribe, for his use, evidence before the grand jury or before any court of the circuit exercising criminal jurisdiction. Before taking down any evidence before the grand jury, the reporters and stenographers shall be sworn to secrecy and shall not divulge any testimony which they may hear except to the circuit attorney, or when lawfully required to do so in a court of record. The clerk, reporters and stenographers shall also perform other services as the circuit attorney may direct.
3. Salaries for all employees of the circuit attorney's office shall be set and determined by the circuit attorney and the St. Louis board of aldermen, subject to the approval of the board of estimate and apportionment of the city of St. Louis.
4. All salaries shall be paid on a biweekly basis.
5. Appointments by the circuit attorney of assistant circuit attorneys, clerks, stenographers, reporters, criminal legal investigators, and all other personnel, in excess of the minimum numbers authorized by this section, shall be subject to the approval of the board of estimate and apportionment of the City of St. Louis.
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(RSMo 1939 § 12909, A.L. 1945 p. 581 § 12906A, A.L. 1949 p. 230, A.L. 1953 p. 389, A.L. 1955 p. 362, A.L. 1961 p. 295, A.L. 1967 p. 133, A.L. 1969 p. 108, A.L. 1973 S.B. 235, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, S.B. 700, A.L. 1981 S.B. 133, A.L. 1983 S.B. 250, A.L. 1988 S.B. 431, A.L. 1993 S.B. 250)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 11284; 1919 § 704; 1909 § 978
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1993 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 56.540
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 56.540 cover?
Section 56.540 ("Circuit attorney — assistants, investigators, clerical employees, duties — oath — compensation.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 56.540?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 56.540" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 56.540 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.