Missouri Laws 567.080 – Prostitution houses deemed public nuisances
1. Any room, building or other structure regularly used for any prostitution activity prohibited by this chapter is a public nuisance.
2. The attorney general, circuit attorney or prosecuting attorney may, in addition to all criminal sanctions, prosecute a suit in equity to enjoin the nuisance. If the court finds that the owner of the room, building or structure knew or had reason to believe that the premises were being used regularly for prostitution activity, the court may order that the premises shall not be occupied or used for such period as the court may determine, not to exceed one year.
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 567.080
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
3. All persons, including owners, lessees, officers, agents, inmates or employees, aiding or facilitating such a nuisance may be made defendants in any suit to enjoin the nuisance, and they may be enjoined from engaging in any prostitution activity anywhere within the jurisdiction of the court.
4. Appeals shall be allowed from the judgment of the court as in other civil actions.