Missouri Laws 557.026 – Presentence investigation and sentencing assessment report — inquiry of ..
1. When a probation officer is available to any court, such probation officer shall, unless waived by the defendant, conduct a presentence investigation in all felony cases and make a sentencing assessment report to the court before any authorized disposition is made under section 557.011. In all class A misdemeanor cases a probation officer shall, if directed by the court, conduct a presentence investigation and make a sentencing assessment report to the court before any authorized disposition is made under section 557.011. The report shall not be submitted to the court or its contents disclosed to anyone until the defendant has been found guilty.
2. The sentencing assessment report shall be prepared, presented and utilized as provided by rule of court, except that no court shall prevent the defendant or the attorney for the defendant from having access to the complete sentencing assessment report and recommendations before any authorized disposition is made under section 557.011.
Attorney's Note
Under the Missouri Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $2,000 |
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 557.026
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
3. The defendant shall not be obligated to make any statement to a probation officer in connection with any sentencing assessment report.
4. When the jury enters a finding of guilt and assesses punishment, the probation officer shall, as part of the presentence investigation, inquire of the victim of the offense for which such punishment was assessed of the facts of the offense and any personal injury or financial loss incurred by the victim. If the victim is dead or otherwise unable to make a statement, the probation officer shall attempt to obtain such information from a member of the immediate family of the victim.