If someone travels to Missouri because they were ordered by a court to come and be a witness, they cannot be arrested or sued while they are here for that reason. The same protection applies if they are just passing through Missouri on their way to or from testifying in another state. This protection only covers legal problems that started before they came into Missouri.
491.430. from and . — 1. If a person comes into this state in obedience to a directing him to attend and in this state he is not, while in this state such summons, subject to arrest or the service of process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before his entrance into this state under the summons.
2. If a person passes through this state while going to another state in obedience to a summons to attend and testify in that state or while returning therefrom, he is not while so passing through this state subject to arrest or the service of process, civil or criminal, in connection with matters which arose before his entrance into this state under the summons.
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Source & history notes
(L. 1959 H.B. 295 § 5)
Related Missouri laws
Witness from another state summoned to testify in this state
RSMo 491.420
Uniformity of interpretation
RSMo 491.440
Summoning witness in this state to testify in another state
RSMo 491.410
Short title
RSMo 491.450
Definitions
RSMo 491.400
Competency of witnesses, how determined
RSMo 491.380
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.