If someone holds a public job in Missouri government and is found guilty of a serious crime (called a felony), they automatically lose that job when sentenced. They also lose the job if the crime involved dishonesty or wrongdoing in office. After losing the job, that person cannot hold any government position again until their sentence or probation is finished. But if the crime was related to voting or elections, that person can never hold a government job again.
561.021. of public office — . — 1. A person holding any public office, or , under the government of this state or any agency or thereof, who is of an shall, upon , such office if:
(1) He or she is convicted under the laws of this state of a or under the laws of another of an offense which, if committed within this state, would be a felony, or he or she or of such an offense; or
(2) He or she is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to an offense involving , or dishonesty; or
(3) The Constitution or a other than the code so provides.
2. Except as provided in 3 of this section, a person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is convicted under the laws of this state of a felony or under the laws of another jurisdiction of an offense which, if committed within this state, would be a felony, shall be to hold any public office, elective or appointive, under the government of this state or any agency or political subdivision thereof, until the completion of his or her sentence or period of .
3. A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is convicted under the laws of this state or under the laws of another jurisdiction of a felony connected with the exercise of the shall be forever from holding any public office, elective or appointive, under the government of this state or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
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Source & history notes
(L. 1977 S.B. 60, A.L. 1991 S.B. 262, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17
Related Missouri laws
Basis of disqualification or disability
RSMo 561.016
Disqualification from voting and jury service
RSMo 561.026
Physical appearance in court of a prisoner may be made by using two-way audio-visual communication including closed circuit television, when
RSMo 561.031
Voluntary act
RSMo 562.011
Attempt
RSMo 562.012
Conspiracy, offense of
RSMo 562.014
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.