Mo. R. Crim. P. 20.01

As amended through November 19, 2024

Rule 20.01 - Misdemeanors or Felonies-Time, Computation of -Extension-Expirations of Term-Service of Motions

(a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these Rules, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a legal holiday. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

(b) Enlargement. When by these Rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for cause shown may at any time in its discretion (1) with or without motion or notice order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order or (2) upon notice and motion made after the expiration of the specified period permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but the court may not enlarge the period for filing a motion for new trial or for taking an appeal as provided by these rules.

(c) Unaffected by Expiration of Term. The period of time provided for the doing of any act or the taking of any proceeding is not affected or limited by the continued existence or expiration of a term of court. The continued existence or expiration of a term of court in no way affects the power of a court to do any act or take any proceeding in any criminal proceedings pending before it, which it is otherwise by law authorized to do or take.

(d) Motions-Notice Required-Affidavits. A written motion, other than one which may be heard ex parte, and notice of the hearing thereof shall be served not later than five days before the time specified for the hearing, unless a different period is fixed by law or court rule or by order of the court. Such an order may for cause shown be made on ex parte application. When a motion is supported by an affidavit, the affidavit shall be served with the motion; and, except as otherwise provided by law or rule in connection with a motion for a new trial, opposing affidavits may be served not later than one day before the hearing, unless the court permits them to be served at some other time.

(e) Additional Time After Service by Mail. When a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail, three days shall be added to the prescribed period.

Mo. R. Crim. P. 20.01

Adopted June 13, 1979, eff. 1/1/1980.

Committee Note - 1979

Paragraph (a) is the same as Rule 44.01(a).

This paragraph is also the same as prior Rule 31.01 with two exceptions:

1. Saturday has been added to Sunday and legal holidays as a day which affects the computation of time.

2. The last sentence referring to a half holiday was deleted.

Paragraph (b) is the same as Rule 44.01(b) with two changes:

1. The following clause has been deleted: ". . . but it may not extend the time for taking any action under Rules 52.13, 72.01, 73.01, 75.01, 78.04, 81.04, and 81.07 or for commencing civil action."

2. The following clause has been substituted: ". . . but the court may not enlarge the period for filing a motion for new trial or for taking an appeal as provided by these rules."

This paragraph is substantially the same as prior Rule 31.02.

Paragraph (c) is the same as Rule 44.01(c) except that "criminal proceedings" is substituted for "civil action."

This paragraph is substantially the same as prior Rule 31.03.

Paragraph (d) is the same as Rule 44.01(d).

This paragraph is substantially the same as prior Rule 31.04.

Paragraph (e) is the same as Rule 44.01(e).