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1. What are the duties of the City Attorney?

The City Attorney has two primary duties:
1) provide legal advice to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, City officials, and to the departmental staff, and
2) prosecute those who violate the Osage Beach Municipal Code (the City ordinances~City laws set forth by the City officials).

2. Does the City Attorney write City laws?

The City Attorney assists the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and City staff in proposing new or changes to the City Code of Ordinances (the Osage Beach Municipal Code), which is ultimately voted on by the Board of Aldermen. In most cases, individual departments or the elected officials draft proposals and the City Attorney provides necessary legal assistance and review.

3. How do I get a copy of the Municipal Code?

The Osage Beach Municipal Code is available at the City Clerk’s Office or online. The Osage Beach Municipal Code contains all ordinances for the City of Osage Beach. The Municipal Code is organized by chapters and a Table of Contents is provided to facilitate location of specific chapters. The Code of Ordinances are updated as new ordinances are adopted by the Board of Aldermen.

4. What is the difference between the City Attorney and the County Prosecuting Attorney?

The City Attorney is the attorney for the City of Osage Beach and prosecutes violations of the Osage Beach Municipal Code in Osage Beach Municipal Court, a division of the Camden and Miller County Circuit Courts. The County Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official of Camden or Miller County serving the county.

5. Can the City Attorney give legal advice to private citizens?

No. The City Attorney cannot provide legal advice to private citizens or residents of the City of Osage Beach. The City Attorney's client is the City government and the City officials, rather than the individual citizens or members of the public. The City Attorney may talk with you but it is recommended for citizens to retain attorneys for legal advice and representation.

6. Where can I get free legal advice if I need an attorney?

Many attorneys will speak with individuals and interview them briefly without charge. For persons otherwise unable to afford legal representation some level of legal aid may be available. Legal Aid offices are located at:

COLUMBIA:
Mid-Missouri Legal Services Corporation
205 E Forest Ave
Columbia, MO 65203-4302
Phone: (573) 442-0116
(800) 568-4931
Fax: (573) 875-0173

SPRINGFIELD
Legal Services of Southern Missouri
2872 S Meadowbrook Ave
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: (417) 881-1397
(417) 881-0533
Fax: (417) 881-2159

The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service, located in Jefferson City, MO, provides referrals to attorneys on a statewide basis, excluding St. Louis and Springfield. Contact: (573) 636-3635