Public Service: Melissa Price Smith

Prosecuting Attorney
St. Louis County
Clayton

Melissa Price Smith made history on January 3, 2025, when she was sworn in as the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, becoming the first woman to hold the position. A native of St. Louis County, Price Smith began her legal career at the St. Louis City Circuit Attorney’s Office before spending seven years in civil litigation. She joined the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 2008, where she served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and supervisor of the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit, building nearly 20 years of prosecutorial experience.

In her new role, Price Smith has already reinstated a Violent Crime Unit, established a Homicide team and partnered with the Public Defender’s Office to move non-violent, low-level cases through the system more efficiently. She has prioritized rebuilding the office’s relationships with law enforcement, the judiciary and the defense bar through increased community engagement and transparency initiatives. Price Smith said her goals are to “hold violent offenders accountable and give victims a voice.”