Mo. Rev. Stat. § 600.044
A defender who undertakes to represent an eligible person shall continue to do so at every stage of the case or proceeding, including the filing of a motion for new trial and the processing, briefing, and argument of an appeal, until the defender is relieved of his duties by the director or is permitted by a court to withdraw.
(L. 1982 H.B. 1169)
Effective 4-01-82