Mo. Rev. Stat. § 484.260: Defendant may except to ruling and appeal from judgment.

In all cases of a trial of charges in the circuit court, the defendant may except to any ruling or decision of the court, and may prosecute an appeal or writ of error to the supreme court, in all respects as in actions at law. And it is hereby made the duty of the supreme court to hear said appeal at the next term of said court unless continued for cause.