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Missouri Criminal Defense

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Missouri Criminal Defense

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Charged with a Crime in Missouri?

Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain Charges and Penalties

A criminal conviction can drastically affect the rest of your life. You may face the possibility of jail time, fines and other penalties, and your reputation may be damaged. Additionally, a conviction may prevent you from finding work and/or housing in the future. Since so much hangs in the balance, you should always work a criminal defense lawyer with a history of success. Even innocence is not always an ironclad defense – law enforcement and prosecutors may not care about your side of the story, but will simply focus on getting a conviction. An attorney can work to enforce your rights and expose any misconduct or negligence that may have led to your arrest. In many cases, a good lawyer can get your charges or penalties reduced, minimizing the negative impact on your life.

If you have been arrested or someone you know was taken into police custody, then you should find a lawyer as quickly as possible. No matter what kinds of charges you face, from a misdemeanor to a felony, finding an attorney you trust is essential. To speak with a local Missouri criminal lawyer today, consult our local listings.

What Are the Basic Types of Criminal Charges?

The type of criminal charge you face may vary depending on the nature of the alleged crime. Although each state has its own specific classifications, the general types of charges are:

  • Infraction. An infraction is the least serious type of charge you can face. In fact, some states handle infractions as civil cases, rather than criminal cases. Traffic violations and other minor offenses usually fall into this category. Jail is generally not a possibility for infractions, so you are not entitled to a jury trial and the state will usually not appoint you a lawyer. However, you can still hire one of your own.
  • Petty offense. Some states categorize low-level criminal conduct as petty offenses. This may include illegal acts like gambling, disturbing the peace, public indecency, pollution violations and theft of items of low value.
  • Misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a more serious charge and county courts typically handle these cases. Common misdemeanor charges include assault, criminal trespass, theft and certain drug crimes, including possession and sale.
  • Felony. This is the most serious type of criminal charge and state and/or federal courts usually handle these cases. Common felonies include murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, vehicular homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and certain drug crimes.

In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with the prosecution to reduce the severity of the charges you face. If the court reduces your charge from a low-level felony to a misdemeanor, for example, then the repercussions you face may be much less serious.

What Is the Penalty for a Misdemeanor in Missouri?

Each state has its own system for classifying misdemeanor and felony charges, and penalties may vary as well. Missouri categorizes misdemeanors into three classes: Class A through Class C misdemeanor; Class A being the most serious, and C being the least. The general penalties you may face for different types of criminal charges in Missouri are:

  • Class A Misdemeanors. Penalties can include up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000. Crimes in this class include possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, false imprisonment, domestic assault in the third degree, and shoplifting items valued at less than $500.
  • Class B Misdemeanors. Penalties can include up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. Crimes in this class can include driving while intoxicated and first degree trespassing.
  • Class C Misdemeanors. Penalties can include up to fifteen days in jail a fine of up to $750. Crimes in this class include library theft (materials valued at less than $500), sexual misconduct in the third degree, illegal gambling, and private peace disturbance.

What Is the Penalty for a Felony in Missouri?

Like misdemeanors, each state has its own system for what qualifies as a felony and what penalties may result from a conviction. In Missouri, possible felony charges and penalties include:

  • Class A felonies. These felonies carry a minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum of 30 years or life in prison. Crimes in this class include murder, first degree kidnapping, forcible rape of a child under twelve years old, first degree robbery, and certain drug crimes.
  • Class B felonies. These felonies carry a minimum sentence of five years in prison and maximum of 15 years. Crimes in this can include voluntary manslaughter and first degree burglary.
  • Class C felonies. These felonies are punishable by three to ten years in prison.  The court also can impose a fine up to $10,000 or twice the amount of financial gain to the offender.  Crimes in this class can include involuntary manslaughter in the first degree (can be a Class B or Class C felony), statutory rape in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance, and theft.
  • Class D felonies. These felonies are punishable by up to seven years in prison, or one year in jail. The court also can impose a fine up to $10,000 or twice the amount of financial gain to the offender. Crimes in this class include fraud, resisting arrest, third degree domestic assault, and passing a bad check.
  • Class E felonies. These felonies are punishable by up to four years in prison, or one year in jail. The court also can impose a fine up to $10,000 or twice the amount of financial gain to the offender. Crimes in this class include boating while intoxicated where the boat operator acts with criminal negligence and causes injury to another person.

Need a Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyer? We Can Help

If you are facing any level of criminal charge, then a qualified lawyer may be essential to protecting your future. Additionally, if someone you know is currently in police custody, then you may wish to reach out to a lawyer on his or her behalf. To find a Missouri criminal defense lawyer in your area, then consult our attorney listings. If you have general question about criminal law or certain charges, then do not hesitate to ask the lawyers™.

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