If you are convicted of a felony, it is essential to find a felony law firm to represent you. A felony is a serious crime punished by the state of Missouri by more than one year in prison. Regardless of the crime, a felony charge is a very serious matter because it can have lasting effects on a person’s life. To minimize these effects, act quickly and enlist help from a felony law firm to avoid a conviction and protect your future.
Missouri felonies
In Missouri, felonies can be categorized from Class A decreasing in severity to Class E.
Class A felony
This class involves a felony punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison, with the jail time administered by Missouri’s Department of Corrections. Examples of this most serious felony category include murder in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, among others.
Class B felony
This class involves a felony punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison. Examples of this felony category include trafficking in stolen identities, money laundering, and bus hijacking.
Class C felony
This class involves a felony punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison, with the option of a fine up to $10,000. Examples of this felony category include first-degree involuntary manslaughter, identity theft, domestic assault in the first degree, and repeat driving while intoxicated charges.
A Class D felony
This class involves a felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison, with the option of a fine up to $10,000. This felony is somewhat of an outlier because the court has the option of imposing county jail for up to one year. Unfortunately, if the imposed incarceration sentence is longer than one year, the convicted person’s jail time must then be administered by Missouri’s Department of Corrections.
A Class E felony
This class involves a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
Missouri felony punishments
Missouri continues to punish a convicted felon even after incarceration or a monetary fine. The most common punishments include:
- Being forbidden from voting, in local, state, or federal elections
- Being forbidden from employment by the government
- Being forbidden from state and federal welfare programs
- Being forbidden from the possession of a firearm
- Being forbidden from obtaining certain professional licenses, such as selling alcohol or lottery tickets
- Making it harder to secure a job
- Making it more difficult when applying to rent a house or apartment
Finally, since a felony conviction goes on a person’s permanent criminal record, the court can see the previous conviction and might impose a harsher punishment. A felony law firm can help evaluate whether any grounds to dismiss the criminal charge exist. The law firm can then evaluate the possible plea options that the prosecution may offer and, in the event of a trial, act as representation in the courtroom.
An attorney at a felony law firm who is experienced with the Missouri criminal court system, such as Dean Price, better understands the possibilities to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the stakes are far too high to go it alone. Trust an experienced attorney to protect your current rights and future prospects.
Call us at (417) 865-2181 for more information from Dean Price Law or to schedule a consultation in our office in Springfield.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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