Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri: What’s the Difference?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Missouri, the whether your charges are misdemeanors or felonies matters significantly. This distinction affects the criminal process and potential penalties you face, as well as the long-term consequences a conviction will have on your life. The differences between these two categories of crimes are significant and can shape the entire trajectory of your case.

Our criminal defense attorneys at Bruntrager & Billings defend against both misdemeanors and felonies in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. We can address serious charges, so please call today. 

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

Misdemeanors are less serious criminal offenses that carry lighter penalties than felonies. Missouri law divides misdemeanors into four classes, based on severity:

• Class A Misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanor offenses, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $2,000. Examples include third-degree assault, stealing property valued under $750, and some DWI offenses.
• Class B Misdemeanors carry penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. Common Class B misdemeanors include harassment, peace disturbance, and second-degree property damage.
• Class C Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 15 days in jail and fines up to $750. Minor traffic violations and some city ordinance violations fall into this category.
• Class D Misdemeanors carry fines up to $500 but no jail time. These are the least serious criminal offenses in Missouri.

While misdemeanor penalties may seem minor compared to felonies, they still create criminal records that affect employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities.

Understanding Felony Charges in Missouri

Felonies are serious crimes that carry potential prison sentences exceeding one year, served in state correctional facilities rather than county jails. Missouri classifies felonies into five categories:

• Class A Felonies are the most serious offenses, punishable by 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment. First-degree murder, first-degree rape, and large-scale drug trafficking are Class A felonies.
• Class B Felonies carry penalties of 5 to 15 years in prison. Second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and some sexual assault offenses fall into this category.
• Class C Felonies are punishable by 3 to 10 years imprisonment. Voluntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, and some property crimes are Class C felonies.
• Class D Felonies carry 1 to 7 years in prison. Many drug possession offenses, stealing property valued over $750, and forgery are Class D felonies.
• Class E Felonies are the least serious felonies, punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment. Some DWI offenses and lower-level drug crimes fall into this classification.

Beyond incarceration, felony convictions carry severe collateral consequences including loss of voting rights while incarcerated, prohibition on firearm possession, ineligibility for many professional licenses, difficulty finding employment, loss of federal student aid eligibility, and immigration consequences for non-citizens including deportation.

Avoiding a conviction whenever possible is critical, and our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys can assess your best options.

Key Differences Beyond Penalties

Several important distinctions exist between felony and misdemeanor cases in Missouri beyond the severity of potential punishment. First, one major difference in the process is that felony defendants have the right to a preliminary hearing or grand jury where the prosecution must demonstrate probable cause to proceed. Misdemeanor cases generally proceed directly to trial without this preliminary step.

Missouri also allows expungement of certain misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods, but many felonies cannot be expunged, leaving permanent criminal records that follow defendants throughout their lives. 

Reducing Charges

One critical aspect many people don’t realize is that felony charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors through effective criminal defense representation and negotiation. Prosecutors may agree to reduce charges based on mitigating circumstances, lack of criminal history, weaknesses in evidence, or as part of plea agreements. This reduction can mean the difference between years in prison and probation, and between a felony record that follows you forever and a misdemeanor that may eventually be expunged.

Contact a St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney at Bruntrager & Billings Today

Whether you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Missouri, experienced criminal defense representation is essential. Contact Bruntrager & Billings today for a consultation and let our St. Louis criminal defense team protect your rights and fight for your future.