Missouri Felony: Laws, Penalties, Sentencing, and Records

In Missouri, a felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by more than one year of incarceration. Felonies are the most severe crimes under Missouri law and carry major consequences. Penalties may include long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, loss of certain fundamental rights, and retention of permanent criminal records. Missouri classifies felonies into five classes (Class A, B, C, D, and E), with Class A being the most serious.

What Is Considered a Felony in Missouri?

Felonies in Missouri are defined under the Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo, Title XXXVIII, Crimes and Punishment). Missouri’s criminal code identifies the following as felony-level offenses:

• Violent Crimes: Murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping often escalate due to the inherent danger involved.
• Drug Crimes: The severity of these types of crimes is based on the intent and quantity of controlled substances manufactured, trafficked, and possessed.
• Property Crimes: The value of the property determines which crimes classify as property crimes. Motor vehicle theft, arson, burglary, and theft of property valued at $750 or moreare crimes against property in Missouri.
• White-Collar Crimes: These are non-violent and financially motivated crimes typically committed by individuals. White-collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft, or breach of trust.
• Weapon Offenses: These involve the illegal possession, use, or distribution of firearms or other weapons. They are considered serious due to their potential for violence. They are usually prosecuted under state and federal laws, depending on the severity of the offense.

Misdemeanors escalate to felonies under certain circumstances. For example:

• In Missouri, a stolen property offense amounts to a felony if the value exceeds $750.
• An assault becomes a felony if a deadly weapon is used to carry out an act or if serious physical injuries are involved.

What Is a Felony in Missouri?

Missouri law defines a felony as any offense punishable by more than one year in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections. By contrast, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jails.

The following are the impacts of a felony on individuals convicted of one in Missouri:

• Prison terms that range from 1 year to life imprisonment.
• Payment of fines up to $20,000 and above, depending on the severity of the offense.
• The justice system often removes fundamental rights such as voting and firearm access from those incarcerated or on parole.
• A permanent criminal record limits access to employment opportunities, shelter, occupational licenses, and citizenship pathways.

Felony Classes and Penalties in Missouri

Felony offenses in Missouri are organized into five principal classes, in addition to a category of unclassified felonies, which encompasses serious violations such as first-degree murder.

Missouri Felony Classes

• Class A Felony
  • Includes first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and large-scale drug trafficking.
  • Penalty: Offenders are sentenced to between 10 and 30 years in prison, or life in prison.
  • Fine: These are usually up to $20,000 in Missouri.
• Class B Felony
  • Includes voluntary manslaughter, first-degree burglary, and distribution of controlled substances.
  • Penalty: Prison term takes 5 to 15 years.
  • Fine: Payment of fines in amounts up to $20,000.
• Class C Felony
  • Includes second-degree assault, theft involving amounts between $750 and $25,000, and forgery.
  • Penalty: The penalty ranges from 3 to 10 years in the state’s penitentiary.
  • Fine: Offenders are liable to pay up to $10,000 for fines.
• Class D Felony
  • Class D felonies include less serious drug charges, certain weapon violations, and property crimes.
  • Penalty: Perpetrators are charged up to 7 years in prison.
  • Fine: An amount of $10,000 is required to be paid as a fine.
• Class E Felony
  • This is the least severe category of felony. It includes habitual driving while intoxicated (DWI) and small-scale drug crimes.
  • Penalty: Individuals charged with a Class E felony face penalties of up to 4 years imprisonment.
  • Fine: A fine of up to $10,000 is required by Missouri law from offenders who commit Class E felonies.
• Unclassified Felonies
  • These include first-degree murder and other crimes specifically defined by statute.
  • Penalty: Life imprisonment without parole or a death sentence for capital murder.

Felony Sentencing Guidelines in Missouri

In Missouri, sentencing outcomes are governed by statutory provisions. They are also subject to the discretion of the presiding judge and influenced by the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors.

Key Sentencing Factors

1. Statutory Ranges: Each class of felony has a defined sentencing range.
2. Mandatory Minimums: Mandatory minimums apply to crimes that involve the use of arms and some drug trafficking felonies.
3. Aggravating Factors: Factors that may intensify the severity of a crime include the use of a firearm and having a history of prior offenses. In addition, these include targeting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly and being involved in gang-related crimes.
4. Mitigating Factors: Factors that may mitigate the outcome of a sentence include a no criminal history record, clean record with law enforcement authorities, and evidence of rehabilitation.
5. Habitual Offender Statutes: There are stricter penalties for individuals who have been charged with prior felony convictions or are habitual offenders.
6. Probation and Parole: Individuals convicted of certain Class C through E felonies may be eligible for probation. Decisions regarding parole eligibility are made by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.

Under Missouri law, a first-time Class B felony armed robbery carries a sentence between 5 and 15 years. On the other hand, repeat offenses may increase sentence outcomes through the habitual offender provisions, thereby increasing the severity of the penalty.

Felony Laws and Procedures in Major Missouri Cities

St. Louis (St. Louis City)

Felony prosecutions in St. Louis are handled by the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court, which manages a large volume of violent and property crime cases. Individuals may visit the office of the St. Louis City Circuit Clerk to obtain copies or online via the Missouri Case.net portal.

Kansas City (Jackson County)

Felony cases in Kansas City fall under the jurisdiction of Missouri’s 16th Judicial CircuitCourt. It handles a high volume of drug-related, theft, and violent crime prosecutions. Generally, case records are available through the Jackson County Circuit Court Clerk.

Springfield (Greene County)

In Springfield, Missouri, felony cases fall under the jurisdiction of the 31st Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Greene County. Cases handled here focus on property crimes, violent offenses, and narcotics distribution. Records are available via the Greene County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

How to Search for Felony Records in Missouri

Felony records in Missouri are available through both statewide databases and individual county Circuit Courts.

1. Missouri Case.net System

The Missouri case.net portal allows the public to search felony records by name, case number, or filing date. Felony records obtained in the state typically contain the following:

• Case number and docket entries.
• Charges and filing details.
• Court location.
• Sentencing outcomes.

2. Circuit Court Clerk’s Offices

Certified copies of felony case files may be requested directly from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the case was finalized.

3. Missouri State Highway Patrol – Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)

The CJIS Division provides official copies of criminal history reports throughout Missouri. This includes felony convictions, which may be obtained for a fee after a fingerprint submission.

4. Local Police and Sheriff’s Departments

The police and sheriff's offices in Missouri maintain arrest reports that may include felony charges. Requests may be made under the Missouri Sunshine Law, though access to ongoing investigations is restricted.

5. Third-Party Background Checks

Felony records may be found on private platforms, but for accuracy, official court databases and information from the Missouri’s Criminal Justice Information ServicesDivision are more reliable.

Open vs. Sealed Records

• Open Records: Most felony convictions are non-confidential information, and they are accessible to the public.
• Expungement: Missouri law allows the expungement of certain felony convictions after a period of 3 to 7 years. Violent and sex crimes are typically not eligible for expungement.

Why Understanding Felonies in Missouri Matters

Felony convictions in Missouri impose long-term consequences. These include the loss of civil privileges, reduced employability, and restricted housing opportunities. For individuals, employers, and organizations, understanding Missouri felony laws, sentencing guidelines, and record access is crucial to assessing Missouri's court system.

In Missouri, felony offenses are divided into five classes (A–E), with an additional unclassified felony such as first-degree murder. Punishments range from a minimum of one year in prison for Class E felonies to life imprisonment or the death penalty for the most serious crimes. Furthermore, sentencing is determined by law, prior criminal history record, and the context of the offense.

Felony records may be obtained through the Missouri Case.net portal, Circuit Court Clerks, or the State Highway Patrol CJIS system. Accessibility of records promotes government transparency while permitting the expungement of select nonviolent crimes.