Missouri Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a type of crime that is less serious than a felony but more serious than a civil infraction. In Missouri, misdemeanors are categorized into different classes, each with its own penalties.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Missouri?

In Missouri, a misdemeanor is considered a less serious crime than a felony. Misdemeanors carry a potential punishment of up to one year in county jail, fines, or both. In Missouri, misdemeanors are categorized into classes A through D, with Class A being the most serious and Class D being the least serious. Common examples of misdemeanors are minor theft, simple assault, and certain traffic violations.

Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties in Missouri

Missouri uses offense-specific statutes within the class framework:

• Class A misdemeanor: This is the most serious misdemeanor in Missouri. It is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
• Class B misdemeanor:This class of offense is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Class C misdemeanor: A class C misdemeanor carries up to 15 days in county jail and up to $750 in fines.
• Class D misdemeanor: This is the least severe misdemeanor in the state. Anyone guilty of a Class D misdemeanor may pay a fine of up to $500.

In addition to the penalties listed above, courts can also assign probation, restitution, treatment or education programs (like for DWI), or community service..

Misdemeanor Court Process in Missouri

Missouri’s Circuit Courts serve as the trial courts with general jurisdiction. Within these courts, associate circuit judges manage all misdemeanors and infractions.

Typical path.

1. Citation or arrest and booking/initial appearance. Law enforcement either arrests an individual or issues a summons or complaint.
2. Arraignment in the proper court. During the hearing, the judge informs the defendant about the charges and their rights, and establishes conditions for release. If jail time is a possibility and the defendant cannot afford a lawyer, a public defender may be appointed to represent them.
3. Pre-trial: This stage involves discovery, motions, plea negotiations, and any diversion or treatment options that occur in the trial court.
4. Trial: This can be either a bench trial or a jury trial, depending on the nature of the case. You may be eligible for a jury trial if the case could result in imprisonment.
5. Sentencing: After the trial, the judge will enforce the class-specific penalty. Jail time is served in a county jail.

Misdemeanor Records in Major Missouri Cities

Missouri has a public portal that allows people to access docket entries, parties, judgments, and charges for public cases from various courts. Participating counties include:

• St. Louis (City & County). The St. Louis County Circuit Court instructs users to search for cases onCase.net. However, certified copies must be obtained directly from the court clerk.
• Kansas City (Jackson County). The Kansas City Municipal Court guides you to check for tickets or cases on Case.net. It also provides options for online payments.
• Springfield (Greene County). The Springfield Municipal Court utilizes the statewide Plead and Pay system for eligible tickets and provides a link to Track This Case.

Paying fines/tickets. The Missouri Judiciary’s Plead and Pay system allows you to plead guilty and pay certain tickets online.

How to Search for Misdemeanor Records in Missouri

You can search for misdemeanor records in Missouri by taking the following steps:

1. Start at Case.net. You can search for records by name or case number. Search results typically include charges, docket entries, scheduled hearings, and dispositions. Coverage is broad but depends on court participation and public-access rules.
2. Use city portals for municipal tickets. You can also search for records via county portals. For example,you can visit the Kansas City Municipal Court page. The page provides instructions and links for look-up and payment.
3. Need certified copies? You can obtain certified copies of records by contacting the clerk of the court that handled the case.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Missouri?

In Missouri, misdemeanor records can remain public until relief is obtained through expungement.

According toChapter 610 of the state's code, many misdemeanor convictions can be expunged by petition after a waiting period. This typically ranges from one to three years for eligible misdemeanors and from three to five years for felonies. However, the statute does not allow expungement for certain offenses, especially DUI. There are also lifetime limits in Missouri.This law permits you to expunge up to three misdemeanors and two felonies in your lifetime.

Arrest-only expungement. There is a separate law that allows courts to expunge arrest records under specific conditions, such as false information, lack of probable cause, no charges being filed, or if the case ended in a not-guilty verdict.

When a record is expunged, it is sealed from public access. However, law enforcement and courts can still view it for specific reasons. Employers cannot ask about a record once it has been expunged, except in particular situations.