Felony Attorney

Felony charges can have life-altering consequences, from prison time to long-term restrictions on rights and opportunities. Since Kansas and Missouri handle felonies differently, understanding the legal process is crucial. Seeking legal representation can make a significant difference in defending against these charges.

Felonies in Missouri and Kansas

Felony laws in Kansas and Missouri differ significantly in their classification and punishment of crimes. Missouri follows a straightforward five-tier classification system (Class A–E). At the same time, Kansas employs a complex sentencing grid that factors crime severity and criminal history to determine sentencing. Kansas’ system can be particularly intricate, with separate grids for drug and non-drug felonies and special provisions for habitual offenders. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone facing felony charges in either state.

Felonies in Missouri

Missouri classifies felonies into five categories (Class A–E), with Class A being the most serious and Class E the least severe. Class A felonies carry penalties from 10 to years or life in prison, while Class B felonies range from 5 to 15 years. Class C felonies result in 3 to 10 years, Class D felonies can lead to up to 7 years, and Class E felonies have a maximum of 4 years. Additionally, fines can reach $10,000 for Class C, D, and E felonies. Missouri also enforces stricter penalties for persistent offenders, increasing sentencing severity for repeat offenders.

Felonies in Kansas

Kansas uses a sentencing grid to classify most felonies based on offense severity and criminal history. Severity is typically ranked from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most severe. However, drug crimes are ranked separately on a scale from 1 to 5. Criminal history is categorized from A to I. Category A includes individuals with the most serious criminal records. Some felonies fall outside the standard sentencing structure and are considered off-grid.

Consequences of a Felony

A felony conviction in Kansas or Missouri has lasting consequences beyond prison time and fines. Even after serving a sentence, felons may struggle to restore their voting or firearm rights, face job loss, and encounter housing restrictions. Given these severe penalties, securing experienced legal representation is critical to protecting your future.

Expungement of Felonies

Not all felonies are eligible for expungement, but many can be under specific circumstances. Expungement laws vary between Kansas and Missouri, with eligibility depending on factors such as the severity of the crime and the time elapsed since sentence completion. Expungement can offer a fresh start by improving job and housing prospects. However, the process is complex. Don’t face the challenges of expungement alone – the Chris Benjamin Law Firm is here to advocate for your rights and guide you through the process.

Call Day or Night for a Felony Attorney

The Chris Benjamin Law Firm offers free consultations to individuals accused of felony crimes. Call 816-425-2420 / 913-340-9544 or navigate to our contact page to find out how the Chris Benjamin Law Firm can help you with your Missouri felony.