There are serious consequences that come with a felony conviction, including imprisonment, difficulty finding a job, inability to join the military, loss of voting rights, difficulty in leasing an apartment, loss of the right to own firearms, and inability to serve on a jury.
Although a misdemeanor conviction does not carry the same consequences, some employers choose not to hire people with a record of misdemeanor offenses, especially for commercial truck driver jobs.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, it is beneficial for you to speak with a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney can ensure that you receive strong representation and that you understand all of your options.
Criminal charges in Missouri are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Each has a different severity class and sentencing procedure.
Misdemeanor
A Misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony. Misdemeanors are divided into classes: A, B, and C. Class A misdemeanors are more serious than Class B and C misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanor cases can result in up to one year in jail. Although most misdemeanors are not severe cases, they can have a devastating impact on your life if not handled properly. A class B misdemeanor can come with up to six months of jail time. A first time DWI /DUI is typically a class B misdemeanor. A class C misdemeanor can be punishable with up to fifteen days of jail time. Harassment, possession of a fake identification card and writing a small denominational bad check are examples of class C misdemeanors. A fine or restitution to injured parties may be required in addition to or instead of jail time.
Felony
A felony is more severe than a misdemeanor and is graded as class A, B, C, D, or E. Class A is the highest severity level with up to life imprisonment. Felony charges are serious and attorney representation is strongly recommended.
Murder, distribution of narcotics, first-degree robbery and forcible rape are examples of class A felonies. Most of these examples are considered dangerous crimes that require 85% of the time served before parole considerations.
Class B felonies can bring a five to fifteen year sentence. Assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, first-degree burglary, and robbery are class B felony examples.
Class C felonies can bring a three to ten year sentence. Many drug crimes are considered class C felonies. Probation is a possibility for this class of felony.
Class D felonies can result in up to seven years of imprisonment while Class E felonies can result in up to four years of prison.
A felony charge is more complicated than a misdemeanor and can have serious consequences not only for sentencing but also for getting a job, joining the military or applying for an apartment. Hiring an experienced criminal law attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of misdemeanor and felony charges.
Call Day or Night for an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have any questions about criminal procedures or need to retain a criminal defense attorney in Missouri, contact attorney Chris Benjamin at KC Road Lawyers by calling 816-425-2420 or navigating to our contact page for a consultation at the firm’s Lee’s Summit or Butler Missouri offices.