From minor violations to serious crimes, each carries its own set of punishments. If you have to deal with these laws, you should know the basic categories and how Missouri defines and punishes different crimes. Whether dealing with assault, theft, or something else, having the proper context can make the system less daunting.
Missouri organizes crimes into three broad categories. Infractions are the least severe and usually involve fines rather than jail time—think of traffic tickets or minor municipal violations. Misdemeanors are a step up, with potential penalties including fines and jail time up to a year.
These might include simple thefts or minor assaults. Felonies, the most serious category, involve sentences of more than a year, hefty fines, or both. These can range from violent offences like homicide to high-dollar financial crimes.
Missouri’s Crime Categories Are No Joke
The classification system goes deeper by breaking offences into classes (A through E). Each class determines the exact punishment for the crime. For example, a Class A felony can mean life in prison, while a Class D felony might result in a few years behind bars.
Regarding assault, Missouri takes different approaches, dividing the offence into four degrees based on intent and the harm caused. First-degree assault, the most serious, involves attempts to kill or inflict severe injury. It’s often a Class A felony, carrying the possibility of life imprisonment, though less extreme cases might drop to a Class B felony with a prison term of 5–15 years.
Second-degree assault covers reckless actions that lead to significant injury, such as harming someone while driving under the influence. This falls under a Class D felony, with up to seven years in prison.
Third-degree assault involves less severe harm or attempts to injure and can range from a Class E felony to a misdemeanour. Fourth-degree assault is the least severe, typically involving threats or minor physical contact. These cases are often treated as misdemeanours with penalties like fines or short jail terms.
From Slaps to Serious Time
Theft focuses on the value of what was stolen and the circumstances of the act. Missouri groups theft under the broader category of stealing, including related crimes like burglary and robbery.
For basic theft, taking something valued under $150 usually results in a misdemeanour charge, with a fine or up to a year in jail. As the value increases—particularly above $750—or if specific items like firearms are involved, the charge escalates to a felony, which could mean several years in prison.
Burglary and robbery are more about how the crime occurs. Burglary involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, often theft. First-degree burglary, where someone else is present or a weapon is involved, is a Class B felony and can lead to 5–15 years in prison.
With no one present, second-degree burglary is treated as a Class D felony. Robbery, on the other hand, involves taking property by force or threat. First-degree robbery, which includes threats of serious injury or actual harm, is a Class A felony and carries the heaviest penalties. Second-degree robbery, which involves less severe threats or force, is typically a Class B felony.
Drug Crimes In Missouri
Drug offences or property damage follow a similar pattern of classification and punishment. Drug crimes depend on the substance and amount. Possession of controlled substances like heroin or meth is a Class D felony with up to seven years in prison.
Marijuana possession can range from a misdemeanour to a felony, depending on the quantity. Property damage, like theft, is based on the monetary value of the harm caused. Damaging property worth over $750 is usually considered a felony, while smaller amounts fall under misdemeanour categories.
How Missouri Ranks Crimes
Several factors influence how charges are applied and sentences determined. Prior convictions play a significant role, often elevating a misdemeanour to a felony for repeat offenders. The vulnerability of the victim, such as crimes against children or the elderly, can also result in harsher penalties.
The use of weapons or the specific intent behind the crime further impacts sentencing, with premeditation or reckless disregard for safety typically carrying stiffer consequences.
When you understand Missouri law, it helps provide a clearer picture of what to expect when facing or trying to understand criminal charges. If you have questions or concerns about specific legal issues, it’s always best to consult an experienced criminal attorney in Missouri who can answer your legal questions about crime.
