Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

1st time

what is the usual sentence for a 1st time offender for a felony offense?


Asked on 7/02/09, 10:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jennifer Rench J. Rench Law Firm, LLC | St. Louis Divorce and Mediation

Re: 1st time

In Missouri, felonies are classified into four categories: A, B, C & D. The maximum sentence for a class D felony in Missouri is imprisonment up to four years. For a class C felony, the maximum sentence is imprisonment up to seven years. For a class B felony, an offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 5-15 years. And for a class A felony, an offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 10-30 years or life. And the court may also assess hefty fines in any felony case.

With that said, I would advise any defendant facing a felony charge to hire an attorney. Having a felony conviction on your record will also have serious consequences on other aspects of your life down the road. For a lesser offense with first time offenders many times an attorney can negotiate a better disposition which may include no jail time at all. Each person's individual case is different and so you should have an attorney evaluate all the facts of your unique situation to obtain a more informed opinion.

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Answered on 7/06/09, 10:11 pm


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