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FELONIES & MISDEMEANORS ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Kansas City Felonies and Misdemeanors Attorney Delivers Strong Defense

Respected Missouri Firm Works to Have Charges Reduced and Dropped

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the gravity of the crime and how it is punished. Under Missouri law, the maximum punishment for a misdemeanor is up to one year in county jail. A felony can be punishable by more than a year in prison. At the office of Howard L. Lotven, P.C. in Kansas City, I vigorously defend individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors. With more than three decades of experience in area courts, I work to give my clients the best shot at a normal life after an arrest.

Experienced Trial Attorney Defends Clients Accused of Serious Felony Offenses

There are five classes of felony criminal charges in Missouri. Sentencing laws authorize the following terms of imprisonment:

  • Class A — Conviction for a single Class A felony offense carries a minimum 10-year prison sentence, with a maximum sentence of 30 years or life in prison.

  • Class B — A Class B felony is punishable by five to 15 years in prison.

  • Class C — There is a minimum three-year sentence and a maximum 10-year sentence for a Class C felony conviction.

  • Class D — A Class D felony can be sentenced with up to seven years in prison.

  • Class E — A person found guilty of a Class E felony may be imprisoned for up to four years.

Felony convictions can also carry hefty monetary fines.

Examples of felony crimes include:

  • Murder

  • First, second and third-degree assault

  • Rape

  • Robbery

  • Aggravated stalking

  • Burglary

  • Drug trafficking

  • Arson

If you are sentenced to probation after being convicted of a Missouri felony, you will need to remain employed, stay out of legal trouble, keep your probation officer informed of your whereabouts and avoid association with convicted criminals, among other requirements.

A felony on your criminal record could make it difficult to find a good job and can be grounds to have your parental rights terminated. You may be able to apply to have a felony expunged from your record seven years from the date you complete your criminal sentence, depending on the particular offense and other factors.

When your freedom is on the line, a dedicated criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. I go up against tough prosecutors and press for the best possible outcome whether that is a suspended sentence, reduced charge, acquittal, or case dismissal.

Trusted Lawyer Represents Clients Charged with Misdemeanor Offenses

There are five categories of misdemeanor crimes in Missouri:

  • Class A — A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,000.

  • Class B — Conviction for a Class B misdemeanor may result in up to six months of incarceration and a fine of $1,000.

  • Class C — A person found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor may spend up to 15 days in jail and be fined $700.

  • Class D — The maximum fine for a Class D misdemeanor is $500.

  • Unclassified misdemeanor — The punishment for an unclassified misdemeanor is usually a fine.

Examples of Missouri misdemeanor crimes include:

  • Most DWI first offenses

  • Driving with a revoked or suspended license

  • Probation or parole violation

  • Trespassing

  • Prostitution

  • Shoplifting

  • Marijuana possession (up to 13 grams)

Probation for a misdemeanor lasts between six months and two years. You must wait at least three years from when you complete your criminal sentence before you can apply to have a misdemeanor expunged from your criminal record.

Since 1984, people in northwest Missouri have turned to me for help fighting misdemeanor charges. If you have been arrested, my firm can help you immediately.

Contact an Accomplished Jackson County Felony Defense Attorney for A Free Consultation

Howard L. Lotven, P.C. in Kansas City, Missouri defends clients accused of felony and misdemeanor crimes in northwestern Missouri. To schedule your free consultation, call or contact me online.