A felony conviction in Missouri carries significant prison time and enormous fines. Sometimes, a skilled lawyer can reduce a felony to a misdemeanor. To learn how it works, read this blog.
If you’re facing felony charges, your mind must be swirling over the impending jail time and fines, along with the effects a conviction could have on your education or employment prospects, your role as a spouse and parent, your civil rights, and your standing in your community.
A felony certainly carries serious consequences. That’s why it’s important to consider every possible legal option to reduce the charge.
Missouri Felony Penalties
Missouri has five felony classes, designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E. Class A felonies are the most serious. These charges are reserved for crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping, with penalties of at least 10 years in prison.
Crimes such as involuntary manslaughter, fraud, and resisting arrest may be charged as Class C felonies. A conviction comes with up to three years in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
Defendants convicted of Class E felonies receive a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Plea Arrangement
The most common approach for reducing a felony is striking a deal with the prosecutor. Between 90% and 95% of criminal cases in the United States are resolved through plea bargaining, according to research published by the U.S. Department of Justice.
If there’s no denying your guilt, your criminal defense attorney will more than likely encourage this strategy. Negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor can allow you to avoid the harshest penalties associated with a felony offense.
With a plea agreement, you’ll be offered the opportunity to enter a guilty plea to one or more charged offenses or to a lesser or related offense. In return for this guilty plea, you’ll be treated more leniently. Your lawyer might negotiate for:
- A dismissal of some charges
- A charge for a less serious offense
- Reduced jail time
- Probation instead of jail
You should be aware of the potential disadvantages of plea agreements. For example, you’ll waive your constitutional rights to a jury trial and an appeal.
But the advantages often outweigh the drawbacks. For one, if you accept the deal, you’ll face less or no prison time. If the charge is reduced to a misdemeanor, your future prospects — finding employment, renting a home, and voting — become much brighter.
Alternative Sentencing Programs
Alternative sentencing programs provide another option for felony offenders to reduce or dismiss their charges. One such initiative is the Eastern District of Missouri’s Sentencing Alternatives Improving Lives program.
This post-plea, pre-sentence diversion program is provided in cooperation with the court, the Pretrial Services Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A participant can complete a 12- to 24-month intensely supervised track to be eligible for a sentence reduction or a dismissal of their charges.
Are You Facing a Felony Charge?
If you’re facing a felony conviction, contact the Bates & Merryman Law Firm LLC for a consultation. Our experienced criminal law team can review your case and explain your options.
