Answered by Christopher Combs in Felony Crimes on May 09, 2025.

Being charged with a felony in Missouri can have serious and lasting consequences. You could face jail or prison time, steep fines, and lose key civil rights — sometimes permanently. The Missouri Felony Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte help clients navigate these high-stakes situations and fight for the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with a felony, contact our team today to get started on your defense.

Table of Contents

What Is a Felony in Missouri?

In Missouri, a felony is any criminal charge punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies carry long-term consequences, including time behind bars, steep fines, loss of civil rights, and permanent marks on your record — even after release.

Felonies in Missouri are classified into five categories. See below for a general overview of what is typically considered a felony under each classification.

Class A Felony

The most serious category under Missouri law. Class A felonies are punishable by 10 to 30 years or life in prison.

Class B Felony

These offenses carry a penalty of 5 to 15 years in prison.

Class C Felony

Punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison. These charges are still serious but can often be negotiated down with minimal sentencing and fines.

Class D Felony

Class D felonies come with up to 7 years in prison but may also be eligible for probation depending on prior history.

Class E Felony

The least severe felony class, with a sentence of up to 4 years in prison.

Even the lowest-level felony can seriously impact your freedom, finances, and future. If you’re facing any of these charges, talk to a felony defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and start building a defense.

Missouri Felony Convictions - St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys

What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

The biggest difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Missouri is the severity of the punishment. Misdemeanors carry a maximum of one year in county jail, while felonies involve state prison time of more than one year, higher fines, and longer-term consequence.

The gap goes beyond sentencing. Felony charges trigger bigger stakes at every step:

  • Bail and Pretrial Release: Felonies often carry higher bail amounts, and judges may impose stricter release conditions — including electronic monitoring or no-contact orders.
  • Jail vs. Prison: Misdemeanor sentences are served in city or county jails. Felony sentences usually involve state prison time.
  • Trial and Appeals: Felony trials follow more rigid procedural rules. If convicted, appealing a felony requires a more complex legal process and tighter deadlines.
  • Public Record Impact: Felony charges — even without a conviction — are more likely to trigger media attention and show up in deeper background checks.
  • Collateral Consequences: Felonies can affect professional licenses, gun rights and ownership, housing eligibility, federal aid, and even losing your right to vote or serve on a jury.

Misdemeanors are broken down into four classes:

Felony charges are more serious across the board (see the above section). If you’re facing a possible felony conviction, speak with a defense attorney immediately to start building a strategy.

Felonies vs Misdemeanors in Missouri - Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys

What to Do After a Felony Arrest in Missouri

Being arrested for a felony is overwhelming — but your actions in the first hours and days matter. What you say, who you talk to, and how you handle your release can directly affect the outcome of your case.

Here’s what to do next:

  • Stay calm and avoid confrontation — arguing, resisting, or eluding the police will only make things worse.
  • Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent (Miranda rights) and the right to an attorney (6th Amendment). Use both.
  • Do not consent to any searches beyond what’s legally required (4th Amendment). Say clearly, “I do not consent to a search.”
  • Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately before answering questions or making statements.
  • Understand the bail and arraignment process and work with your lawyer on conditions of release.
  • Start gathering any evidence or witness information that may support your version of events.
  • Follow all court instructions and never miss a hearing — showing up matters to judges and prosecutors.

Felony cases move fast. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer right away to protect your rights and take control of your case before it’s too late.

What Happens If I Miss a Felony Court Date?

Missing a felony court date in Missouri — even once — can trigger serious legal consequences. In most cases, the judge will issue a bench warrant for failure to appear. That means you could be arrested during a routine traffic stop, at home, or even while traveling out of state.

If you were out on bond, missing court can also result in bond forfeiture, new criminal charges for FTA, and stricter release conditions if you’re arrested again. Judges often see it as a sign you’re not taking the charges seriously — and that can hurt your credibility for the rest of the case.

What If You Missed Court for a Legitimate Reason?

If you missed your hearing because of an emergency (medical, family, accident, etc.), call your defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer may be able to file a motion to quash the warrant and reschedule your appearance — but you have to act fast. The longer you wait, the worse it looks to the court.

Courts may consider valid conflicts, but excuses like “I forgot,” “I was traveling,” or “I didn’t have a ride” usually won’t help. If you anticipate a conflict, your lawyer can request a continuance ahead of time — but it needs to be done properly and with advance notice.

Don’t ignore your court date. Even a minor charge can spiral if a bench warrant and FTA are added. Talk to a defense lawyer immediately to avoid making the situation worse.

Should I Tell My Defense Lawyer If I’m Guilty?

You can tell your lawyer you’re guilty, but you don’t have to and the defense is usually based on the facts of the case. Anything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege, which means they can’t (and won’t) share it — even with the court.

It’s your lawyer’s job to defend your rights, not judge your character. In fact, most will tell you: “It doesn’t matter if you’re guilty. My job is to defend you.”

The one exception: If you’re actively committing or planning a crime, your attorney may have a legal duty to report it.

If the case involves something in the past, being honest gives your legal team the best shot at reducing charges, avoiding prison, or negotiating a plea deal that protects your future.

What Do I Do If I Am Guilty of a Felony?

Even if you’re guilty, your defense attorney can still challenge the case and fight for the best outcome possible. An experienced defense lawyer will:

  • Challenge how evidence was gathered — unlawful searches or procedural mistakes can make key evidence inadmissible which can lead to a case being dismissed.
  • Negotiate a better plea deal — honesty helps your attorney argue for reduced charges or sentencing.
  • Push back on overcharging — prosecutors may stack charges; your lawyer can push for only what legally applies in the current circumstances.
  • Protect your rights — from pretrial motions to sentencing, your defense ensures you’re not steamrolled by the system.

Admitting guilt to your lawyer doesn’t make you defenseless — it makes you prepared. The right defense strategy can still reduce charges, protect your record, and keep you out of prison based on the facts of the case whether or not you are guilty of a crime. Contact our team today for legal support.

Defense Strategies for Felony Charges in Missouri

Every felony case is different, but a strong legal defense focuses on exposing weak evidence, violations of your rights, or alternate explanations for what happened. At Combs Waterkotte, we build felony defenses based on the facts — and push back hard when the prosecution overreaches.

Common defense strategies for felony cases involve a number of factors, some of which may include your defense attorney:

  • Challenging the Evidence: Suppressing illegally obtained evidence or pointing out inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case
  • Constitutional Violations: Arguing unlawful searches, Miranda violations, or denial of due process
  • Lack of Criminal Intent: Showing that you didn’t act knowingly or willfully which is required for many felony charges
  • Alibi: Demonstrating that you were somewhere else when the alleged crime occurred
  • Self-Defense: Especially relevant in assault or weapons cases where you were protecting yourself or someone else
  • Entrapment or Coercion (Duress): Showing that you were pressured or misled into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise
  • Mistaken Identity: Disputing unreliable witness accounts or challenging identification procedures

Felony charges are serious, but they’re not unbeatable. Criminal defense attorneys investigate every angle, challenge weak claims, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges entirely. Contact our team today for legal representation.

Can I Lose My Job If I’m Charged With a Crime in Missouri?

Yes — you can lose your job just for being charged with a crime. Missouri is an at-will employment state, which means employers can fire you for almost any reason that isn’t discriminatory.

Being charged with a felony or serious misdemeanor is often enough to raise concerns about reliability, liability, or public image — especially in jobs that require trust, licensing, or background checks.

Even if you’re never convicted, your employer doesn’t have to wait for the case to play out. And if the charge could result in prison time, they may start planning for your absence right away.

Certain industries and professions are more likely to see the impacts of being charged (or convicted) of a felony in the workplace. This could lead to suspension, loss of privilages, or even termination if you’re charged for a second felony.

Common jobs that are more stringent on felony charges include:

  • Teachers and school employee
  • Healthcare workers and caregiver
  • Commercial drivers and heavy equipment operators
  • Licensed professionals (legal, real estate, etc.)
  • Public employees and government contractors

If you’re worried about protecting your job, contact a defense lawyer immediately. A fast, strategic response to your charges can sometimes minimize the fallout — both in and out of court.

Can You Get Probation for a Felony in Missouri?

Yes — but it depends on the type of charge, your prior record, and how the court chooses to sentence you. In Missouri, many felony convictions are eligible for probation. Instead of serving your sentence in prison, you would be placed under strict supervision and required to meet certain conditions for a set period.

Probation is often available for nonviolent, first-time felonies. However, some offenses — like Class A felonies, sex offenses, or gun crimes — may involve mandatory prison time. You can learn more about probation eligibility in our Class A felony FAQ.

Probation isn’t a free pass. If you violate its terms, the judge can revoke it and send you to prison to serve the original sentence. Learn more about how we handle probation violations.

What About Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS)?

Missouri has a system called Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS). It’s one of the most common outcomes for probation-eligible felony cases and can help you avoid a formal conviction if you complete probation successfully.

Here’s what to know about SIS:

  • It’s not a conviction — no conviction is entered unless you violate probation.
  • But it’s not invisible — the case, plea, and probation may still appear on background checks, especially in government databases.
  • You can still expunge it if you want it removed from public view. Expungement is allowed in many SIS cases, but not all — and you’ll still have to wait 7 years for most felonies.

There’s also a related sentencing option called Suspended Execution of Sentence (SES), where the judge enters a conviction but suspends your prison term in favor of probation.

Bottom Line: Probation is available in many felony cases, and SIS can help you avoid a conviction — but neither is automatic. If you’re facing felony charges, contact a Missouri felony defense lawyer to protect your future and explore every option.

Here is an example of a case where a conviction and parole really matters from a real client:

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Missouri?

No, your criminal record does not automatically clear after seven years in Missouri. This is a common myth — one that can seriously hurt people trying to move on with their lives. In reality, criminal records remain visible indefinitely unless you take legal steps to expunge or seal them.

This includes felonies, misdemeanors, arrests, and even dismissed charges. These records can still show up on background checks for jobs, housing, loans, or firearm purchases unless they’ve been formally removed through the courts and expunged — see below for more details on felony expungement.

Some confusion stems from federal employment laws, like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which limits how long certain negative information can be reported on credit checks. But those limits don’t apply to criminal convictions — especially not under Missouri law.

Even if a case is sealed or dismissed, private background check companies and data aggregators may still show outdated information unless they’re notified directly. A court order won’t scrub your name from the internet — which is why working with an experienced attorney can make a big difference.

While you might not be able to clear a felony record automatically in 7 years in Missouri, there are other options. Contact our Felony Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri now for legal representation and more information.

Nothing clears on its own. If you want your record sealed, expunged, or made harder to find, talk to a criminal defense attorney who understands how Missouri’s record-clearing laws actually work.

Can a Felony Be Expunged in Missouri?

Yes — some felonies can be expunged in Missouri, but not all. Missouri law allows certain non-violent felony convictions to be sealed from public view, but the list of eligible offenses is limited. You also have to meet strict eligibility requirements.

Who Can Get a Felony Expunged?

To expunge a felony conviction in Missouri, you’ll typically need to:

  • Wait seven years after completing your sentence, including probation or parole
  • Have no pending charges or additional felony or misdemeanor convictions during that time
  • Pay all fines and restitutions tied to the case
  • Show the court it’s in the public interest and that you’re not a threat to public safety

What Felonies Can’t Be Expunged in Missouri?

Missouri law prohibits expungement for several serious felony offenses. If your charge falls into one of the following categories, you’re likely ineligible for record sealing:

  • Class A Felonies: The most severe crimes under Missouri law, including murder and large-scale drug trafficking
  • Dangerous Felonies: Offenses involving serious physical force or threats, like armed robbery or felony assault
  • Sex crimes and Registry Offenses: Includes rape, child molestation, and any charge that requires sex offender registration
  • Domestic Violence and Stalking: Most offenses in these categories are excluded from expungement, even if classified as lower-level felonies
  • Felony DWIs: Especially those involving injury, death, or prior felony DWI convictions
  • Subsequent DWIs: Only one DWI conviction can be expunged after a 10 year waiting period; any subsequent DWI convictions will stay on your record permanently.

There are exceptions and gray areas — some lesser offenses in these categories may qualify under specific conditions. A defense attorney can review your situation and tell you whether you’re eligible.

Note: Even if your record is expunged, law enforcement and certain agencies can still see it. Expungement removes it from most background checks, but it’s not the same as total erasure.

Why You Need a Felony Defense Lawyer in Missouri

At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve defended clients across Missouri in high-stakes felony cases — from Class A felonies to probation violations, expungements, and trial appeals. Felony charges can impact your job, your record, your rights, and your future. Contact our team today or call (314) 900-HELP to get the legal representation you need before your case moves forward without you.

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