Understanding Promoting Civil Disorder Charges in Missouri
Under Missouri law, a person can be charged with promoting civil disorder in the first degree if they demonstrate or teach another person how to use or construct a firearm, explosive, or any other incendiary device that can cause harm to others or to property and that is used in acts of civil disorder.
Civil disorder broadly refers to any public disturbance involving violence committed by three or more individuals that causes immediate danger to people or property.
If an action impedes, delays, or in any other way negatively impacts commerce or the performance of key functions by officers or employees of the United States, it’s considered civil disorder.
You can also be charged with promoting civil disorder if you transport or manufacture for transport firearms or incendiary devices with the knowledge or reasonable expectation that they’ll be used for civil disorder.
Additionally, you could be charged with promoting civil disorder if you impede or obstruct any fireman or police officer engaged in the performance of their official duties.
In Missouri, promoting civil disorder is a Class D felony. Offenders could face a maximum prison sentence of seven years if convicted of this offense. For Class D or E felonies, the court has the option of sentencing you to county jail if you need to serve one year or less in prison. All sentences over one year must be served in state prison.
Class D felony convictions also carry fines of up to $10,000, along with court costs and other related expenses.
In some instances, you could face enhanced sentences for felony convictions, which could make the penalties you face more like those in a Class C felony.
This might occur if you’re classified as a “dangerous offender” because you have previous convictions for violent crimes. Enhanced sentences can also apply if you have at least two prior felony convictions of any kind.
To have a chance to beat these charges, you need a qualified criminal defense lawyer in St. Louis to represent you.
How a Promoting Civil Disorder Conviction Can Impact Your Life
Being convicted of a Class D felony can have serious repercussions on your life. You’ll likely have to spend time in jail and pay hefty fines that could drain you financially. However, there are many other ways that being a felon can affect you.
You might think that because you haven’t been convicted of a violent crime, such as murder or sexual assault, your life won’t be impacted as harshly. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Even after you serve your time, you could find yourself up against serious roadblocks in your life, including the following:
Employment
You’ll be obligated to disclose that you have a criminal record when applying for any job. Even if prospective employers don’t ask whether you have a conviction, they have the right to perform background checks — and you can be sure that your record will come up.
This can limit the number of employment options you have since many employers don’t want to hire people with criminal histories. There are also entire professions you’ll be barred from. For example, it will be impossible for you to work in law enforcement or banking. A conviction will also invalidate any professional licenses you have.
Not only can employment issues decrease your quality of life, but they can also increase your chances of engaging in further criminal activity, such as theft. It can quickly become a vicious cycle you can’t escape.
Housing
Having a felony conviction on your record can make renting or buying a home much more difficult. Banks will be less likely to give you a loan so you can purchase property, and landlords who conduct background checks may also be less inclined to choose you as a tenant.
It’s not uncommon for people with criminal records to end up paying a significant amount in rental application fees that they’ll never see again once the landlord performs a background check. What’s more, public housing won’t be an option, making the risk of homelessness a real concern.
Higher Education
A criminal record could also prevent you from pursuing your higher education goals. You won’t be eligible to receive federal loans or live on campus, and the schools themselves might refuse to accept you as a student.
Civil Rights
A conviction will also affect your civil rights, including your right to own a gun and your right to vote. The latter can be restored in Missouri once you complete your sentence, which includes receiving parole or probation. Additionally, you may not be allowed to visit certain countries.
Social Stigma
Unfortunately, there’s often a serious social stigma against those who have criminal records. You could face discrimination of all sorts and struggle to form lasting relationships, making your other issues that much more challenging.
