What Happens If You Are Convicted of a Felony?

If you’ve been convicted of a felony in Missouri, there are a lot of consequences. You could lose your rights forever, be barred from serving on a jury, and more.

Felonies are categorized in the Missouri criminal code into five classes, from Class A, the most serious to Class E, the least serious. Each carries different penalties.

Probation Violations

In Missouri, a person who is convicted of a crime and placed on probation is subject to certain conditions that must be adhered to. These include paying fines and restitution, avoiding further brushes with the law, and attending court dates and hearings as required.

If a probationer violates the terms of their probation, they can be arrested and taken before the Court for a Probation Revocation Hearing. This can result in a jail sentence, a period of extended probation, or a higher prison term depending on the underlying criminal charge that originally placed them on probation.

The Defendant is entitled to be represented by counsel at these hearings, and can cross-examine witnesses. The burden of proof is low, and a Judge can simply decide to continue the probationary term as it is or impose a new sentence if they determine that the violation is serious enough. probation violation in Gwinnett

Violent Crimes

A violent crime is any act that harms or threatens to harm another person. It can involve anything from rape to assault and murder.

Felonies are the most serious types of crimes. They can be punished with jail time, a fine, or both. Misdemeanors are less serious and are punishable with a fine or no jail time.

The FBI reports that there were 6,017 violent crimes in Missouri last year, up from 5,792 incidents in 2019. However, that number was lower than the 10-year high of 6,461 incidents in 2017.

Prostitution Crimes

If you are charged with promoting prostitution, pimping, or pandering in Missouri, it is best to hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A conviction of this crime can lead to a long prison sentence and significant negative consequences for your life.

If your criminal defense lawyer is knowledgeable and aggressive, the chances of having a favorable outcome increase dramatically. Contact the firm of Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

In Missouri, a person can be charged with promoting prostitution, pimping, and pandering if they solicit or encourage another to engage in sex tourism or promote prostitution by any means. This includes street walking, owning brothels, and escorting.

In Missouri, a person can also be charged with patronizing a prostitute if they know that the prostitute is HIV positive. This is a serious felony charge with the potential to result in 5-15 years in jail.

Drug Charges

If you are arrested for a drug crime in Missouri, you may have to face prison or jail time. A felony conviction can also mean thousands of dollars in fines and a criminal record that will follow you for life.

The penalties for a drug charge vary depending on the type of substance involved, the quantity, and other factors. However, each illegal substance is categorized into a schedule based on its dangers and addictive properties.

For example, cocaine is a schedule II controlled substance. It has an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction, and it is a very dangerous drug for those who are not careful about their use.

In Missouri, possession of a controlled substance is a Class D felony. The only exception to this is marijuana, which can only be possessed with a standard physician certification and under the strictest guidelines.

Mike

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