Question 1

What is the statute of limitations for criminal defense in Missouri?

Accepted Answer

Murder, Class A felonies, forcible rape/sodomy have no statute of limitations. Most other felonies must be prosecuted within 3 years. Misdemeanors have a 1-year limit. Infractions have a 6-month limit. (RSMo § 556.036)

Question 2

What is Missouri's law on felony classification and sentencing?

Accepted Answer

Class A: 10-30 years or life. Class B: 5-15 years. Class C: 3-10 years (up to $10,000 fine). Class D: up to 7 years (up to $10,000 fine). Class E: up to 4 years (up to $10,000 fine). Class D and E felonies may be sentenced to county jail (up to 1 year) rather than state prison. (RSMo § 558.011)

Question 3

What is Missouri's law on expanded expungement (2025)?

Accepted Answer

Effective January 1, 2025: lifetime limits increased to 2 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. Waiting periods: 3 years for felony convictions, 1 year for misdemeanors, 18 months for arrests without conviction (reduced from 3 years). Serious violent felonies, domestic assault, and felony kidnapping remain ineligible. (RSMo § 610.140)

Question 4

What is Missouri's law on death penalty?

Accepted Answer

Missouri has an active death penalty. Method: lethal injection (primary), lethal gas (alternative). Missouri allows judges to impose the death penalty when juries deadlock — one of only two states with this practice. (RSMo § 546.720)

Criminal Defense Laws in Missouri.

Statute of Limitations

Key Missouri Statutes

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