Criminal Law in Missouri
What You Need to Know About Missouri Criminal Law
When facing criminal charges, you need a trusted legal advocate by your side. Turn to our Missouri criminal law firm and begin fighting for your rights, freedom, and future today.
Missouri Criminal Law Basics
When dealing with Missouri criminal law, it’s essential to know the basics. Criminal law refers to state and federal laws that classify certain behaviors as illegal and subject to punishment by fines or imprisonment. Missouri’s criminal laws require an arrest by the police followed by a series of steps during which prosecutors attempt to prove guilt and punish the offender. The defendant tries to get the legal issue dismissed.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer before the preliminary hearing to avoid criminal charges. He can determine whether there is enough evidence for the prosecutor to take the offense to court. Bradley S. Dede, LLC, will fight to protect your rights before and during the trial to help avoid a guilty conviction.
Missouri Criminal Law Statutes
Each state has a penal code that defines a crime, and according to Missouri criminal law statutes, the following offenses are illegal.
- Drug crimes
- DWI
- Sex crimes
- Theft
- Violent crimes
The state criminal code names other criminal charges and determines the seriousness and penalties for each offense.
Missouri Criminal Code
Missouri criminal code divides cases into felonies and misdemeanors that determine the punishment of each. Felonies are considered serious crimes that can be punishable by the death penalty (in some cases) or by imprisonment of at least a year.
Lesser offenses are considered infractions like traffic offenses and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year of jail time.
Missouri Criminal Law Legal Services
Missouri criminal law legal services will provide advice, advocacy, and representation if you face a Kansas City grand jury. A Missouri criminal defense attorney can:
- Help with the arraignment where you enter a plea
- Present evidence
- Question witnesses
- Help mitigate the sentence
Criminal attorneys can inform you of your options and hopefully help you avoid a fine or other punishment regardless of why you were arrested.
Missouri Law on Time Limits for Criminal Charges
There are specific Missouri laws on time limits for criminal charges to ensure that physical evidence and witness testimony remains intact for the trial. “Statutes of limitations” are as follows:
- One year: Misdemeanors
- Three years: Most felonies
- Five years: Arson and personal injury claims
- Ten years: Fraud
Once that period has expired, the state can bring no charges. There is no statute of limitations for murder, rape, and sodomy charges. Contact a Missouri criminal defense attorney for more information.
Let’s Work Together
With Bradley S. Dede we treat you as an individual and will help to fight your charges to
get a favorable outcome no matter what your case involves.