Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Kansas City, Missouri
If you’re facing criminal charges in Missouri, a skilled criminal defense attorney can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights at every stage. While no lawyer can guarantee the outcome of your case, The Janssen Law Office is committed to providing the zealous advocacy, strategic representation, and honest counsel you deserve.
We handle a wide range of criminal matters — from serious felony cases to misdemeanor and municipal violations — including:
| • Criminal damage to property | • Possession of a controlled substance |
|---|---|
| • Domestic violence | • Fraud |
| • Burglary | • Driving While Intoxicated |
| • Stealing | • Driving While Suspended |
| • Receiving Stolen Property | • Driving Under the Influence |
| • Assault | • Other Traffic Violations |
| • Trespassing | • Probation Violations |
If you’d like to discuss your situation in order to determine the best option for you, please call 816-287-0172 to talk to a Missouri criminal defense now or use the form to schedule free consultation.
Ready to stand up for your rights with confidence?
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Understanding Missouri’s Criminal Laws Can Be Your First Line of Defense
Criminal offenses in Missouri fall into three main categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies:
- Infractions are the least serious and typically result in a fine only. They are not considered criminal convictions and do not carry jail time.
- Misdemeanors are more serious and can result in jail time in a county facility, fines, or both.
- Felonies are the most severe and are punishable by imprisonment in the Missouri Department of Corrections and, in some cases, significant fines.
Each offense defined under Missouri’s Revised Statutes (RSMo) specifies its classification and corresponding penalties. Where a statute does not designate a class, it will state the authorized sentence directly.
It’s important to remember that the sentences listed by law represent maximum penalties, not mandatory ones. Missouri courts have discretion to impose alternative sentences when appropriate. These may include probation, community service, treatment programs, or suspended sentences (SIS/SES).
In addition to potential incarceration or fines, certain convictions can result in collateral consequences, such as:
- Loss or suspension of a driver’s license
- Ineligibility for specific professional licenses or student loans
- Mandatory restitution and court costs
- Immigration consequences, including deportation or loss of eligibility for naturalization
A knowledgeable
criminal defense attorney can help you understand the full range of possible outcomes, explore sentencing alternatives, and work toward minimizing both the legal and personal impact of a criminal charge.
The Janssen Law Office, LLC
Personal Injury, DWI, Criminal Defense Lawyer In North Kansas City, Missouri
Hi, I’m Ben Janssen. Thank you for visiting my site. My practice is located in North Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the Kansas City Metro area and surrounding counties. If you’re reading my site, chances are you have questions about a legal matter. If so, don’t hesitate to call me at 816-287-0172 to discuss your case or use the form to schedule a free consultation.
✓ Experienced Legal Expertise
✓ Transparent Communication
✓ Successful Track Record
✓ Strategic Advocacy
✓ Personalized Attention
✓ Commitment to Client Education
Understanding Missouri's Criminal Penalties
Class Felony
•Class A: 10 to 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections
•Class B: 5 to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections
•Class C: 3 to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections or a fine up to 10,000 dollars, or both
•Class D: 1 to 7 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections or a fines up to 10,000 dollars, or both
•Class E: 1 to 4 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections or a fines up to 10,000 dollars, or both
D and E felonies are also punishable by up to one year in the county jail in lieu of incarceration in the Department of Corrections.
Additionally, more severe punishments can be imposed when a defendant has previously been convicted of the same offense, or, in some cases, a similar offense. RSMo. 558.016 defines a persistent offender as a person who has been found guilty of two felonies committed at different times and provides that persistent offenders shall be sentenced based on the range of punishment for offenses one class higher than the current offense.
Class of Misdemeanor
•Class A: Up to 1 year in the county jail or a fine of up to 2,000 dollars, or both
•Class B: Up to 6 months in the county jail or a fine of up to 1,000 dollars, or both
•Class C: Up to 15 days in the county jail or a fine of up to 750 dollars, or both
•Class D: A fine of up to 500 dollars
Infractions under Missouri law are punishable by a maximum fine of 400 dollars.
Additionally, you may have to pay restitution for damages caused by the offense and court costs, and many offenses also carry collateral consequences, such as loss of your driver’s license, losing your eligibility for certain types student loans, or, in the case of immigrants from other countries, deportation or loss of eligibility for citizenship or naturalization.
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